Instagram is the place to be for individuals and businesses alike. With its highly-engaged user base and visually-driven content, it’s become a key player in the world of social media. But building a substantial following takes time and effort, leading many to consider buying Instagram followers as a quick boost. Does this shortcut actually help, or could it end up causing more harm than good?
Whether you’re an influencer, social media user, or a business, continue reading this guide to learn valuable tips for buying Instagram likes.
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Why People Buy Likes for Instagram
Individuals and businesses decide to purchase Instagram followers for different reasons. Understanding these motivations will shed light on why this practice is so common, despite being controversial. Here are some of the key reasons for taking this shortcut to growth.
Quick Boost in Popularity
Buying Instagram likes is a quick way to increase follower count. In a world where your social media presence can be equated to your level of success and influence, a high follower count can give off the appearance that your content or brand is popular and worthy of attention. According to Statista, 49% of Instagram influencers admitted to purchasing followers to enhance their social media presence.
Brand Credibility
Businesses have found that a substantial follower count on social media can enhance their brand’s credibility. Potential customers are more likely to trust and engage with a brand that appears to have a large and active following. Studies show that more than 60% of shoppers are more likely to buy a product if it’s recommended to them by an influencer they trust. This perceived credibility can then attract more organic followers and increase sales.
Competitive Edge
In highly competitive markets, standing out is crucial. Buying real Instagram likes can provide an advantage by making an account look more popular than it actually is. This is especially useful for new accounts trying to establish themselves in a saturated market. A high follower count can help your account stand out among the millions of other businesses posting on Instagram.
Social Proof
In psychology, the concept of social proof says that people follow the actions of others in an attempt to reflect correct behavior. In the case of Instagram, this translates to the tendency of its users to follow accounts that already have a large number of followers. With the injection of a large number of paid-for followers, your account can grow simply by giving the appearance of popularity.
Benefits of Having Tons of Followers
Like most business decisions, you’ll want to weigh the risks with the benefits of buying Instagram likes. Many companies have found the benefits of this practice to be very positive for their organic growth strategies. Increased visibility and enhanced brand credibility achieved through a large follower base can lead to other advantages. Here are some of the main benefits that drive people to boost their follower count by buying Instagram likes.
Increased Visibility
Instagram’s algorithm tends to favor accounts with higher engagement rates, pushing their content to the top of feeds and explore pages. More followers can lead to more likes, comments, and shares, which in turn increases the account’s visibility. According to Instagram, posts with higher engagement are more likely to be featured and shown to more users.
Brand Deals and Sponsorships
Influencers with a large follower base are more likely to attract brand deals and sponsorships. Brands often look for influencers with a substantial following to promote their products and services. A report by Shopify showed that influencers with more than 100,000 followers could charge up to $1,200 per post.
Higher Engagement
Although purchased followers themselves may not engage, a larger follower count can attract genuine followers who do. This snowball effect leads to higher engagement rates over time. We know that engagement is key to building a loyal community and fostering genuine connections with followers, so this tactic is seen as the perfect way to kick off your follower growth strategy.
Social Status
For some, having a high follower count on Instagram is a status symbol. It’s viewed as an opportunity to open doors for networking, invites, and collaborations. In the age of social media, influence and popularity are high-value measurements.
Drawbacks to This Strategy
Despite the draw of a quick boost to your follower count, buying Instagram followers is not without its potential for pitfalls. These downsides can impact both the short-term and long-term success of your social media presence and your reputation. Here are some significant drawbacks to consider before deciding to purchase followers.
Inauthentic Engagement
A top drawback of buying followers is that the engagement of your posts is often inauthentic. Purchased followers can be fake accounts or bots that don’t even interact with content. This leads to a low engagement rate, which is a red flag for both Instagram’s algorithm and potential organic followers.
Short-term Gains
While buying followers can provide an immediate boost, the benefits of this tactic are often short-lived. The lack of genuine engagement over time can prevent long-term growth and may even harm the account’s standing.
Cost
Continuously buying followers can become an expensive strategy over time. Quality followers from reputable providers often come at a high price, and the need for ongoing purchases can quickly add up. If embarking on this journey, be sure to set a budget and stick to it.
The Risks Involved
While buying Instagram followers might seem like an easy way to boost your social media presence, it comes with significant risks that could outweigh the immediate benefits. Understanding these risks is important for making an informed decision about whether or not to pursue this strategy.
Potential Negative Consequences
While the idea of instant popularity is appealing, the reality of buying Instagram followers involves some potential for negative consequences. These consequences could impact your social media metrics and your overall reputation and standing on the platform. Here are some of the most common and concerning drawbacks to consider.
Fake Accounts
Many of the followers you purchase are likely to be fake accounts or bots. In fact, studies show that as many as 10% of Instagram followers are fake. These accounts do not engage with your content, which means that while your follower count may increase, your engagement rates will likely remain low. This can be a red flag for both Instagram’s algorithm and real users, who may question the authenticity of your account. Plus, Instagram regularly deletes fake accounts, so buying a large number of bot accounts could result in a sudden purge of your following.
Reduced Engagement Rate
Since purchased followers are typically not genuinely interested in your content, they won’t interact with your posts. This can lead to a lower engagement rate, which is a necessary ingredient for gaining visibility on Instagram. Accounts with low engagement rates are less likely to be featured in the Explore section or on followers’ feeds, reducing your organic reach.
Account Suspension
Buying followers is against Instagram’s terms of service. If the platform detects that you have purchased followers, your account can be penalized, shadowbanned, or even permanently suspended. Instagram regularly purges fake accounts, which means you could lose the followers you bought and potentially more if your account is flagged.
Impact on Long-term Growth
Beyond the immediate negative consequences, buying Instagram followers can have a lasting impact on your account’s growth and success. The long-term effects can be detrimental to building a genuine and engaged audience. Continue reading to learn how purchased accounts could become a roadblock to your long-term goals on Instagram.
Damage to Reputation
If people discover that you’ve bought followers, it can severely damage the credibility of your business. Authenticity is a highly valued quality on social media, and being exposed for buying likes can lead to a loss of trust among your genuine followers and impact your ability to gain potential new ones.
Algorithm Penalties
Instagram’s algorithm favors accounts that receive genuine engagement. A large number of fake followers can negatively impact your account’s performance because lower engagement may be evident. When the algorithm determines your content engagement to be too low, it may deprioritize your content, which makes it less likely to be shown to real users.
Lack of Authentic Community
Building a genuine, engaged community is essential for long-term success on Instagram and for your business. Because purchased followers do not contribute to meaningful interactions, which are the foundation of a loyal and supportive online community, your account may struggle to maintain growth and relevance over time.
How to Get Followers on Instagram
Gaining followers on Instagram takes time but is not impossible. While buying followers might offer a quick boost, this strategy has the potential to hit a snag. Buyers of lists must be cautious when choosing who to rely on in this venture — not every list vendor is an honest and trustworthy source. Understanding how to choose a reputable provider and what factors to consider can help you make a more informed decision about who to work with.
Choosing a Reputable Provider
If you decide to move forward with buying Instagram likes, choosing a reputable provider is the only way to minimize risks and improve the chances that you’ll get real, active followers.
Reputation
Look for providers with positive reviews and a strong track record. Research online reviews and testimonials to gauge other users’ experiences. Ask the provider for a reference that you could call and ask questions about their experiences. A reputable provider should have a history of delivering quality followers without compromising any account’s integrity.
Quality of Followers
Research if the followers you are buying are real accounts or bots. Ask the provider lots of questions about their process for acquiring followers and how they ensure quality. See if a test list would be available so you can research their activity.
Pricing
Compare prices among different providers to find the best deal. Approach providers offering extremely cheap followers with caution, as this often is a red flag for low-quality, fake accounts. Remember you get what you pay for, and investing in higher quality followers can lead to better long-term results.
Customer Support
Choose providers with good customer support in case you encounter issues. Reliable customer service will help you address problems quickly and ensure a smooth end-user experience. Look for providers that give multiple contact methods and access to responsive support teams.
Key Factors to Consider
When selecting a provider to buy real Instagram likes from, these important factors can help you make a better choice.
Safety and Security
Does the provider use safe methods that do not violate Instagram’s terms? Avoid services that require your Instagram password or use suspicious practices that could end with your account being banned. Always prioritize providers that emphasize account security and transparency in their methods.
Transparency
Look for providers that are open about their acquisition methods and do not make unrealistic engagement promises. Avoid companies that guarantee overnight success or an unrealistic number of followers in a short period of time. Remember that true growth takes time, even when buying followers.
Trial Options
Some providers offer trial packages to test the quality of lists before making a larger purchase. A trial can give you an idea of the followers’ quality and the service’s reliability without a significant financial commitment. This is a great idea if you’re unsure of a provider’s offering.
Alternatives to Buying Followers — That Actually Work
If you determine that buying followers is simply not for you, there are other effective and sustainable ways to grow your Instagram presence. These alternatives focus on achieving genuine engagement and organic growth, ensuring that your follower base is both real and active.
Organic Growth Strategies
Growing your Instagram account organically may take more time and effort, but the results will be sustainable and meaningful. Here are some proven strategies to leverage when building a loyal and engaged following.
Quality Content
Developing high-quality, engaging content is the basis of organic growth on Instagram. Choose visually appealing images, intriguing captions, and a consistent brand. Great content will attract followers who are genuinely interested in what you have to offer, which will lead to higher engagement rates over time.
Consistent Posting
Maintain a consistent posting schedule to keep your audience engaged and your brand top-of-mind. Regularly posting content means your profile is active and will increase the chances of your posts being seen. Research options for social media scheduling tools that can help you plan and maintain a consistent posting routine. Your goal should be to post 3-5 times per week.
Engage with Followers
Engagement is essential for building a strong community on Instagram. This means you’ll respond to comments, like, and share content from your followers to build a feeling of connection and familiarity. Engaging with your audience shows them that you value their support and encourages ongoing interaction.
Use Hashtags
Use relevant hashtags to increase the visibility of your posts. Research popular and trending hashtags using Instagram Explore and incorporate them into your posts to boost visibility. Hashtags can help your content reach a broader audience and attract new followers who are interested in similar topics.
Collaborate with Others
Partnering with influencers or brands can help you reach a wider audience. These types of collaborations can take many forms, such as shoutouts, joint giveaways, or co-created content. The best part of collaborating with others is that you are able to tap into their follower base and gain more exposure.
Paid Advertising Options
If you’re wanting a more immediate boost, paid advertising options can also help you reach a large and targeted audience effectively. Unlike buying followers, these methods focus on attracting genuine followers who are likely to engage with your content, but they will take a budget investment.
Instagram Ads
Instagram’s advertising platform allows you to promote your posts to reach a targeted and relevant audience. You can create ads just for your specific goals, such as to grow brand awareness, drive traffic to your website, or boost post engagement. With so many targeting options, you’re sure to reach the right people.
Sponsored Posts
Another great option is to partner with influencers to promote your account or products. Influencers with a substantial and engaged following can help you reach new audiences and gain followers who are genuinely interested in your niche. Sponsored posts leverage the theories of social proof and can be an effective way to build credibility and attract organic followers.
Promotions and Giveaways
Running a promotion or giveaway can be a good option to attract new followers. Contests that require participants to follow your account, like, and share your posts can significantly increase your visibility and follower count. Take time to choose giveaways that are relevant and exciting for your audience so you attract followers who are genuinely interested in your content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions we’ve gathered about the practice of buying Instagram followers.
Q: How can I tell if an account has bought followers?
A: Signs that an account has bought followers include a disproportionate number of followers to engagement ratio, sudden large spikes in follower count, and a high number of followers who don’t engage with the account’s content.
Q: Are there any safe ways to buy followers?
A: Yes, some services offer real followers. Be sure to fully vet any vendors selling followers for use and confirm that their followers were acquired in a fair way and are actually engaged accounts.
Q: What are the best alternatives to buying followers?
A: Creating high-quality content, engaging with your followers, using relevant hashtags, and collaborating with other influencers are effective ways to grow your audience organically. Additionally, Instagram ads and promotions can help you reach a targeted and genuine audience.
Q: How much does it cost to buy followers?
A: The cost of buying followers depends on the provider and the quality of followers. Some services offer followers at very low prices, but these are often low-quality, fake accounts. Higher-quality followers come at a higher price, true to the saying that “you get what you pay for.”
Is the Quick Fix Worth It?
Buying Instagram followers may sound like a simple way to boost your social media presence, but it’s not a silver-bullet strategy. Other options for growth include focusing on organic growth strategies or paid advertising campaigns that can attract true active followers. Creating high-quality content, engaging with your audience, and utilizing targeted ads are proven methods to build a loyal and engaged following.
In the end, authenticity and genuine connections are key to long-term success on Instagram. When you invest time and effort into organic account growth, you will find that you are capable of building a strong, credible presence that people will enjoy engaging with.
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