A social media “follower” simply refers to users who have chosen to subscribe to a specific social media account. By being a follower, they are able to view and receive regular updates on past and newer posts made by the account which will appear on their personal feed.
Users typically follow accounts which put out content that they are enjoy or are interested in.
Why do people “Follow” accounts?
People follow accounts on various platforms, such as social media, for several reasons:
- Interest: They are genuinely interested in the content, topics, or niche that the account posts about. This could include hobbies, specific industries, personal interests, or entertainment.
- Information and Updates: Followers seek to stay updated with the latest news, information, or trends related to a particular field, industry, or subject matter.
- Entertainment: Accounts that provide entertaining content, such as memes, jokes, funny videos, or engaging storytelling, attract followers looking for amusement or a break from routine.
- Community and Connection: Some people follow accounts to become part of a community or to connect with like-minded individuals who share similar interests or values.
- Influence and Inspiration: Influencers, celebrities, or accounts with inspirational or motivational content often gather followers seeking guidance, inspiration, or insights from their posts.
- Support and Engagement: Followers might follow accounts to support a cause, brand, or individual and engage with their content by liking, commenting, or sharing.
- Education and Learning: Accounts that provide valuable educational or informational content attract followers interested in learning new things, gaining knowledge, or expanding their skills.
- Networking and Opportunities: Following certain accounts might provide networking opportunities, access to job openings, collaborations, or industry-related events.
Ultimately, the reasons people follow accounts can be diverse and subjective, influenced by personal preferences, needs, and goals. The content, relevance, engagement, and value that an account provides are key factors that drive people to follow and engage with it.
How to “Follow” accounts on various popular platforms
1. Facebook
Once you have found the profile page of the Facebook account you intend to follow, search for the like tab found just below the bottom right area of the page’s profile header. Liking the page automatically makes you a follower of the account.
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You may also choose how you wish to view posts from the account by clicking on the liked tab. This will prompt Facebook to show you their Follow Settings where you may also modify the way you are notified about the account’s posts.
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2. Instagram
On Instagram, you can easily become a follower of an account by simply clicking on the blue “Follow” button which you can find as soon as you open an individual’s instagram profile.
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3. Twitter
For Twitter, the “Follow” tab can be found right beside the account’s profile icon.
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4. TikTok
Similar to Instagram and Twitter, Tiktok’s Follow button can immediately be found as soon as you open an account’s profile. You should find it close to the account’s engagement numbers.
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5. Youtube
Youtube uses the term “Subscribe” as an alternative to “Follow”. You can find the youtube Subscribe button right below the profile’s biography section.
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Can I Follow a private account?
When an account is set to private, the content shared by that account is only visible to approved followers. To follow a private account, you typically need to send a follow request or request permission from the account holder. Once your request is accepted, you'll gain access to view their posts, stories, or other shared content.
However, some platforms might have different privacy settings or features that allow limited interaction with private accounts. For instance, on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, you can't directly follow a private account without approval, but you might still be able to view limited profile information or see that the account exists.
