Instagram tests Option to Hide Follower Lists
MENLO PARK, CA - Instagram is currently testing a feature that would allow users to hide their follower lists from public view, a change possibly offering greater privacy on the platform. Some users have begun reporting the option, noticing that Instagram friends no longer see which accounts a person follows, accompanied by a message indicating the change.
While Meta, Instagram’s parent company, has not issued an official statement, the limited rollout suggests a test run is underway.Currently, even with a private account, the total number of followers and accounts a user is following remains visible. Though, this potential update could grant users more control over who can access their network details.
The new function is currently available to some users who have set their accounts to private. With a private account, follower lists are already hidden from non-followers, but new contacts added can view the list. The test appears to extend this privacy further.
Instagram users will still be able to block others, preventing them from viewing their account altogether. The introduction of a follower-hiding feature could potentially eliminate the need for blocking as a privacy measure. It remains unclear when, or if, this feature will be rolled out to all Instagram users.
