Discover 10 different reasons why you might be losing followers on Instagram. We have also shared expert tips to help you get more followers!
Have you ever felt that really bad moment when you look at your Instagram and see your follower number going down? If you have, you're not the only one.
Losing followers on Instagram can be confusing and difficult to understand. It can also impact your overall engagement rates and visibility on the platform. Moreover, it might raise questions about the content quality, relevance, or account reputation.
In this article, we will uncover the reasons behind the disappearance of followers on this platform. We'll look at why you may be losing followers, such as changes in algorithms and audience disinterest. More importantly, we will provide you with actionable solutions to increase your Instagram followers.
10 Reasons You're Losing Instagram Followers
We've identified ten key reasons behind why you’re losing Instagram followers:
1) Shadowban
When an account is shadow banned, its content is hidden from the broader Instagram community. Thus, it is less likely to appear in users' feeds, explore pages, and hashtag searches.
As a result, the affected user's posts are not easily discoverable, leading to decreased interactions such as likes, comments, and shares. This decline in engagement signals to the Instagram algorithm that the account may be less relevant or interesting to followers, potentially causing them to lose interest and unfollow.
Additionally, if the shadow ban is not addressed promptly, the account may continue to experience a decline in visibility, making it challenging to attract and retain followers over time.
Tip: To avoid a shadow ban, adhere to Instagram's community guidelines. Use diverse hashtags relevant to your content, but avoid repetitive or banned ones. Don't engage in spammy behavior, and regularly update your app to comply with platform changes.
2) Poor Initial Impression
First impressions matter, even in the world of Instagram. An uninspiring profile can send potential followers scrolling past in a heartbeat whereas an incomplete bio leaves followers guessing. And don’t even get us started on that pixelated profile picture – upgrade to a crisp, eye-catching image.
Similarly, low-quality feed is a one-way ticket to losing followers. Instagram is a visual playground, so up your aesthetic and inject some life into your profile.
Tip: Optimize your profile by crafting a compelling bio, choosing a standout profile picture, and selecting a username that reflects your personality or brand. A little effort here can make a big difference in drawing in those scrolling thumbs.
3) Low-Quality Content
Losing followers on Instagram might be due to your content quality. Blurry photos, poor captions, and irrelevant posts can turn away your audience.
Users typically follow accounts for interesting, visually appealing, or informative content. If your posts lack creativity, are poorly composed, or lack relevance, followers may become disinterested and unfollow your account.
Tip: To fix this, enhance your photography skills, plan your content for a cohesive feed, and master the art of storytelling in your captions. Tailor your content to the interests and preferences of your audience.
4) Irregular Posting
Inconsistency can be a silent killer for your Instagram presence. Irregular posting confuses your followers and diminishes their interest.
Moreover, infrequent updates may result in your content being pushed down in followers' feeds, causing them to lose interest or forget about your account.
So, don't let your followers forget you – be present, be regular, and maintain a frequent posting that aligns with your audience's expectations.
Tip: Create a content calendar and stick to a consistent posting schedule. This ensures your target audience knows when to expect new content, keeping them engaged. Understanding your audience's habits is essential; use Instagram Insights to find peak posting times.
5) Inactive Accounts and Bots
Inactive accounts and bots on Instagram can contribute to follower loss by skewing engagement metrics. Instagram's algorithms prioritize content based on engagement, so if a large portion of your followers don't interact, your posts may reach fewer genuine users. This reduces chances of getting new followers.
Additionally, Instagram periodically removes inactive and fake accounts, leading to a decrease in your follower count.
Tip: Focus on genuine growth with active and interested followers. Buy followers on Instagram from Buy Real Media to boost your numbers authentically. Their service ensures real, engaged followers, enhancing your credibility and visibility. A higher follower base attracts more organic followers.
6) Not Using Hashtags
Hashtags increase the visibility of your posts by categorizing them and making them searchable. Without hashtags, your posts may not reach more people.
Moreover, slapping on irrelevant or overly popular tags might make your content drown in the sea of posts, making it harder for your target audience to discover you.
Tip: Research and select the right hashtags that are relevant to your content and audience. Remember, it's not just about hashtags; it's about the right hashtags. So, be strategic, be specific. Only use high quality, niche specific and branded hashtags.
7) Lack of Engagements
Have you ever felt ignored after posting a photo? A lack of comments likes, and responses can be the quietest scream in the digital world. Lack of engagement on Instagram can result in a decline in followers for several reasons.
When users don't interact with your content, the algorithm may perceive it as less relevant, leading to decreased visibility. Additionally, followers may lose interest if they feel a lack of connection or response from you.
Tip: Share visually appealing and relevant content to attract your audience. Boost your engagement by responding to comments, initiating conversations, and building relationships with your followers. Also, monitor analytics to understand what works and adjust your strategy.
8) Solo Efforts
Remember, in the world of Instagram you have to be a part of a larger digital community. If you're not engaging with other accounts, you're limiting your reach.
Solo efforts on Instagram can also potentially lead to follower loss if content becomes too self-promotional, repetitive, or lacks engagement.
Tip: Break out of your solo bubble by reaching out to potential collaborators and influencers. Build relationships that are mutually beneficial, expanding your audience and theirs. So, make friends, tag along, and watch your follower count climb as you climb the social ladder.
9) Less-Promotion
Not actively promoting your Instagram account beyond the app will limit your reach. This can lead to a stagnation in follower growth and a potential loss of existing followers who may become less interested.
A lack of cross promotion may signal reduced relevance, potentially affecting the algorithm's favorability towards your content. This reduces your profile’s reach and visibility, leading to low engagement and follower loss.
Tip: Leverage other social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. You can also share reels on TikTok and YouTube shorts for increased exposure. Sharing your Instagram content across these platforms will attract new followers to your profile.
10) Algorithm Changes
The Instagram algorithm is constantly shifting and affecting the flow of followers. These changes can impact the visibility and reach of your content, potentially leading to a loss of followers.
Moreover, when algorithms are updated, there might be a learning period during which they adjust to new patterns of user behavior. This transitional phase can affect content reach and engagement, potentially leading to a temporary loss of followers.
Tip: While you can't control algorithm changes, you can take steps to maintain and even grow your follower base. Adaptability is key. Stay updated and adjust your strategy as needed. Also, encourage followers to turn on post notifications to ensure they see your content.
Summing Up
In the unpredictable world of Instagram, losing followers can be a head-scratcher. But fear not, it's not always about you. Sometimes, folks just need a social media detox or are simply cleaning up their feed.
Remember, Instagram is a social networking app by the end of the day and several updates and algorithm changes may be behind the unexpected followers drop.
So, go through the above-mentioned reasons to find out where you might be lacking. Also, use the tips mentioned in this article to retain and gain followers. Soon you’ll have an army of dedicated followers.
