To access someone’s private profile on Instagram, both parties need to be mutual followers, meaning you follow them and they follow you back. However, you may be curious about what these terms mean and how they differ from each other. This article explains what following and followers mean on Instagram and if it is the same as being friends on Facebook.
What Does Following Mean on Instagram?
Following accounts on Instagram is a great way to explore and find new content and accounts that match your interests. Keep reading to learn what other meaning this term holds and find out the steps to follow desired profiles on IG.
On Instagram, the following refers to the action of subscribing to another user’s account. When you follow a private profile, their posts, and stories will appear on your feed. Your profile displays the number of accounts that follow you, and you can click to see the list. Public accounts allow you to view their content immediately, while private Instagram accounts require them to follow you back for access.
What Do Followers and Following Mean on Instagram?
Followers on IG are users who follow your account while following refers to the users you follow on the platform. These distinctions are clearly displayed on your Instagram profile. By clicking on the Followers and Following labels, you can see the specific users who fall into each category.
Also Read: What Does Sort by Default Mean on Instagram Following List?
Is Following the Same as Friends on Instagram?
No, following on Instagram is different from being friends, unlike Facebook. Following someone or being followed by someone on IG does not automatically make you friends. To become friends, you need to add them to your close friends list on the platform. By doing so, you can share exclusive posts, stories, and memories with your friends without your followers seeing them.
How to Follow Someone on Instagram?
To know how to follow someone on IG, follow the below-mentioned steps:
1. Open the Instagram application on your Android or iOS devices.
Note: Make sure you are logged into your account.
2. Tap on the Search tab from the bottom of the screen.
3. Search for the desired username through the search bar.
4. Switch to the Accounts section to view only the accounts.
5. From the search results, tap on the desired account.
6. Tap on the Follow option from the profile of the user to follow them.
Also Read: How to See Mutual Followers on Instagram
Is It Better to Have More Followers Than Following on Instagram?
Yes, it is generally better to have more followers than following on IG. A larger follower count increases the reach of your posted content, making it beneficial for businesses and influencers. However, if you use Instagram mainly for personal connections, the number of followers may not be as important. Ultimately, whether having more followers or following is better depends on your goals and purpose on the platform.
So, we hope you have understood what does following mean on Instagram from this guide. Now, you can create a personalized content feed that matches your interests and passions by following the desired profiles. Share your thoughts in the comments section and continue exploring our website for more informative articles.