Following vs. Followers: Know the Difference
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.
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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Nov 15, 2023
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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Nov 15, 2023
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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Nov 15, 2023
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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Nov 15, 2023
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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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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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Followers
A term for those who come after or succeed someone.
The followers of the movement continued its founding principles.
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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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Following
Subsequent to; after
Following dinner, brandy was served in the study.
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Following
Coming next, either in sequence or in time.
See the following section.
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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
A group of followers, attendants or admirers; an entourage.
He had a loyal following.
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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
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
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
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
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
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila 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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