The follow/unfollow strategy — follow hundreds of accounts hoping for follow-backs, then unfollow everyone a few days later. It was the go-to growth hack in Instagram's early days. But does it still work in 2026?
How It Works
The idea is simple: follow accounts in your niche, wait for a percentage to follow you back (typically 10-30%), then unfollow everyone. Repeat daily.
Why It's Risky in 2026
- Strict action limits — Instagram now limits follows to ~200/day with delays
- Temporary bans — exceeding limits triggers "action blocked" for 24-48 hours
- Shadowbanning — repeated violations can limit your content's reach
- Account suspension — persistent abuse can lead to permanent ban
People Can See What You're Doing
Apps like TRUTH (download free) flag follow/unfollow behavior instantly. When someone sees you followed and unfollowed within days, it destroys your credibility.
Better Alternatives for 2026
- Reels strategy — short-form video is Instagram's #1 growth channel
- Collaboration posts — partner with accounts in your niche
- SEO optimization — Instagram now supports keyword search
- Consistent quality content — still the foundation of sustainable growth
Related: Ghost followers problem, Why followers drop
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