Instagram is one of the most widely used social media platforms, connecting people worldwide. Users can share updates through photos, videos, and live streams, which are visible to their followers. However, sometimes users face issues with following others, which can be frustrating. There are various reasons why you might be unable to follow people on Instagram, ranging from technical glitches to exceeding platform limitations.
Instagram’s Growth and Restrictions
Over the past decade, Instagram has surged in popularity, particularly among businesses. With over a billion users globally, the platform is a key tool for brands, influencers, and bloggers to promote products and engage audiences. However, to ensure authenticity and combat spam, Instagram introduced measures in 2018 that limit automated and bot-driven activities. This includes restrictions on following too many users in a short period or using third-party services to boost followers.
These updates were designed to curb spammy behavior, but they sometimes lead to unintentional restrictions for regular users. The following sections explore the common reasons you might be blocked from following people on Instagram and how to fix these issues.
Followers and Followings: What Do They Mean?
Understanding the difference between followers and followings is crucial on Instagram. Each plays a distinct role in how you engage with the platform.
Followers
Followers are users who follow your account. They can see your posts and updates in their feed. If your account is set to private, only your followers will be able to view your posts and stories. Followers can also send you direct messages and engage with your content.
Followings
Followings refer to the accounts you can’t follow on Instagram. Their updates will appear in your feed, and you can interact with their content. You can send direct messages to the accounts you follow, but if they don’t follow you back, they might need to approve your message.
Common Reasons You Can’t Follow People on Instagram
There are several reasons why you may not be able to follow new accounts on Instagram. Below are some of the most common causes.
1. Exceeding the Following Limit
Instagram imposes limits on how many accounts you can follow in a given time frame to prevent spam. You can follow up to 200 accounts per hour, but there is a hard limit of 7,500 accounts you can follow in total. If you exceed these limits, Instagram might temporarily restrict you from following more people.
Fix: Wait for a couple of days before trying to follow more accounts. In the meantime, consider unfollowing inactive accounts or users you interact with the least to make room for new followings.
2. Using Third-Party Bots or Services
Instagram cracks down on the use of third-party services that automate actions like following, liking, and commenting. If you’ve used such services to boost your activity, Instagram might restrict your account. The platform views this behavior as inauthentic and may block your ability to follow users as a result.
Fix: Stop using third-party services immediately. Unlink any third-party apps from your Instagram account to avoid further restrictions. Follow users manually and ensure you are following Instagram’s Terms of Service.
3. Technical Issues or Glitches
Sometimes, a glitch in the app may prevent you from following people. This can be due to issues like poor internet connection, bugs in the Instagram app, or excessive cached data on your device.
Fix: Try the following steps:
- Log out and log back into your Instagram account.
- Clear the cache or reinstall the app.
- Ensure you have a stable internet connection.
- If the issue persists, report it to Instagram’s support team.
4. Server-Side Errors
Occasionally, Instagram’s servers may experience downtime, leading to various issues, including the inability to follow new accounts.
Fix: Check the Instagram status page or social media platforms for any server outages. If it’s a server-side issue, wait until Instagram resolves the problem.
5. Violating Instagram’s Rules
If Instagram detects activity that violates its Community Guidelines, such as engaging in spammy behavior, your account could be temporarily restricted. This might include actions like following too many accounts too quickly, liking multiple posts in rapid succession, or leaving too many comments in a short time.
Fix: Wait for Instagram to lift the restriction, which typically lasts 24-48 hours. Avoid aggressive activity in the future to prevent further restrictions.
6. Exceeded Daily Limits
Instagram has daily limits for how many actions you can perform, including following accounts. If you exceed these limits, Instagram will block you from following more users for a certain period.
Fix: Be patient and wait for the restriction to be lifted. Limit the number of users you follow in a short period to avoid triggering Instagram’s spam filters.
How to Fix the “Can’t Follow” Issue
If you’re can’t I follow people on Instagram, here are some practical steps you can take to resolve the issue.
1. Log Out and Log Back In
Logging out and back in is a quick fix that often resolves temporary issues. This action refreshes your connection to Instagram’s servers and can help resolve any session-based errors.
2. Check Your Internet Connection
Make sure your Wi-Fi or mobile data is working properly. Poor internet connection can lead to issues with following accounts.
3. Uninstall and Reinstall Instagram
If the issue persists, try uninstalling the Instagram app and then reinstalling it. This can help fix any glitches or bugs that may be causing the problem.
4. Clear Instagram Cache
If your phone has a large volume of cached data, it might interfere with Instagram’s performance. Clearing the app cache can improve functionality.
5. Avoid Third-Party Services
If you’ve been using bots or other third-party services, stop immediately. Instagram’s algorithms detect inauthentic behavior, and continuing to use such services could result in a permanent ban.
6. Contact Instagram Support
If none of the above solutions work, you can report the issue to Instagram’s support team. They may be able to offer more specific troubleshooting advice for your account.
Tips to Avoid Restrictions on Instagram
To prevent being restricted from following users in the future, follow these tips:
- Avoid mass following or unfollowing in a short period.
- Stick to Instagram’s daily limits for actions like follows, likes, and comments.
- Interact genuinely with posts, instead of using automated services.
- Follow Instagram’s Community Guidelines to avoid being flagged for suspicious behavior.
- Regularly post content and interact with your audience to build an organic following.
Why Instagram Blocks Accounts
Instagram uses automated systems to detect spammy or suspicious behavior. If your account is flagged for engaging in such activities, it may be temporarily restricted. The system flags actions like:
- Following or unfollowing a large number of accounts in a short time.
- Using bots or third-party services for bulk actions.
- Liking or commenting excessively in a short timeframe.
Instagram may also block accounts for more serious violations, like harassment, spam, or content that violates community standards.
How Long Do Blocks Last?
The duration of an Instagram block typically lasts between 24 to 48 hours, but more severe violations could result in longer restrictions. In extreme cases, an account might be permanently banned if the violation is significant or repeated.
Conclusion
Instagram’s measures to prevent spam and bot activity are meant to protect the platform’s integrity. However, users sometimes face issues like being unable to follow others due to technical problems, exceeding action limits, or using unauthorized services. Understanding the platform’s rules and taking simple troubleshooting steps can help resolve most issues. By avoiding inauthentic behavior and adhering to Instagram’s guidelines, users can continue to enjoy the platform without facing restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why am I blocked from following people on Instagram?
You may be blocked for exceeding the following limits, engaging in suspicious activity, or using third-party bots.
How many accounts can I follow per day?
Instagram allows users to follow up to 200 accounts per hour, with a total limit of 7,500 accounts.
How long will the follow block last?
A follow block typically lasts 24-48 hours, but the duration may vary depending on the violation.
Can using a VPN cause Instagram to block my account?
Using a VPN itself won’t lead to a block, but if your activity is flagged as suspicious while using a VPN, Instagram may take action.
How can I fix the “can’t follow”on Instagram issue?
Try logging out and logging back in, restarting the app, or checking your internet connection. If the issue persists, contact Instagram support.
