Why You Shouldn't Buy Instagram Followers

In the world of social media, having a large following and a ton of likes is often seen as a sign of success and credibility. However, some individuals and brands still resort to buying Instagram followers and engagement to boost their numbers quickly. Although this practice is tempting, it can have serious repercussions for your online presence. Here's why you should avoid purchasing followers and focus on organic growth instead.

Instagram Can Spot Fake Followers

One of the biggest risks of buying followers is that Instagram's algorithms are becoming increasingly sophisticated. It can now detect unnatural spikes in follower counts and the presence of inactive or bot accounts interacting with your content. When Instagram identifies this, your account may risk being shadowbanned. This can tank your overall engagement rate, making it difficult to recover your account’s visibility and credibility.

Here’s a real-life example of what happens to your analytics when you purchase followers...

This was our client’s engagement before they bought followers (2,084 engagements over 2 months)

Our client’s engagement while purchasing followers (3,173 engagements over 2 months)

Our client’s engagement after they had stopped buying followers, and the shadowbanning began (1,595 engagements over 2 months, which is a 23.47% decrease in engagement compared to before when they were not purchasing followers.)

It Undermines Your Credibility

Authenticity is crucial in the social media landscape. A recent study done by EY reported that Gen Z values authenticity as the most important value— even beyond being rich. When you buy followers, you are essentially paying for numbers that don’t translate into genuine engagement or interest in your content. This lack of authenticity can deter real followers and potential customers who value genuine engagement and credibility. That’s why at Carver Creative we prioritize working with content creators who may have a smaller following but consistently high engagement over creators with inflated follow counts and low authenticity.

Tools Expose Inauthentic Followers

With the rise of influencer marketing, brands are increasingly relying on tools like Modash.io to vet the authenticity of an influencer’s following. These platforms analyze follower demographics and engagement rates, spotting accounts with purchased followers. Brands want to invest in partnerships that offer real value, and an inflated follower count without genuine engagement doesn’t offer that. By maintaining an authentic following, you position yourself as a trustworthy and valuable partner for collaborations.

So here is what you should do instead...

Focus on Organic Growth

Instead of buying followers, invest time and effort into growing your Instagram account organically. Here are a few strategies to help you build a genuine and engaged following:

• Consistent Posting: Regularly share high-quality content that resonates with your target audience.

• Engage with Your Followers: Respond to comments and participate in conversations.

• Collaborate with Others: Partner with influencers or brands to reach a broader audience.

• Leverage Instagram Reels: Make sure to use trending audio to boost your engagement and attract new followers.

Buying Instagram followers might offer a quick boost in numbers, but it comes with significant risks that can harm your account in the long run. By focusing on organic growth and building genuine relationships with your followers, you’ll cultivate a more engaged and credible presence on Instagram.