The practice involves employing tools or services to initiate follow requests on Instagram without direct manual user input for each action. This can range from using third-party applications to pre-programmed bots, designed to engage with specific user profiles or content based on pre-defined criteria, such as hashtags or location tags. For example, an account promoting a local bakery might automatically follow users who post about food in that particular city.
The appeal stems from its potential to rapidly expand an account’s visibility and reach. Historically, this approach has been viewed as a shortcut to gain followers and increase brand awareness. However, its efficacy has diminished with Instagram’s algorithm updates and policies that penalize inauthentic engagement. While the initial intention may have been to accelerate growth, its long-term benefits are often outweighed by the risk of account suspension and a damaged reputation due to the perception of spam-like behavior.