The phrase describes the pursuit of acquiring individuals to subscribe to an Instagram profile without incurring monetary costs. This can involve utilizing various methods and tools designed to increase a profile’s follower count without direct payment for each new follower. For example, employing follow/unfollow tactics or engaging with content in the hope of reciprocal follows fall under this category.
The perceived value lies in the potential for increased visibility and social proof associated with a higher follower count. Historically, inflated follower numbers were seen as a shortcut to establishing online credibility and attracting genuine engagement. However, the practice’s long-term benefits are questionable, as the quality of these followers is often low, leading to reduced engagement rates and potentially harming the profile’s reputation.
