Instagram Follow Limit Updated October 2023

What Are the Following Limits on Instagram?

PS: This post contains some information that you may want to come back to later on. Click the link below to read the updated following, liking, commenting, and liking Instagram limits.

->>Read the update to Instagram Limits<<-

Unlike on Twitter, where it’s public knowledge that you can follow up to 1000 accounts per day, Instagram, for obvious reasons, does not publish the maximum number of people you can follow per day.

I’ve read complaints by many about certain features being disabled after following or ‘unfollowing’ a large number of people within a short period, while others have had their accounts banned.

No one outside of Instagram can tell you the exact number you’re allowed to follow, but some have tested the system and come up with a few suggestions to avoid violating Instagram Follow Limit.

Sticking to these limits could save your account from getting banned and thus allow you to gradually build up your following on Instagram.

As of March 2023, Instagram has updated its follow-limit policy, and it’s important to know what these changes mean for you. This article will explore all other limits on Instagram that you should know about, so you can stay on the right side of Instagram’s rules and regulations.

Why Instagram Implements Limits?

Instagram limit update
Instagram limit update

Imagine you just created a new Instagram account and are excited to start sharing your photos and connecting with others. But when you try to follow too many accounts or like too many posts in a short period, you receive a notification that you’ve reached a limit. Why does Instagram impose these limits?

Instagram implements limits to prevent spam, bots, and other forms of misuse on the platform. For example, suppose you followed hundreds of accounts in a short time. In that case, it could be a sign that you’re using a bot or engaging in spammy behavior. Limits ensure the platform remains a safe and enjoyable space for all users.

Limits also help maintain a fair playing field for everyone on the platform. For instance, if users like and comment on thousands of posts within a few minutes, they can manipulate the algorithm to show their content to more people. This could lead to an unfair advantage; other users’ content may not receive the same exposure.

Moreover, limits also help prevent the spread of fake news and misinformation. Instagram limits the number of messages you can send daily to prevent users from spreading false information and spamming others with unwanted messages.

Instagram implements limits to protect the platform’s integrity, prevent misuse, and ensure a level playing field for all users. So, while it may be frustrating to hit a limit, it’s ultimately for everyone using the platform.

Current Instagram Follow Limitations

Angelina Jolie Instagram Account
Angelina Jolie’s Instagram Account
Followed Angelina Jolie's Instagram Account
Followed Angelina Jolie’s Instagram Account

Currently, the limit for following accounts on Instagram is set at 7,500. This means that once you follow 7,500 accounts, you can follow more once you unfollow some. Instagram has also set a limit on the number of accounts you can unfollow in a day, which is 200.

These limitations might seem frustrating for some users, especially those who use Instagram for business or marketing purposes. However, they are in place to ensure that the platform is used fairly and legitimately and that users don’t engage in spammy behavior.

It’s important to note that Instagram has clarified these limitations in its community guidelines. So, if you plan on using Instagram for your business or marketing, adhering to these guidelines is crucial to avoid account-related issues.

Instagram’s following limitations might seem restrictive, but they are essential in maintaining the platform’s integrity and ensuring its use responsibly.

Instagram Limit on User Actions

As an Instagram user, you might wonder what limits are placed on certain activities like liking, commenting, following, unfollowing, posting stories, uploading videos, and sending direct messages. While Instagram has not officially announced limits on these user actions, here’s a rough idea based on our experiment.

The average limit for likings is around 300 per hour and 1000 likes per day. For comments, you can post about five comments per minute, which adds up to around 300 comments per hour. As for following and unfollowing, the average limit is around 20-30 follows/unfollows per hour.

United Nation's Instagram Story
United Nation’s Instagram Story

Instagram Stories have a limit of 15 seconds per clip. Still, you can upload multiple stories, up to 100 clips in a single story. For video length, you can upload videos up to 60 minutes long in your Instagram feed. The limit for the live stream is 60 minutes as well. Lastly, the time length of a reel is 90 sec.

Finally, Instagram doesn’t have a specific limit on the number of direct messages you can send daily. Still, it is recommended that you only send up to 50-100 DMs daily to avoid being flagged as spam.

It’s essential to keep these limits in mind to avoid any issues with your account. If you exceed these limits, Instagram may flag your account, restrict your activity or even ban your account permanently. Also, be mindful that Instagram’s algorithms are constantly changing. Thus, staying up to date on the latest policies and guidelines is always a good idea to ensure your account stays in good standing.

Limit on Instagram Features

Stop doing too much on Instagram! The platform has limits on features such as hashtags, tags, mentions, age, characters, and links.

  • Hashtags: Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, but using too many can lead to lower engagement rates. So, use relevant hashtags sparingly.
  • Tags and Mentions: You can tag up to 20 accounts per post. But be mindful not to over-tag. It can appear spammy and may affect your account growth.
Reporting a child under 13 years on Instagram
Reporting a child under 13 years on Instagram
Instagram Account Profile
Instagram Account Profile
  • Character: Instagram has a caption limit of 2,200 characters, but only the first two lines appear in feeds. This means it will show the first 125 characters and the rest will be truncated as you read more. It’s thus best to keep it brief and engaging. Also, the character limit for bio is just 150 characters, so be creative.
  • Link: Instagram only allows one clickable link in your bio. Use it wisely to drive traffic to your website or a specific landing page.

Instagram’s limits on features encourage users to be more creative and strategic with their content. By having to work within specific boundaries, users can come up with unique and effective ways to use hashtags, tags, mentions, and links to reach their target audience.

Additionally, the limits on age and character encourage users to be more mindful of the content they create and share. Understanding and respecting Instagram’s limits can help you create a better social media strategy and improve your overall engagement and success on the platform.

Factors That Determine Follow Limits

It’s best to play by Instagram’s rules. Instagram has established a follow limit which we have already talked about. But what factors determine the upper caps? Here’s a brief breakdown:

Beyonce Instagram account posts
Beyonce’s Instagram account posts
  • Account Activity – The more active you are on Instagram, the higher your follow limit will be. Suppose you consistently post and interact with other accounts. In that case, Instagram will see you as a trustworthy user and increase your limit.
  • Account Age – New accounts typically have lower follow limits. Your limit will increase as your account ages and you build a history of using Instagram responsibly. Instagram wants to see that you’re committed to the platform before they allow you to follow many accounts.
  • Account Engagement – Instagram wants to see that you’re engaging with other accounts before they allow you to follow many accounts. Suppose you actively like and comment on posts. In that case, Instagram will see you as a valuable community member and increase your limit.
Virat Kohli total Instagram account followers
Virat Kohli’s total Instagram account followers
  • Total Followers – The more followers you have, the higher your follow limit will be. Instagram wants to see that you have a genuine following before they allow you to follow many accounts.

Remember to use Instagram responsibly and engage with the community; your limit will increase.

Consequences of Violating Instagram Follow Limits

Failing to stay within the follow limits on Instagram can have serious consequences such as:

Temporary block because of Instagram follow limit
Temporary block because of Instagram follow limit
  • Temporary action blocks: Instagram may temporarily restrict your account if you exceed the follow limit. This means being can only follow, like, or comment on posts for a while.
  • Permanent action blocks: If you repeatedly violate the follow limits, Instagram may impose a permanent action block on your account. This means that you won’t be able to use certain features on the platform, including following, liking, commenting, and direct messaging.
  • Account suspension: In extreme cases, Instagram may suspend or disable your account if you violate the following limits. This means you won’t be able to access your account or any of its content.
  • Loss of engagement: If Instagram takes action against your account, it can negatively affect your engagement. Your content may not appear in the explore tab or your followers’ feeds, decreasing likes and followers.
  • Reputation damage: Violating Instagram’s follow limits can also damage your reputation on the platform. Other users may view you as a spammer or someone who engages in unethical behavior.

Staying within limits is essential to avoid any action against your account. If you exceed the follow limit, take a break from following for a few days to avoid any temporary or permanent action blocks.

How to Avoid Instagram Follow Limits?

Though there are no established follow limits per day or hourly basis, Instagram does have a follow limit overall. It’s safe to follow just about 7500 accounts before running the risk of getting flagged by Instagram for violating their terms of use.

So, how can you avoid violating Instagram’s follow limits? Here are a few tips to help you stay on the safe side:

  • Spread out your follows: Avoid following too many accounts in a short amount of time. Instead, spread out your follows throughout the day. This will help you avoid triggering Instagram’s spam filters.
  • Follow only a few accounts at a time: Limit the number of accounts you follow. Following too many accounts at once can trigger Instagram’s spam filters, so keep it to a maximum of 50 to 60 per hour.
  • Keep your ratio in check: If you’re following too many accounts and need more are following you back, it can look like you’re spamming. Make sure to keep your follow ratio in check.
Blocked because not following Instagram follow limit update
Blocked because not following Instagram follow limit update
  • Avoid using bots: Using bots to automate your follows can be tempting, but it’s a surefire way to get flagged by Instagram. Instead, manually follow accounts that are relevant to your niche.
  • Take breaks: If you’re following many accounts quickly, take a break now and then. This will help you avoid triggering Instagram’s spam filters.
  • Engage with your followers: Engaging with your followers can help you build relationships and increase engagement. This will also help you avoid looking like a spammer.

These tips will help you avoid violating Instagram’s follow limits and keep your account safe. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, so take your time and be mindful of your Instagram use.

How to Recover from Instagram Follow Limit Violations?

If you’ve violated Instagram’s follow limits, your account might get flagged or banned. But don’t worry! Here are some steps to recover banned Instagram accounts:

  • Wait it out: Instagram has a follow limit to prevent spam and abuse. If you’ve exceeded this limit, Instagram will temporarily block you from following any more accounts. Wait a few hours or a day, and the block will usually be lifted.
Instagram account on PC
Instagram account on PC
  • Review your activity: Check your recent activity on Instagram. Did you follow a lot of accounts in a short amount of time? Instagram might have flagged your activity as spammy. Try to spread out your follows over a more extended period.
  • Unfollow some accounts: If you’ve followed too many accounts, consider unfollowing some of them. This will reduce your following count and make it less likely that Instagram will flag your account as spammy.
  • Engage with other content: Instead of just following accounts, engage with their content. Like, comment, and share posts from other users. This will help you build genuine connections and increase your engagement rate.
  • Stick to the rules: Instagram’s follow limits are in place for a reason. Make sure you’re following the platform’s guidelines and terms of service. If you continue to violate the rules, Instagram might permanently block your account.

In conclusion, recovering from Instagram follow limit violations is possible. Wait it out, review your activity, unfollow some accounts, engage with other content, and stick to the rules. By taking these steps, you’ll be back to following and engaging with your favorite accounts in no time.

You can refer to this YouTube video by Trevor Nace to watch different ways to fix the Instagram follow limit problem.

Seven Best Practices for Following Accounts on Instagram

When it comes to following accounts on Instagram, there are a few best practices that you should keep in mind to make the most of your experience. Here are some tips to help you:

  • Follow accounts that align with your interests: This may seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. If you’re into fitness, follow accounts related to fitness. If you’re into fashion, follow fashion accounts. This will ensure that your feed is full of content you’re interested in.
  • Follow accounts that inspire you: Whether it’s a travel account or a motivational speaker, follow accounts that encourage you to be the best version of yourself. This will help you stay motivated and positive.
  • Follow accounts relevant to your industry: If you’re a business owner or a professional, consider following accounts related to your industry. This will help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and news.
  • Follow accounts that engage with their followers: Look for accounts that are actively engaging with them. This can be by responding to comments or asking for feedback. This will help you feel more connected to the account and its community.
  • Follow only a few accounts: While it may be tempting to follow every account that catches your eye, it’s essential to be selective. Following too many accounts can make your feed overwhelming and hard to navigate.
  • Regularly unfollow accounts that no longer interest you: It’s okay to unfollow accounts that no longer align with your interests or values. This will help keep your feed relevant and enjoyable.
Instagram hashtags
Instagram hashtags
  • Use hashtags to discover new accounts: Hashtags are a great way to find new accounts related to your interests. Try searching for hashtags that are relevant to your hobbies or industry.

Following these best practices will help you create a personalized and enjoyable experience on Instagram. Remember to be selective, stay engaged, and, most importantly, have fun!

Conclusion: Following Instagram Guidelines for Long-Term Success

In conclusion, following Instagram guidelines is crucial for long-term success on the platform. By keeping track of the following limits, you can avoid getting your account restricted or banned.

Here are the key takeaways:

  • Instagram has daily limits on actions such as following, unfollowing, liking, and commenting. Instagram does not disclose the exact numbers, but exceeding them can result in account restrictions or bans.
  • Avoiding excessive following is essential to maintain a healthy follower-to-following ratio. Following too many accounts in a short period can also trigger Instagram’s spam filters and result in account restrictions or bans.
  • Instagram’s community guidelines prohibit certain types of content, including hate speech, nudity, and graphic violence. Posting such content can result in account restrictions or bans.
  • Instagram also limits the number of hashtags you can use in a single post. Too many hashtags can make your post appear spammy, resulting in lower engagement or account restrictions.

To avoid running afoul of these limits, keep your actions and content in line with Instagram’s guidelines. This will help you achieve long-term following and achieve long-term success.