Key takeaways:
- Instagram doesn’t have a built-in feature to hide your following list from others
- Making your account private is the most effective way to conceal your following list
- You can remove specific followers to prevent them from seeing who you follow
- Creating a separate Instagram account for following others is another option
Instagram has become one of the most popular social media platforms, allowing users to share their lives through photos and videos. However, sometimes you may want to keep certain aspects of your Instagram activity private, such as the list of people you follow. While Instagram doesn’t offer a direct way to hide your following list, there are several methods you can use to conceal it from others.
Table of Contents
Why Hide Your Following List?
There are various reasons why you might want to hide your following list on Instagram:
- Privacy concerns: You may not want others to know who you’re following, especially if you follow accounts related to sensitive topics or personal interests.
- Avoiding judgment: Some people might judge you based on the accounts you follow, and you may want to avoid such scrutiny.
- Maintaining a professional image: If you use Instagram for business or professional purposes, you may want to keep your personal interests separate from your public persona.
Methods to Hide Your Following List
1. Make Your Account Private
The most effective way to hide your following list is to make your Instagram account private. When your account is private, only your approved followers can see your posts, stories, and following list. Here’s how to make your account private:
- Go to your Instagram profile
- Tap the three lines icon in the top right corner
- Select “Settings”
- Tap “Privacy”
- Toggle on the “Private Account” option
Keep in mind that making your account private will also hide your posts and stories from non-followers, so this may not be the best option if you want to maintain a public presence on Instagram.
2. Remove Specific Followers
If you don’t want to make your entire account private, you can remove specific followers who you don’t want to see your following list. Here’s how:
- Go to your Instagram profile
- Tap “Followers”
- Find the follower you want to remove
- Tap “Remove”
Once you remove a follower, they will no longer be able to see your posts, stories, or following list unless you approve them as a follower again.
3. Create a Separate Account for Following
Another option is to create a separate Instagram account specifically for following others. This way, you can keep your main account public while keeping your following list private on the separate account. Here are some tips for creating a separate account:
- Use a different email address or phone number to create the account
- Choose a username that doesn’t easily identify you
- Don’t post any photos or videos on the account
- Only use the account for following others
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Keeps your main account public | Requires managing multiple accounts |
| Allows you to follow accounts privately | May be inconvenient to switch between accounts |
| Prevents others from seeing who you follow | Doesn’t completely hide your Instagram activity |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hide my following list from specific followers?
Unfortunately, Instagram doesn’t currently offer a way to hide your following list from specific followers. You can either make your entire account private or remove specific followers altogether.
Will making my account private affect my engagement?
Making your account private may impact your engagement, as non-followers won’t be able to see your posts or stories. However, if privacy is a top priority for you, it may be worth the trade-off.
Can I hide my followers list on Instagram?
No, Instagram doesn’t allow you to hide your followers list. If someone visits your profile, they’ll be able to see the number of followers you have and who those followers are.
Is it against Instagram’s terms of service to create a separate account for following?
No, creating a separate account for following others is not against Instagram’s terms of service. However, it’s important to use the account responsibly and not engage in any spammy or abusive behavior.
Conclusion
While Instagram doesn’t provide a built-in way to hide your following list, there are still several methods you can use to keep it concealed from others. Whether you choose to make your account private, remove specific followers, or create a separate account for following, it’s important to prioritize your privacy and use Instagram in a way that makes you feel comfortable and secure.
