When a user elects to follow another’s Instagram account, the initiating user gains access to content shared publicly by the account being followed. This generally includes photos, videos, Reels, and Stories. The followed account’s posts will then appear in the follower’s personalized feed, providing a stream of content from accounts of interest.
This act provides several benefits. For the follower, it allows curation of a content stream, enabling access to information and entertainment aligned with their preferences. For the followed account, gaining followers increases visibility and potential reach, crucial for influencers, businesses, and individuals seeking wider audience engagement. The practice of following accounts has been fundamental to Instagram’s functionality since its inception, driving engagement and content consumption within the platform.