How to Know When Instagram Following Limit Is Lifted?
Instagram has rules to prevent spam and bot activity. One such rule is the following limit. If you’ve been hit with a restriction, you may be wondering: When will it be lifted? This guide will help you understand Instagram’s following limits, how to check if they’ve been lifted, and what to do while waiting.
Understanding Instagram’s Following Limits
Instagram has a limit on how many people you can follow within a given period. This rule is designed to keep the platform safe and prevent spam-like behavior.
What Are the Following Limits?
The exact limit varies based on factors such as account age and activity. However, general rules include:
- You can follow up to 7,500 accounts in total.
- You can follow 200 accounts per day for new accounts.
- Older accounts can follow 400-500 accounts per day if they have a good history.
- You can’t follow too many accounts in a short period (e.g., 50 follows in a few minutes).
When you reach the limit, Instagram will block you from following more people for a while.
Why Does Instagram Impose These Limits?
Instagram wants to prevent spam and ensure genuine interactions. Some users try to follow thousands of people quickly to gain followers back. Instagram detects such behavior and restricts it to keep the platform fair and safe.
How to Know When the Limit Is Lifted
If you’ve been blocked from following people, you’ll need to wait until Instagram removes the restriction. Here’s how to check if it’s lifted.
1. Try Following Someone
The easiest way to check is by attempting to follow someone. If Instagram still restricts you, you’ll see an error message like:
- “You can’t follow any more people right now.”
- “Try again later.”
If you don’t see these messages, your limit is lifted.
2. Wait 24 to 48 Hours
In most cases, the restriction lasts 24-48 hours. After this period, try again. If you’re still blocked, wait another day and test again.
3. Check for Shadowbans or Account Warnings
Sometimes, Instagram applies temporary restrictions beyond just following limits. Go to:
- Settings > Account > Account Status
If you see warnings about violating guidelines, your restriction may last longer.
4. Monitor Your Activity Log
Instagram tracks your actions. If you’ve followed too many people in a short time, slow down. If your restriction is lifted, avoid excessive following to prevent another block.
What to Do While Waiting
If your account is restricted, there are things you can do to stay engaged on Instagram.
1. Engage with Your Existing Followers
Instead of following new people, interact with your current followers by:
- Liking and commenting on their posts
- Replying to their stories
- Sending DMs to build relationships
2. Post Quality Content
Use this time to focus on your own posts. Create engaging reels, stories, and carousels. The more active your account is, the more likely people will follow you back naturally.
3. Avoid Unfollowing Too Many People at Once
Just as following too fast can trigger restrictions, unfollowing too many people quickly can also flag your account. If you need to clean up your following list, do it gradually.
4. Use Instagram’s Support
If your restriction lasts longer than usual, contact Instagram support through:
- Settings > Help > Report a Problem
- Describe the issue and request a review
Preventing Future Restrictions
If you’ve been blocked once, you don’t want it to happen again. Follow these tips to stay within Instagram’s guidelines.
1. Follow People Gradually
Instead of following hundreds of accounts at once, spread them throughout the day. A safe number is 50-100 follows per hour.
2. Avoid Using Automation Tools
Instagram discourages bots and automated services that follow/unfollow people. If you use these tools, stop immediately.
3. Keep a Balanced Engagement
Make sure you’re also liking, commenting, and posting—not just following people. Instagram rewards genuine interaction.
4. Maintain a Healthy Account Activity
Having a complete profile (bio, profile picture, and posts) makes you look like a real user. New accounts without much content are more likely to be restricted.
FAQs
How long does Instagram restrict following?
Most blocks last 24 to 48 hours, but repeated offenses can extend this period.
Can I speed up the process?
No. You must wait for Instagram to lift the restriction. Avoid trying to bypass it, as that could make things worse.
Will my account get permanently banned?
Not usually. But repeated violations can result in a longer restriction or even a permanent block.
What happens if I hit the 7,500 follow limit?
Once you hit this limit, you must unfollow people before you can follow new ones.
Why is Instagram still blocking me after 48 hours?
If your account has been flagged multiple times, the restriction may last longer. Try waiting a few more days and avoid excessive following in the future.
Conclusion
Instagram’s following limits exist to prevent spam and ensure fair usage. If you’ve been restricted, check by trying to follow someone, waiting 24-48 hours, and monitoring your account status. While waiting, engage with followers, create content, and avoid rapid following in the future. Staying within Instagram’s rules will help you avoid future restrictions and grow your account safely.
