How to Hide Who You Follow on Instagram: Ensuring Your Privacy
Last Update:
5 mins
Learn about enhancing your Instagram privacy by discreetly managing the visibility of your following list.
Reviewed by Chloe Bidle
Creative social media strategist, driving engagement and innovation.
Maintaining privacy on social media platforms like Instagram is a priority for many users. Instagram allows you to share content and engage with people from all over the world. However, you might prefer to keep some information, such as the list of accounts you follow, private. The visibility of this information can be managed, although not completely hidden from all users, by adjusting your profile settings.
To control who sees the accounts you follow on Instagram, you can switch your account to a private profile. By doing so, only your approved followers will have access to your followers list and the accounts you're following. A public profile, on the other hand, leaves this information visible to any user, which might not be desirable if you are keen to control your digital footprint.
Navigating Instagram's privacy settings is straightforward. Within settings, switching to a private account involves just a few taps. While your content and connections become more controlled, it's important to note that users you have already approved as followers will still be able to view your followers list and followings unless additional steps like removing followers or blocking specific users are taken.
How to Limit Who Can See Your Following List on Instagram
Instagram offers features that allow you to manage the visibility of your following list, ensuring you have control over your privacy. Here's how you can keep your Instagram interactions discrete and your following list hidden from prying eyes.
Switching to a Private Account
To restrict your entire Instagram profile, including your following list, to only your approved followers, you need to switch to a private account. Here's how:
- Tap your profile photo at the bottom navigation bar to visit your profile.
- Tap the menu (three horizontal lines) and go to Settings.
- Select Privacy and find the Account Privacy section.
- Toggle the switch next to Private Account to turn it on.
Remember, business accounts cannot be set to private.
Customizing Your Follower List Visibility
Even after setting your account to private, you might want to fine-tune your follower list further. Follow these steps to remove individual followers:
- Go to your profile by tapping your profile photo.
- Tap Followers to see your complete follower list.
- Find the person you wish to hide your following list from and tap Remove next to their name.
- Confirm by tapping the Remove button again.
Note that removing a follower is not the same as blocking; it simply takes them off your followers' list without additional restrictions.
How to Remove Followers on Instagram
Managing who can see your posts and engage with you on Instagram is crucial for maintaining your privacy. Whether you want to remove followers discreetly or make broad changes to your account's visibility, Instagram provides several options.
Removing Followers Directly
To remove followers on Instagram, navigate to your profile and tap on Followers. Here you'll find a list of all your followers. Next to each follower's name, you'll see a button to Remove. When you select this option, the user will no longer follow you. They will not be notified of this action. However, remember that if your account is public, they can still view your posts unless they are blocked.
Restricting or Blocking Users
Restricting and blocking are two different privacy measures on Instagram. If you restrict a user, they can still see your posts, but their comments will only be visible to them unless you approve them. To restrict a user, go to their profile, tap the three dots in the top right corner, and select Restrict.
On the other hand, if you choose to block a user, they cannot view your profile, posts, or stories, and they will be unable to contact you. To block someone, follow the same steps as restricting but select Block.
Using Instagram's Advanced Privacy Features
Instagram offers advanced privacy features within its settings. These features are especially relevant for those with verified or business accounts which cannot be made private. To monitor interactions and control your follower list, go to the gear icon to access Settings, then Privacy. Here, you can manage account privacy, including who can comment, tag you, send you direct messages, and see your list of followers. Additionally, you can mute notifications from specific users, which doesn't remove them but limits the notifications you receive from them, creating a less intrusive social media experience.
The Bottom Line
Managing your online presence on social media platforms such as Instagram includes having control over your privacy settings. Your followers, the accounts you follow, and your stories contribute to the visibility of your personal or brand identity online. Strictly regulating who can see your following list is a crucial aspect of maintaining privacy.
To modify the visibility of your following list, navigate to your profile and access Settings. Under the Privacy section, consider setting your account to private, which restricts your posts, stories, and following list to your followers only. For a more tailored approach:
- Review your follower list and remove select users. This way, those removed cannot view your following list.
- Block users as a definitive way to prevent them from viewing your following.
- Consider creating a secondary, "secret" account to follow users discreetly.
Remember, business accounts cannot be set to private, necessitating alternative strategies for these profiles. Regularly review your privacy settings to ensure they align with your current preferences on visibility.
| Tip: | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. | Regularly check and update your privacy settings. |
| 2. | Curate your followers for additional control. |
| 3. | Use a secondary account for private interactions. |
Maintaining your privacy on Instagram is achievable through calculated use of its settings. Your feed and stories remain your curated content, shared with the audience you choose. Stay informed and proactive about privacy management to ensure your social media experience aligns with your comfort and brand strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Instagram's privacy settings is crucial for managing who sees your following and followers list. Here are some common queries with straightforward answers.
Is there a way to conceal my followers and following from certain people on Instagram?
Currently, Instagram does not offer a feature that lets you hide your followers or following list from specific individuals. To limit this visibility, you must set your account to private, which conceals the lists from everyone who isn't an approved follower.
How can I follow new people on Instagram discreetly?
The most discreet way is to have a private account. When your account is private, only approved followers can see whom you follow. Otherwise, new follows may appear in the 'Following' tab activities of mutual followers.
Why am I unable to view a user's list of followers and followings?
If you can't see someone's followers or following list, it's likely because their account is private. You must request to follow them and be accepted to view their complete list of followers and followings.
Can others determine whom I've started following on Instagram?
If your account is public, other people might see whom you've started following in their activity feed. When your account is private, only your followers can see your activity.
What methods are available for iPhone users to manage visibility of their Instagram following list?
iPhone users can switch their Instagram account to private to limit the visibility of their following list. Go to your profile, tap on the menu, choose 'Settings', then 'Privacy', and enable 'Private Account'.