Difference Between
versus

Following vs. Followers: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Following refers to the accounts you choose to track on social media, while followers are those who choose to track your account.
Following vs. Followers

Key Differences

Following encompasses the accounts or individuals one actively chooses to observe or receive updates from, whereas followers are those who opt to receive updates from your account.
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Nov 15, 2023
In social media, following implies an active choice to view someone's content, contrasting with followers, which represent the audience attracted to your content.
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The number of following typically reflects one's interests or connections, in contrast, followers signify the reach or popularity of one's social media presence.
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Following can be a private decision, based on personal preference, while followers are often public, showcasing the level of influence or interest in an account.
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The dynamics of following can be selective and controlled, whereas followers are determined by the appeal and engagement of the account’s content.
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Comparison Chart

Definition

Accounts you choose to receive updates from
Individuals who choose to receive your updates
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Indicates

Personal interests or connections
Your reach or influence on social media
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Control

User-controlled, based on who they choose to follow
Depends on who finds the account appealing
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Visibility

Can be private or public
Typically public
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Nature of Choice

Active choice by the user
Passive acceptance by others
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Following and Followers Definitions

Following

The act of subscribing to someone's updates on social media.
Her following of several travel bloggers inspired her own adventures.
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Followers

A group of supporters or enthusiasts.
The artist’s followers include many young aspiring painters.
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Following

A group of people or entities being observed or tracked.
His following of renowned scientists keeps him updated on new research.
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Followers

People who adhere to a particular leader, party, or ideology.
His followers are dedicated to his environmental cause.
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Following

An adjective indicating subsequent or as a result of.
The following day, they embarked on their journey.
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Followers

Individuals who imitate or take inspiration from someone.
Many of her followers mimic her unique fashion style.
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Following

Continuously observing or keeping track of something.
Following the stock market is part of his daily routine.
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Followers

Individuals who subscribe to someone’s updates on social media.
Her followers eagerly await her daily fitness tips.
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Following

Coming next in time or order
In the following chapter.
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Followers

A term for those who come after or succeed someone.
The followers of the movement continued its founding principles.
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Following

Now to be enumerated
The following people will report for duty.
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Followers

One who accepts the guidance, command, or leadership of another
A follower of Gandhi.
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Following

Blowing in the same direction as the course of a ship or aircraft. Used of wind.
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Followers

One who has a strong interest or pays close attention to something
A follower of new developments in technology.
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Following

A group or gathering of admirers, adherents, or disciples
A lecturer with a large following.
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Followers

A machine element moved by another machine element.
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Following

The item or items to be mentioned next
Please buy the following.
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Followers

Plural of follower
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Following

Subsequent to; after
Following dinner, brandy was served in the study.
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Followers

A group of followers or enthusiasts
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Following

Coming next, either in sequence or in time.
See the following section.
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Following

About to be specified.
The following words have no definition...
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Following

(of a wind) Blowing in the direction of travel.
The following wind sped us on our way.
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Following

After, subsequent to.
Following the meeting, we all had a chat.
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Following

A group of followers, attendants or admirers; an entourage.
He had a loyal following.
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Following

Vocation; business; profession.
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Following

(with definite article, treated as singular or plural) A thing or things to be mentioned immediately after.
The following is a recommendation letter from the president.
The following are the three most important questions.
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Following

Present participle of follow
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Following

One's followers, adherents, or dependents, collectively.
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Following

Vocation; business; profession.
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Following

Next after; succeeding; ensuing; as, the assembly was held on the following day.
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Following

In the field of a telescope) In the direction from which stars are apparently moving (in consequence of the earth's rotation); as, a small star, north following or south following. In the direction toward which stars appear to move is called preceding.
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Following

A group of followers or enthusiasts
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Following

The act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture;
The culprit started to run and the cop took off in pursuit
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Following

Going or proceeding or coming after in the same direction;
The crowd of following cars made the occasion seem like a parade
Tried to outrun the following footsteps
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Following

In the desired direction;
A following wind
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Following

Immediately following in time or order;
The following day
Next in line
The next president
The next item on the list
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Following

About to be mentioned or specified;
The following items
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Following

A term indicating the sequence or order of events.
Following the meeting, they decided to proceed with the project.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries

Can you control your 'following'?

Yes, it’s based on personal choice and preferences.
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Does a high 'following' count mean popularity?

Not necessarily, as it reflects who the user chooses to follow.
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Who are 'followers' on social media?

They are individuals who subscribe to receive updates from your account.
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Do 'followers' always engage with content?

Not always; some followers may be inactive or less engaged.
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Is 'following' someone a commitment?

It’s not a formal commitment and can be changed at any time.
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What does 'following' mean on social media?

It refers to the accounts you choose to receive updates from.
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Can 'following' be kept private?

On some platforms, yes, users can keep their following list private.
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Are 'followers' always public?

Generally, yes, followers are visible to the public on most platforms.
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Can businesses have 'followers'?

Yes, businesses often use social media to build a following.
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Is it easier to gain 'followers' or 'following'?

Generally, it's easier to increase 'following' since it’s under your control.
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Do 'followers' indicate the influence of an account?

Yes, a high number of followers often indicates greater influence.
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Is it important to have a balanced 'following' to 'followers' ratio?

In some contexts, a balanced ratio can indicate an engaged and genuine audience.
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Can 'followers' see all your posts?

It depends on the platform's privacy settings and algorithm.
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Is 'following' back a common courtesy?

It depends on personal or platform etiquette; some users may follow back, others may not.
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Are 'followers' always real people?

Not always; some may be bots or fake accounts.
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Does a high 'following' number affect the algorithm?

It can, as algorithms may prioritize content from frequently interacted accounts.
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Can you see who your 'followers' are?

Yes, most social media platforms allow you to view your list of followers.
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Do celebrities generally have more 'followers'?

Yes, celebrities typically have a large number of followers.
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Does 'following' someone notify them?

On most platforms, yes, the user gets notified when someone follows them.
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Can you remove 'followers'?

On many platforms, yes, you can remove or block followers.
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About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

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