Having fake Instagram followers can be a real headache. These fake accounts don’t engage with your content and can even hurt your account’s credibility. In this guide, we will walk you through how to block fake Instagram followers so you can keep your follower count clean and genuine.
What Are Fake Instagram Followers?
Fake Instagram followers are accounts that don’t have real people behind them. They might be bots or inactive accounts created for various reasons, like inflating follower numbers. These accounts rarely interact with your posts and can skew your analytics.
Why It’s Important to Block Fake Instagram Followers?
- Authentic Engagement: Real followers interact with your posts, like, comment, and share. Fake followers don’t. By removing fake accounts, you can ensure that your engagement metrics are accurate.
- Improved Analytics: Accurate follower data helps in making better decisions about your content and strategy. Blocking fake Instagram followers means your analytics reflect true performance.
- Better Reputation: A high number of fake followers can make your account look less credible. Blocking these fake accounts helps maintain a trustworthy image.
How to Identify Fake Instagram Followers?
Before we dive into how to block fake Instagram followers, you need to identify them. Here are some signs of fake followers:
- Profile Pictures: Fake accounts often have generic or no profile pictures.
- No Posts: Many fake accounts have no posts or very few posts.
- Low Engagement: If an account has many followers but little engagement, it might be fake.
- Strange Usernames: Fake accounts often have random or odd usernames.
How to Block Fake Instagram Followers?
Now that you know how to spot fake followers, let’s explore how to block fake Instagram followers in detail.
1. Manual Removal
You can manually remove fake followers by going to their profile and blocking them. Here’s how:
- Go to Your Profile: Open Instagram and tap on your profile picture.
- Find the Follower: Tap on “Followers” to see your list of followers.
- Select the Fake Account: Scroll through the list to find the fake account.
- Block the Account: Tap on the profile, then tap on the three dots in the upper-right corner, and select “Block.”
This method is straightforward but can be time-consuming if you have many fake followers.
2. Using Instagram Insights
Instagram Insights can help you spot fake followers by showing you engagement metrics. Here’s how to use it:
- Open Instagram Insights: Go to your profile and tap on the three lines in the upper-right corner. Select “Insights.”
- Check Engagement Metrics: Look for discrepancies in likes, comments, and followers.
- Identify Suspicious Accounts: Based on engagement metrics, you can identify which accounts might be fake.
Once identified, you can manually block these accounts as described above.
3. Third-Party Apps
Several third-party apps can help you identify and block fake Instagram followers. These apps analyze your followers and provide a list of suspicious accounts. Some popular options include:
- Cleaner for Instagram
- Follower Analyzer
- Ghost Followers
Be cautious when using third-party apps. Make sure they are reputable and secure to avoid compromising your account.
4. Using Instagram’s Report Feature
If you come across an account that seems to be spammy or fake, you can report it to Instagram. Here’s how:
- Go to the Fake Account’s Profile: Find the account you want to report.
- Tap the Three Dots: Located in the upper-right corner of the profile.
- Select “Report”: Follow the prompts to report the account as spam or fake.
Instagram will review the report and take appropriate action, which may include removing the account.
Preventing Fake Followers in the Future
Blocking fake Instagram followers is important, but preventing them from following you in the first place is even better. Here are some tips:
- Keep Your Account Private: If you’re concerned about fake followers, consider setting your account to private. This way, you can approve or deny follow requests.
- Be Cautious of Bots: Avoid using services that promise to increase your follower count quickly. These often involve bots and fake accounts.
- Engage with Real Followers: Regularly interact with your followers. Genuine engagement can help deter fake accounts.
Blocking fake Instagram followers is essential for maintaining a healthy and credible account. By knowing how to block fake Instagram followers, you can ensure that your follower count reflects real engagement. Whether you choose to manually block fake accounts, use Instagram Insights, or rely on third-party apps, keeping your follower list genuine will benefit your overall Instagram experience.