Software and online services marketed as tools to rapidly inflate the number of individuals following an Instagram account often fall under this category. These instruments typically claim to provide a large quantity of new followers at no monetary cost to the user. Functionality may involve automated interactions with other accounts, circumventing standard platform engagement protocols.
The perceived value stems from the allure of enhanced social proof, which can influence brand image and potentially attract legitimate followers organically. Early adoption was driven by the desire to rapidly establish a presence within the competitive social media landscape. However, usage presents significant risks, including violations of platform terms of service, attracting inauthentic or bot accounts, and diminishing engagement rates among real users.