The acquisition of a substantial follower base on the Instagram platform through purchase, specifically aiming for a hundred thousand followers, constitutes a strategy employed by some individuals and organizations. This method involves paying a third-party provider to artificially inflate the number of accounts following an Instagram profile, often utilizing bot accounts or incentivized follows. An example would be a new business aiming to create a perception of popularity and influence by rapidly increasing its follower count.
Historically, artificially boosting social media metrics has been used to generate perceived credibility and attract organic followers. A large follower count can create an illusion of authority and popularity, potentially leading to increased brand awareness, engagement, and even monetization opportunities. However, this approach can have detrimental effects on long-term growth and credibility, as many platforms actively combat fake followers and penalize accounts engaging in such practices. The practice raises ethical concerns regarding authenticity and transparency in online marketing.