I've been discussing with some friends about the value of Instagram followers. Some argue that a high number, even if some are bought, gives you a psychological edge and makes you appear more credible. Others, like me, believe that only organic followers matter because they're the ones who genuinely care about your content and will actually engage. What's the true value proposition here? Is there any scenario where instant followers have long-term benefits?
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I lean more towards organic growth being superior, but I can see the argument for a very minimal, strategic use of "instant" followers. The only "long-term benefit" I can imagine is if that initial numerical boost (e.g., hitting 10k or 20k, a psychological barrier for some) gives an otherwise legitimately struggling account the confidence or slight perceived bump to keep going and then fully pivot to organic strategies. But this is a very, very niche and risky scenario. In almost all cases, the true value is in genuine connection and engagement, which only organic growth provides.
Interesting discussion! I’ve heard both sides too. While Instant Instagram followers can provide a quick credibility boost—especially for new accounts—it's important to weigh that against long-term engagement. A higher follower count might attract real users initially, simply because people tend to trust numbers. However, without genuine interaction, your engagement rate suffers, which can hurt your visibility on the platform. In rare cases, it works as a temporary strategy to look more established, but it's not a replacement for building a real, invested community. If used, it should be part of a broader, organic growth plan.