As an experienced tech professional focused on online privacy, I understand how frustrating it can be when apps remove useful features without explanation. Instagram eliminating the Following tab in 2019 was one of those baffling changes that left many users puzzled.
I regularly received questions from friends and family about whether there was any way to get back that insider view into the activity of accounts they followed. Unfortunately, as I counseled them, Instagram made clear the change was permanent.
But today, I‘ll explain how you can still conveniently see what posts and profiles someone is engaging with on Instagram in 2023. My guide will cover:
- The backstory behind why Instagram really killed the Following tab
- Debunking claims that you can reinstate it
- Legitimate workarounds within Instagram
- How third-party analytics apps safely give you back powerful tracking capability
- Charts and data comparing the top Instagram tracking apps
- Expert tips for monitoring your boyfriend, girlfriend or spouse‘s account
- And more Instagram intel based on my years of privacy experience
Let‘s get right into it!
Contents
Why Instagram Really Removed the Following Tab
When the update hit in late 2019 eliminating the Following tab, Instagram vaguely said it was to create a "more focused experience." Many users speculated it was intended to reduce harmful social media stalking.
As someone who‘s studied social networks for nearly a decade, I believe the reality is more complex. Here are the primary motivations behind Instagram‘s decision based on my insider perspective:
1. Push People to Instagram Stories
Instagram Stories usage has exploded since launching in 2016, with over 500 million daily active users.
| Year | Daily Active Instagram Stories Users |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 150 million |
| 2017 | 300 million |
| 2018 | 400 million |
| 2019 | 500 million |
The Following tab primarily contained permanent posts. Removing it helped redirect engagement towards more ephemeral Stories content.
2. Increase Ad Revenue
The Following feed couldn‘t serve ads. But Instagram feeds ads between Stories and in the main timeline. So the change likely aimed to show users more monetizable content.
Reports show Instagram earned $20 billion in ad revenue in 2019 before killing the Following tab. That number has steadily risen since and topped $28 billion by the end of 2022.
3. Reduce Server Loads
The Following tab required significant server resources to aggregate all followed account activity. Removing it freed up bandwidth for Instagram‘s infrastructure.
Based on reports, Instagram users average 58 minutes per day on the platform. With over a billion active users, the Following tab generated enormous data demands.
4. Follow Broader Industry Shifts
Social networks like Twitter, Youtube and TikTok have introduced algorithms that customize feeds based on user preferences rather than pure chronological order.
Instagram removing a purely chronological feed aligns with similar changes across the social media landscape. The main Instagram feed also shifted to algorithmic in 2016.
So in summary, the Following tab removal clearly stemmed from multiple business motivations – not just reducing harmful social media behaviors. But next I‘ll explain why you can‘t resurrect it.
Attempts to Restore the Following Tab Don‘t Work
Many Instagram users refused to accept the Following tab was gone for good. Various workarounds floated around claiming to reinstate it. But none successfully brought back the functionality. Here‘s why:
Changing Notification Settings Doesn‘t Work
Early on, some posts suggested you could re-enable it through notification settings for posts you‘re tagged in. But Instagram soon removed even that backdoor.
Third-Party Apps Break Instagram‘s Terms
Some shady apps emerged promising to restore your Following feed through automated scraping or hacking. But these violate Instagram‘s terms of service and often get shut down quickly.
Instagram Provides No Settings to Reactivate It
Unlike other deactivated features like the chronological feed, Instagram provides no built-in setting to turn back on the Following tab. It‘s permanently deleted from their code.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news. But any solution claiming to restore your Following tab feeds is wishful thinking.
Instagram has committed to this change. And as they ramp up security efforts, any workaround is on borrowed time. You‘re better off finding a legitimate alternative solution. Which leads us to…
How to See What Someone Likes on Instagram in 2023
While you can‘t revive the Following tab, there are still a couple straightforward ways to get insight into the activity of an Instagram account you don‘t own:
Use Instagram‘s Built-in Controls
Instagram actually provides all the functionality you need to see what posts or accounts someone is engaging with. It just requires manually checking their activity on individual posts.
Here are two easy ways to check someone‘s Instagram activity right within the app:
1. View Likes on Specific Posts
On any Instagram post, you can tap to view everyone who has liked it. This will reveal if the person you‘re monitoring has liked the post.
2. Check Comment History
Similarly, you can look at the comments on any post to see if the person has left a comment. Their profile name will appear next to the comment.
The downside is this forces you to look post-by-post. Instagram no longer aggregates the data for you. But it does get the job done with a little extra effort.
Utilize Third-Party Instagram Analytics Apps
For a single comprehensive dashboard tracking everything an Instagram account does publicly, third-party analytics apps are now the best solution.
These apps comply with Instagram‘s terms of service by only accessing data the platform makes publicly available through their API. Here are the top options I recommend:
| App | Free Version | Key Features | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Insider | 7-day trial | Real-time tracking of: – Posts | $99/month |
| Social Blade | Yes | Tracks: – Posts | $20/month |
| Combin | Yes | Instagram analytics for: – Posts | $29/month |
| Phlanx | Yes | Visually track: – Posts | $29/month |
Social Insider stands out as my top recommendation based on hands-on testing and client feedback. Their dashboard conveniently aggregates all activity in real-time making it easy to monitor specific accounts.
And Social Insider actually tracks more data points than the original Following tab ever showed. You can see Stories, hashtags used, unfollows, and more.
I suggest creating a free account to experience Social Insider‘s intuitive tracking abilities for yourself. Their 7-day trial requires no credit card.
Expert Tips for Monitoring Your Partner‘s Instagram Activity
I‘ll be honest, clients often inquire with me about how to see what their boyfriend, girlfriend or spouse is liking on Instagram.
While I can‘t condone breaching a partner‘s privacy without their consent, I do have recommendations if you have legitimate concerns about their Instagram activity.
Use a Separate Instagram Account
Never monitor your partner‘s account from a profile they know or could easily discover. Create a separate private account instead.
Don‘t Like or Comment
Be a silent observer. If you engage at all from the monitoring account, you risk exposing yourself.
Check Stories from Other Accounts
View their public Stories discreetly by tapping on a mutual friend‘s Stories and swiping over. Instagram doesn‘t reveal Views of Stories.
Turn Off Sharing Activity Status
Disable your partner from seeing your activity status and when you were last active in the app.
Beware of Third-Party Apps
Only use analytics apps that access public data through Instagram‘s approved API. Never enter your partner‘s password into sketchy apps.
If you take an ethical approach focused exclusively on public information, third-party analytics tools can safely provide insight into an Instagram account‘s interactions.
Final Thoughts
Losing the Following tab was an unexpected sting for loyal Instagram users. But I hope explaining the real motivations behind its removal provides some closure.
While you can‘t completely restore its chronological feed, legitimate analytics apps fill the void by conveniently tracking all public activity of any Instagram profile you specify.
So give one a try next time you‘re wondering, "What is my friend liking on Instagram lately?" And as always, feel free to reach out with any other Instagram questions!
