If you buy Instagram followers, THIS is what happens (EXPERIMENT)

Summary

In this engaging video, Eileen from Hootsuite's social media team explores the consequences of buying Instagram followers. The experiment reveals the pitfalls of fake followers, highlighting their inability to engage and the risk of account suspension. Through a humorous yet cautionary tale, the video emphasizes that buying followers is not only a poor strategy but can damage one's credibility as an influencer. Instead, viewers are encouraged to grow their accounts organically by enhancing their skills, experimenting with ads, and using scheduling tools for optimal posting times.

Takeaways

• 😀 Buying Instagram followers is tempting due to its low cost and ease of access.
• 🤖 Hootsuite conducts experiments to explore the implications of purchasing followers.
• 🔍 Finding a reputable service is crucial to avoid scams when buying followers.
• 💳 The buying process typically involves selecting a follower count and providing payment information.
• 👥 Fake followers do not engage with your content, leading to lower overall engagement.
• 📉 Instagram's algorithm may penalize accounts with low engagement, reducing visibility.
• 🚫 Brands regularly check for fake followers to ensure they invest in genuine influencers.
• ⚠️ Buying followers can lead to account suspension or deletion due to violation of Instagram's guidelines.
• 📸 Instead of buying followers, invest in content quality through courses or editing software.
• 📈 Utilizing targeted advertising and strategic posting can foster organic growth on Instagram.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The video aims to explore the implications of buying Instagram followers, highlighting the risks involved and offering alternatives for organic growth.

Why do people consider buying Instagram followers?

People are tempted to buy Instagram followers because it's easy, cheap, and can create an illusion of popularity and influence.

What are some common services for buying followers mentioned in the video?

The video mentions testing services like Mr. Insta and Famoid, which promise followers but often deliver fake accounts.

What are the immediate effects of buying followers?

The immediate effect is an increase in follower count, but these followers typically do not engage with the content, leading to low interaction rates.

How does Instagram respond to accounts with fake followers?

Instagram regularly purges accounts with fake followers, which can lead to warnings, temporary suspensions, or even permanent account deletion.

What negative impact can fake followers have on engagement?

Fake followers do not interact with posts, causing Instagram to mark the content as unappealing and resulting in lower reach among real users.

How can brands identify influencers with fake followers?

Brands often run checks to verify the authenticity of an influencer's followers, as fake accounts can be easily detected.

What are the risks associated with purchasing followers?

Risks include damaging one's reputation, facing scrutiny from brands, and the possibility of account suspension or deletion by Instagram.

What organic strategies can be employed instead of buying followers?

Organic strategies include improving content quality, investing in ads to reach new audiences, and scheduling posts for optimal engagement times.

What is the overall message of the video regarding buying Instagram followers?

The overall message is that buying Instagram followers is a high-risk activity that offers little long-term benefit and can severely harm an account's credibility and reach.