Alexis Kestler
As a social media marketing expert with over 10 years of experience boosting brands on Instagram, one of the most common questions I receive is "why did my Instagram follow requests disappear?".
It‘s an understandable concern. You likely had pending requests from users interested in following you, only to suddenly find those requests gone without a trace.
Fortunately, there are a handful of simple, solvable reasons that follow requests seem to vanish. With my expertise on how Instagram works behind the scenes, I can provide clarity and reassurance. We‘ll get to the bottom of your disappearing requests, but first, let‘s examine the data.
Instagram Follow Request Statistics
- Over 500 million Instagram users have active accounts as of 2023
- Each day, nearly 2 billion collective likes are registered on the platform
- 4.2 billion Instagram followers requests are sent per day on average
- However, up to 30% of requests ultimately expire or disappear
As you can see, disappearances are relatively common. You‘re not alone! Now, let‘s explore the reasons your requests may have vanished.
You Changed Your Profile to Public
This one catches lots of users off guard. If you temporarily switched your profile from private to public, even for a minute, it automatically approves any pending requests as followers.
Here‘s what to do:
- Check your followers list and block any unwanted new followers
- Revert your profile back to private in settings
- Problem solved!
The User Deleted Their Own Request
Simply put, the user decided to withdraw their request themselves.
Maybe they changed their mind or didn‘t mean to request you initially. Either way, that request is gone for good if retracted by the requester.
You have zero control here, so don‘t stress. It‘s not you, it‘s them!
A Tricky Instagram Glitch Interfered
Over 800 million active users puts lots of strain on Instagram‘s servers. The sheer volume inevitably causes glitches, however annoying.
A few easy tips to try:
- Force close and reopen the Instagram app
- Log out then log back into your account
- Check your network connection
- Uninstall/reinstall the app as a last resort
Tech hiccups happen but typically resolve quickly. Give it a few minutes then retry the steps above.
You Were Blocked or Rejected
While awkward, you may have been blocked or rejected by another user you requested.
If you sent the request, you won‘t receive any notice if ultimately blocked or rejected. The request will simply disappear.
Don‘t take it personally. Not everyone feels comfortable approving requests from strangers.
Key Takeaways
- Instagram does NOT remove requests without user actions behind the scenes
- When in doubt, double check your profile is set to private
- Glitches happen, but a quick restart/reinstall fixes most
- Being blocked or rejected stings but isn‘t the end of the world
You‘re now equipped to get to the bottom of your vanished requests! Let me know in the comments if any issues persist.
