Instagram users are reporting an issue where they are unable to follow public profiles directly, instead receiving a message stating Your request needs to be approved
. This prompts a notification explaining that some users prefer to manually approve followers, even on public accounts. Clicking OK
then changes the follow button to Requested
.
The problem, as reported by one user in a German-language forum, appears to have surfaced recently and is causing frustration. While seemingly limited in scope at the moment, the issue highlights a growing trend on Instagram: increased control over who can follow an account, even those designated as public.
The core of the problem lies in Instagram’s evolving approach to managing follower requests. Traditionally, public profiles allowed anyone to follow without requiring approval. However, Instagram has been quietly rolling out features that give account holders more granular control over their follower base. This shift is likely driven by a desire to combat spam, bots, and unwanted attention, but it’s also creating friction for legitimate users.
Several factors can contribute to this request to approve
scenario. According to a article from wikiHow, Instagram may block accounts from following others if the platform suspects the account is engaging in spammy behavior or has exceeded its daily follow limits. This can happen if a user attempts to follow a large number of accounts in a short period. The suggested solution in that case is to refrain from using Instagram for a few days and then try again.
However, the reported issue differs slightly from a simple action block. The request to approve
message specifically indicates that the *target* account – the one being followed – is actively reviewing follower requests. This suggests the account owner has enabled a setting that requires manual approval for all or some followers. This setting isn’t universally enabled, meaning some public profiles will still allow instant follows while others require approval.
Another potential cause, detailed by The Tech Wire, is a temporary restriction imposed by Instagram if it perceives unusual activity. This can manifest as an Action Blocked
message, preventing a user from following, liking, commenting, or sending messages for a period ranging from a few hours to up to a week. While the reported issue doesn’t explicitly mention an Action Blocked
message, it’s possible a similar underlying mechanism is at play, triggering the request for approval as a less severe form of restriction.
Instagram’s help documentation sheds some light on this behavior. According to Instagram, accounts that frequently switch between public and private settings can trigger this issue. The platform discourages this practice, as it can create a poor experience for other users. While the user reporting the problem didn’t mention switching privacy settings, it’s a potential contributing factor worth considering.
The implications of this change are significant. For users trying to grow their following or connect with new people, the approval process adds an extra layer of friction. It’s no longer guaranteed that a follow request will be accepted, even if the account is public. This could particularly impact smaller accounts or those trying to build a presence on the platform.
From the perspective of account owners, the increased control offers a valuable tool for managing their online presence. It allows them to curate their follower base, filter out potential bots or spam accounts, and maintain a more engaged community. However, it also introduces a moderation burden, requiring them to actively review and approve follower requests.
The situation also raises questions about the future of Instagram’s public/private dichotomy. If more and more public accounts adopt follower request settings, the distinction between public and private profiles may become increasingly blurred. This could lead to a more curated and controlled Instagram experience, potentially at the expense of organic reach and discoverability.
There is currently no official workaround for this issue beyond waiting for the account owner to approve the request. Users experiencing this problem can also report it to Instagram through the app’s help center, although there’s no guarantee of a swift resolution. The platform’s lack of transparency regarding the reasons for these restrictions remains a point of frustration for many users.
The incident also highlights a broader trend of platforms tightening control over user interactions. While intended to improve safety and combat abuse, these measures often have unintended consequences, impacting legitimate users and creating new challenges for social media engagement. As Instagram continues to evolve, finding the right balance between control and openness will be crucial for maintaining a vibrant and accessible platform.
