How to Unfollow Inactive Accounts on Instagram

Instagram, as a social media platform, gives you the chance to follow a variety of accounts, from friends to celebrities, businesses, and content creators. But what happens when some of these accounts go silent or inactive? In this article, we will walk through the process of identifying and unfollowing inactive accounts on Instagram. This can be done manually or by using third-party apps, like Unfollow Users or Followers & Unfollowers. Let’s dive in!

Understanding Inactive Instagram Accounts

Before we get started, let’s define what we mean by ‘inactive’ accounts on Instagram. Simply put, an inactive account is one that hasn’t been used for an extended period, making it a “ghost” or “dead” account. You won’t see any new posts, stories, or interaction from these accounts. Often, these accounts belong to users who’ve abandoned the platform, bots, or spammers.

Why Unfollow Inactive Accounts?

You might be wondering, why should I bother unfollowing these accounts? Here are a few reasons:

• The accounts you follow shape your Instagram feed. Unfollowing inactive accounts can improve the relevance and quality of your feed.
• Maintaining a good follower-to-following ratio can enhance your credibility on the platform.
• If you have a public account or are promoting brands, the types of accounts you follow matter. Brands often check your follower and following lists.
• By unfollowing inactive or suspicious accounts, you minimize the risk of exposure to potential spam or bot activity.

Identifying Inactive Accounts on Instagram

Now, let’s talk about how to spot an inactive account. There are several indicators you can look out for:

• Profile Picture: Many bots and fake accounts either don’t have a profile picture or use one that seems unrealistic.
• Username: Usernames that look like a jumble of numbers and letters can often be a sign of a fake account.
• Posting Frequency: Check when the account last posted content. If it’s been a while, it may be inactive.
• Story Updates: Some users may not post frequently but still update their stories. If an account lacks any recent story updates, it may be inactive.

How to Unfollow Inactive Accounts on Instagram

Once you’ve identified inactive accounts, there are two methods to unfollow them.

Method #1: Manual Unfollowing

Unfollowing inactive accounts manually can be a bit time-consuming, but it’s a reliable method. Here are the steps:

1. Go to your profile and click on your ‘following’ list.
2. Navigate to the profile of the user you wish to unfollow.
3. Click on the ‘Follow’ option under the bio section.
4. A pop-up window will appear. Select ‘Unfollow.’

If you can identify inactive accounts by their username, you can streamline the process:

1. Go to your ‘following’ list in your profile.
2. Click on the ‘Following’ option next to each user’s name.
3. Once the button turns blue and says ‘Follow,’ you’ve successfully unfollowed the account.

Method #2: Using Third-Party Apps

Third-party apps can help you unfollow accounts in bulk, which saves a significant amount of time. However, be cautious when using third-party apps. Ensure the apps are allowed and secure to prevent exposing your data or risking an Instagram ban.

Here are some highly-rated apps available on the Google Play Store:

• Unfollow Users (rating: 4.5)
• Followers & Unfollowers (rating: 4.2)
• Crowdfire: Social Media Manager (rating: 3.9)

Conclusion

Now, you’re equipped with the knowledge to identify and unfollow inactive accounts on Instagram. Whether your motivations are personal or professional, keeping your follower list clean enhances your Instagram experience. Remember, you can do this manually or with the help of third-party apps. So, go ahead and tidy up your Instagram space. You control your social media environment!