The practice of automatically applying “likes” to images on the Instagram platform, often through third-party applications or services, aims to simulate user engagement. For example, a service might automatically “like” hundreds of pictures containing a specific hashtag to increase the visibility of an associated account.
This type of automated interaction can offer the perceived benefit of rapid audience expansion. Historically, it has been used by individuals and businesses seeking to quickly bolster their perceived popularity or influence on the platform. However, this approach often lacks genuine connection with other users and can violate Instagram’s terms of service, potentially leading to penalties.
