Have you noticed if the number of Instagram followers has suddenly decreased? Apparently some Instagram users have noticed and are wondering if Instagram is cleaning up its database and wiping off fake accounts.
Alas! Instagram says there is truly an issue causing a change in account follower numbers for some people right now. The Facebook owned company stated this on another social media platform – Twitter via this tweet below.
We’re aware of an issue that is causing a change in account follower numbers for some people right now. We’re working to resolve this as quickly as possible.
— Instagram (@instagram) February 13, 2019
This bug will certainly make some Instagram influencers lose sleep. Social media consultant Matt Navarra stated that Influencers like Kylie Jenner lost 2.5 million followers in total while Katy Perry lost 900,000 followers. Even Sports fashion brand Nike lost about 1.1 million followers. Kim Kardashian and Justin Bieber lost 1.9 million and 1.7 million followers respectively.
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Some even thought Instagram actually did this deliberately. Steve Bartlett, CEO of Social Chain Group, thought Instagram consciously removed inactive/bot accounts globally. Now we know it is an Instagram bug.
INSTAGRAM FOLLOWER CULL
Last night Instagram removed inactive / bot accounts from all accounts, globally.
I’ve woken up to an inbox full of messages from concerned people / influences and brands who have in some cases, lost millions of followers while they were asleep!
pic.twitter.com/ItUXqqmwQT
— Steven Bartlett (@SteveBartlettSC) February 13, 2019
Well it is comforting to know that Instagram is working to fix this as soon as possible.
