How to See Instagram Followers in Order?

If you’re reading this article, you may have noticed that your Instagram follower list doesn’t seem to reveal any precise sequence. One moment, you’re seeing familiar faces, and the following, completely new profiles appear at the top. Coincidence? Not quite. So, how to see Instagram followers in order?

Figuring this out might reveal more than you think. There’s more going on behind that list than meets the eye. Curious Enough? Keep reading. The answers may change the way you use the app.

(2) Methods to See Instagram Followers & Followings in Order

Previously, Instagram displayed followers and followings in chronological order. This allowed users to identify who had most recently easily followed them. However, since mid-2021, Instagram has changed how it organizes these lists.

There’s no official “sort by newest followers” feature, but there are a couple of methods, manual and assisted, that help you see Instagram followers & followings in order.

o Check Recent Followers Without Using Apps

Even without third-party tools, there’s a simple trick to view recent Instagram followers using the app’s web version.

Go to Instagram on a Desktop: Visit com using a browser. Mobile users should switch to Desktop View for better visibility.
Sign in: Log into your Instagram account.
Search for the User: Use the search bar to find the person whose following list you want to check.
Access Their Profile: Open their profile page and click the “Following”
View Their Following List: Instagram may display the most recently followed accounts at the top, although this isn’t always consistent.

Note: For public accounts, you’ll be able to see their followers and followings without issues. For private accounts, you must be approved as a follower to view this data.

o Use a Free Chrome Extension (IGExport)

For a cleaner, more detailed look into a user’s following list, try the IGExport Chrome extension. This tool helps sort Instagram followers and exports data for easier review.

Install IGExport:
- Open Chrome and search for “IGExport Chrome Extension.”
- Click on the top result and add it to your browser from the Chrome Web Store.
Set It Up:
- Once installed, pin the extension by clicking the puzzle icon on the toolbar.
- Log in to your Instagram account.
Use IGExport:
- Copy the username of the person you want to monitor.
- Open the IGExport extension and paste the username.
- Choose “Following” and click “Export Following” to download their following list.

This method provides a cleaner, exportable version of their follow activity; however, remember that updates to Instagram’s API may impact how tools like this function.

How Does Instagram Order Your Following and Follower Lists?

Rather than a simple chronological or random order, Instagram’s follower algorithm now uses an innovative mechanism to organize your lists. Below are the main factors that influence how these lists are sorted.

o Following List Ordering

Instagram following list order is sorted to highlight the people you interact with the most, making it easier to find your closest connections. These accounts are ranked by:

How often do you message them (DM frequency)
How frequently do you like or comment on their posts
How often do you tag them in stories
Your overall engagement with their content (story views, reactions, replies)

o Followers List Ordering

Your Instagram follower list is arranged to show those who are most relevant and engaged with you. Instagram considers several factors when ordering this list:

How often they engage with your content (likes, comments, DMs)
Mutual connections (followers you share with them)
How long they’ve followed you
Their activity level on Instagram (active vs. inactive accounts)
Geographic proximity (followers near your location rank higher)
Account type (verified or influencer accounts tend to rank higher)
New followers may temporarily appear higher to encourage engagement
For accounts with 200 or fewer followers, sorting may be alphabetical by full name

How to Manually Change Your Instagram Following List Order

Instagram offers built-in tools to let you adjust your following list order beyond algorithmic control. Whether you want to view your newest follows or revisit old connections, these settings give you flexibility.

Open your Instagram profile and go to the “Following” tab.
Tap on the arrows next to “Sort by Default.”
Select one of the sorting options: Default, Latest, or Earliest.

Benefits of Instagram’s Following List Algorithm

Besides figuring out how to see Instagram followers & followings in order, learning the way your connections are ranked plays a bigger role than you might think. By analyzing user behavior and engagement, the algorithm personalizes content discovery and strengthens meaningful interactions.

Tailored Experience: Instagram’s algorithm curates your following list to match your interests, behaviors, and interactions, ensuring a more personalized user experience.
Boosted Instagram Engagement: By appearing at the top of your followers’ feed, your account is more visible, which naturally boosts engagement. Strategic Instagram user interactions, such as commenting, messaging, and tagging, can help you rise to the top of their lists.
Focus on Strong Connections: The algorithm prioritizes your closest friends, family, or frequently interacted accounts, ensuring that the most critical updates never get missed.
Creator and Influencer Collaborations: Partnering with influencers or content creators enhances your visibility among their followers. This social proof can significantly extend your content reach.
Efficient Discovery of Content: Instagram recommends new profiles and posts based on your existing interactions with your following list. By curating related content, it enhances discovery and encourages users to spend more time on the app.
Spam Reduction: The algorithm filters out inactive or irrelevant content, prioritizing valuable and engaging accounts. This means your feed and lists remain clutter-free.
Recognition for Active Users: Accounts that post consistently and maintain engagement benefit from higher visibility. Active users are rewarded with increased reach and discoverability.
Support for Local Creators and Small Businesses: Geo-location data enables local businesses and regional creators to be discovered by users in their vicinity, promoting community growth and enhancing the visibility of small businesses.

Wrapping Up

Now that you know “How to see Instagram followers in order?” you can better interpret your audience and tailor your strategy. Use that information to grow smarter, engage more deeply, and ultimately make your Instagram presence more impactful.

What do you think Instagram is prioritizing in your follower list? Have you spotted any patterns or surprises? Who shows up first in your follower list? Is it based on engagement, timing, or something else entirely? Let us know in the comments. What you discover might change the way you look at your audience.

How to check who someone has recently followed on Instagram?

View their “Following” list on Instagram’s desktop site or use other tools for a clearer view.

How to see someone’s Instagram following in order?

Instagram orders followers by interaction, but desktop view or third-party tools may help see them more chronologically.

Can you see Instagram followers & followings in order?

No, Instagram doesn’t display followers in strict chronological order; instead, it uses an algorithm based on engagement.

Can I sort my followers alphabetically?

Only accounts with fewer than 200 followers may see their followers sorted alphabetically.

Are there apps that can help sort Instagram followers?

Yes, extensions or other third-party tools can assist, but changes to the Instagram API may affect their functionality.