How To Sort Followers on Instagram

In the past, Instagram used to order followers (or followings) by the most recently added accounts. However, the sorting process now appears to be randomized.

If you find yourself wondering whether there is a way to organize your messy followers list or what criteria are used for sorting, we might have an answer for you.

It’s important to note that not everyone’s following list can be sorted, and we have also discovered some additional factors that influence the positioning of followers. Continue scrolling down to learn more about this topic.

How To Sort Instagram Followers

As of now, Instagram has not introduced any feature that allows users to sort their followers alphabetically, by date, or by the number of posts.

Users with fewer than 200 followers might experience their names arranged alphabetically, but this standard is not consistently applied.

Instead, Instagram’s AI employs various criteria to sort followers, primarily based on your relationships, interactions, and relevance. These criteria align with your shared interests or how frequently you visit a profile and engage in direct messaging with someone. The sorting process is designed to optimize your experience on the platform, emphasizing connections that are most meaningful and relevant to you.

Instagram’s Categories Can Help

Within the followers’ list, you’ll come across a categories section with headings such as “accounts you don’t follow back” and “least interacted with.”

Similarly, the following list may include categories like “most shown in feed” or “least interacted with.”

These helpful categories serve to organize your followers and followings into smaller, more manageable chunks, making it easier to scroll through and navigate. They provide a convenient way to assess and manage your interactions on the platform, enhancing your overall Instagram experience.

How Instagram’s Algorithm Sorts Followers?

While Instagram does not provide a clear explanation of how its algorithm functions to list followers, our research and analysis have revealed the following factors that influence the order.

Factor #1: Your Interactions

Interactions on Instagram encompass messaging someone, liking their posts, or commenting on their pictures.

The algorithm promptly detects and takes into account these activities, resulting in users you frequently interact with being displayed at the top of your followers’ list.

Additionally, if you and someone you don’t even follow engage in regular commenting or liking of similar posts, they may rank higher on your follower’s list due to shared interests and interactions.

Factor #2: Your Following

Well, in a way, we all become hidden spies or occasional stalkers.

When you view someone else’s followers, you’ll notice the people you follow placed at the top of the list.

Factor #3: Your Followers

Instagram’s algorithm considers all your followers, whether you follow them back or not.

One possible reason for this ranking is Instagram’s assumption that you might already know them, which could potentially lead to you following them back.

Additionally, mutual followers, i.e., the people following you and the person you are viewing, will also appear at the top of the list.

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Factor #4: Your Location

If none of the previously mentioned factors apply to your situation, the algorithm might resort to sorting based on geolocation.

For instance, if you reside in the USA, USA-based accounts will appear at the top of the list.

Likewise, the algorithm may prioritize accounts from the same cities or provinces as yours.

Factor #5: Popular or Verified Accounts

Instagram tends to favor active users, individuals with verified accounts, or those with a substantial number of followers and followings.

This favoritism is justified, as these accounts are often deemed more trustworthy by the platform.

Even if these favored accounts are located in different regions or have had no prior interactions with you, the algorithm may still position them higher in your followers’ list.

Good News: You Can Sort Instagram Following!

It’s completely understandable to feel frustrated when dealing with a disorganized followers list on Instagram.

To ease your annoyance, we can assist you in arranging the list of people you follow.

To sort your Instagram following, follow these simple steps:

1. Go to your profile page.
2. Tap on “Following.”
3. Look for the upside-down arrow icon on the right.
4. Click on it, and three sorting options will appear: “Default,” “Date followed: Latest,” and “Date followed: Earliest.”
5. Choose your preferred option, and the list will automatically sort according to your selection.

By following these steps, you can efficiently manage and organize your list of followers on Instagram.

The Bottom Line

While you may not have the direct ability to sort your followers manually, Instagram positions them based on your interactions and engagement with their content.

So, in a way, your followers are being sorted naturally through the algorithm, considering your activities on the platform.

Additionally, the categories section organizes accounts into different groups, offering some level of organization to your followers list.

However, the option to sort the people you follow gives you complete freedom and control to arrange your following list according to your preferences.