Instagram Follower Hiding Feature Has Arrived – Here Are the Details!
Instagram’s New Update: Follower Lists Can Now Be Hidden — A Bold Move for User Privacy
Instagram, one of the world’s most widely used social media platforms, is testing a major update that could reshape how we interact online: the ability to hide your followers and following lists.
This new feature could mark a significant shift in the platform’s future direction.
What Does the New Feature Do?
With this update, users will still be able to see the number of followers and accounts someone is following — but they won’t be able to tap and view the actual list of users.
In summary:
- Follower and following counts remain visible
- The lists themselves are hidden
- No one can see who you follow or who follows you
Why Is Instagram Introducing This Feature?
Over the past few years, Instagram has been focusing more on user privacy and emotional well-being. Issues like social comparison and privacy breaches have driven the platform to develop more protective features like this one.
With this new setting:
- Users may feel less pressure to “perform” online
- Toxic comparison and follower count obsession may decline
- Social scrutiny over following lists may significantly decrease
How to Hide Your Follower List on Instagram
Once the feature becomes available in your region, hiding your follower list will be simple. Just follow these steps:
- Open the Instagram app
- Go to your profile
- Tap the menu (three lines) in the top right corner
- Select Settings & Privacy
- Navigate to Account Visibility or Privacy
- Toggle off the Show Follower List option
Once disabled, people can still see your follower count — but not the actual names of your followers or following list. Only you will have access to that information.
What Should Brands and Creators Do?
This update could bring a new challenge for influencer marketing and brand partnerships. For example:
- Brands often review follower lists (at least partially) when evaluating influencer collaborations
- With restricted access, influencer credibility and audience analysis might become less transparent
- Social media analytics tools will likely need to adapt their algorithms accordingly
A New Era of Privacy on Instagram
Instagram’s test of hidden follower lists could have a deep impact on how we experience the platform. Especially for young users and digital creators, this change has the potential to foster a safer, less judgmental environment.
🔒 Feature currently unavailable in Turkey
👥 Follower count visible — names hidden
🛠️ Still in testing phase
