The issue of Instagram follower count showing as 0 can sometimes be a system-related problem, but it generally occurs in accounts that have been penalized. In this article, we will answer why the follower count appears as 0.
In many cases where users complain about the Instagram follower count showing as 0, we see that the accounts in question have been subjected to some kind of penalty. This is a partial measure taken against accounts that engage in excessive or disturbing posts and comments.
On Instagram, I have come across accounts that grow rapidly, then lose followers, or start growing again after their growth had stopped. I have been writing about Instagram-related topics for years and frequently provide support to readers on issues. However, recently, there has been a noticeable increase in questions like “Why am I no longer gaining enough followers on Instagram?” or “Why are my Instagram followers decreasing?”
Instagram seems to be one of the few platforms with access to this kind of data, and although they are unlikely to share this information with the public, the trend of losing followers has become more common. In 2018, Instagram’s creator-focused platform indicated that by the last quarter of the year, more than half of the “influencer” accounts were no longer gaining followers as before and, in fact, had started losing them. Additionally, we have observed an increase in the number of small and medium-sized businesses facing this issue in recent years.
Instagram Follower Count Shows as 0 Problem
As mentioned above, it’s likely that you have been penalized or are experiencing a temporary system issue. However, we have outlined some possible reasons for the issue of Instagram follower count showing as 0 below. There is a possibility of these factors being involved as well.
Here’s why your Instagram follower count might be showing as 0:
- System issues or application problems on your device. Additionally, insufficient storage space can cause apps to malfunction. Also, if your device’s date is incorrect, it can cause problems.
- If your device is very old, the Instagram version you are using might be incompatible or outdated, which could cause issues.
- Your device may have been restricted by Instagram. We recently encountered a case where a user was unable to log in from their device but could log in using other devices.
- Your account is likely to have been penalized. Have you recently engaged in any activities that might have disturbed others?
- Excessive activities may have caused you to appear suspicious, leading to a temporary preventive restriction.
- An update by Instagram may have caused an issue. Since this may have affected only some accounts, it might not have been widely reported or written about by many people.
- If you have purchased followers or used follower-boosting methods, you might have been penalized temporarily or for a longer period.
What Should I Do If My Instagram Follower Count Shows as 0?
First, you need to determine if this is a system error or something related to your account by trying a few things. First, try changing your device and internet connection. If you want, you can also check using a browser. After that, follow the reasons we mentioned above.
Let’s try the following:
- After testing your device and internet, try using another account on your device.
- Use a browser and, if needed, try logging in using a VPN service. For those who cannot or do not want to use the app, the Opera mobile browser offers a free VPN service.
- Try following other accounts. Does it give any warnings, or are you able to follow? Also, check if you can make changes to your profile. Typically, accounts that have been penalized cannot make profile changes.
- Reset your password using a browser. This process is intended to trigger a response. First, open two tabs in Chrome, with one having your Instagram-associated email logged in. In the second tab, start the process on instagram.com as if you forgot your password. The other tab should detect this and ask you to create a new password.
- If you are flagged as suspicious, wait for a while without attempting anything. Try again later in the day. If the last attempt fails, wait for a day before trying again.
- If your account has been penalized, check your registered email account to see if you have received any notification emails. Usually, you would receive such an email within a day. However, sometimes penalties are applied, and you may receive information one or two days later, or even longer. For example, we received a notification one or two weeks later. Until then, we experienced issues while using the account. In such cases, there is nothing you can do but wait. In our case, the issue resolved itself.
Restrictions on Internet, Device, and Accounts
If there is an issue related to your wireless internet connection, restart your modem. Of course, don’t forget to test with another connection.
If there is a problem with your device and it has been ongoing for a while, try accessing your account through a browser and check your followers. If there is no issue, uninstall and reinstall the app or try installing an older version of Instagram. If that doesn’t work, you may need to reset your device to factory settings.
If there is an issue with your account, try writing something in the personal information section of your profile and saving it. If it allows you, there’s probably no issue, but if it doesn’t, then it means there’s a system or account problem. Try reporting the issue. Alternatively, convert your account to a business profile. This step has been an effective method since the early days.
These are our helpful suggestions for the Instagram follower count showing as 0 issue.
