Why are you or someone you know experiencing a sudden drop in followers on Instagram? Rest assured, you are not alone in this predicament.

It’s a situation I've faced personally; back in May 2019, my ceramics account, @potteryforall, transitioned from gaining over 6,000 followers monthly to losing more than 1,000. This is a common occurrence among numerous Instagram users. According to Fohr, a platform dedicated to Instagram influencers, more than half of all content creators were losing followers by the end of 2020.

What’s causing this phenomenon?

Instagram does not provide user statistics within the app, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact reasons behind these changes. However, we can identify several significant trends in user behavior that shed light on why so many accounts are witnessing a decline in followers.

Is Instagram Responsible for Your Follower Loss?

It's crucial to clarify that it’s highly improbable Instagram has implemented changes aimed at reducing follower counts. Many users expressing concern over losing followers often wonder if their accounts are being hidden or if they’ve been shadowbanned.

Unintentionally, many of us assume that our follower loss stems from a glitch or a flag placed on our accounts by Instagram. However, this is typically not the case. Instagram has no incentive to alter its platform in a way that would cause users to lose followers. As an advertising platform, their goal is to maximize user engagement, which is facilitated by maintaining a positive user experience.

If Instagram isn’t the culprit, then what is? Here are the most plausible explanations.

1. Instagram Has Lost Its Novelty

Having launched in 2010, Instagram is nearly a decade old, and its user growth has plateaued in the U.S., with about 65% of individuals under 34 already on the platform. Do you recall the excitement of discovering new accounts a few years ago? Unfortunately, that sense of novelty has diminished for many users, leading to a slowdown in the rate at which we follow new accounts. Consequently, this results in fewer new followers for everyone.

2. Users Are Selective About Their Feeds

As Instagram has aged, individuals have become more discerning about the content they wish to see. Many users are now unfollowing accounts they once followed, contributing to a quicker decline in follower counts. Just as our tastes and styles evolve over time, so do the accounts we choose to follow. This shift leads to an increase in unfollowing while the rate of new follows declines.

3. The Competitive Nature of Instagram

The opportunity to earn money as an influencer has garnered significant attention, resulting in a surge of individuals attempting to monetize their content on the platform. This heightened competition means that unless your content is distinctive, you may lose followers to accounts offering similar, but superior, content.

4. Stricter Regulations Against Automation and Bots

While the reasons discussed above reflect broader trends, they alone may not explain a sudden drop in followers. Instagram's rigorous crackdown on automation and bots has led to a significant reduction in accounts using these services, which may partly account for the decline many users are experiencing.

What Steps Can You Take?

Although various factors have contributed to this widespread follower loss, there are actionable steps you can implement to address it.

1. Adjust Your Growth Expectations

The good news is that there are straightforward changes you can make to mitigate follower loss. However, restoring your previous growth rate may prove challenging due to the underlying shifts in user behavior. Accepting that Instagram may never return to its former state can help alleviate frustration.

2. Adhere to Instagram Growth Best Practices

While you cannot change the platform's competitive landscape, you can still apply effective strategies to grow your audience. Key practices include:

• Determining your optimal posting frequency.
• Enhancing your hashtag strategy.
• Maximizing engagement through likes and comments.
• Utilizing Instagram ads effectively.
• Simplifying your bio for clarity.
• Improving the visual appeal of your grid.

3. Elevate Your Content Quality

Once you’ve implemented best practices, focus on refining your content to stand out in your niche. Striving to be the leading content creator in your field can significantly decrease the likelihood of followers unfollowing you.

4. Shift to a Less Saturated Niche

Consider pivoting your content to a less competitive area. By focusing on unique topics or perspectives, you can differentiate yourself from other creators and maintain your audience's interest.

In conclusion, understanding why you’re losing followers is the first step toward addressing it. By following the recommended strategies and maintaining a positive mindset, you can effectively navigate the evolving landscape of Instagram.

If you’re keen to learn more about Instagram, explore articles on various topics such as the Instagram algorithm, monetization strategies, and engagement techniques.

Thank you for reading my article! If you found it helpful, consider signing up for my Instagram Small Business class, sharing this piece, and following me on Instagram for updates on new content.