When a user on the Instagram platform attempts to follow a private account, their request is not automatically approved. Instead, it enters a state where it awaits action from the account owner. This means the intended follower will see a status indicator noting that their follow attempt is not yet confirmed. Until the account owner approves, the requesting user will not be able to see the private account’s content. For example, if a user named ‘Alex’ sends a follow request to a private account named ‘Blake,’ Alex will see “Requested” or a similar indication on Blake’s profile instead of the typical “Follow” or “Following” buttons.
The function of this feature provides a critical layer of privacy and control for account holders. It allows them to curate their audience and limit visibility of their posts, stories, and other content to only approved individuals. Historically, social media platforms have evolved to include granular privacy settings like this in response to user demand for more control over their personal information and online interactions. This mechanism helps prevent unwanted attention and safeguards personal content from being viewed by individuals the account owner does not know or trust.