Why Instagram Removed the “Following Activity” Tab

Why Instagram Removed the Following Activity Tab

Remember when you could open Instagram, tap the heart icon, and then toggle to the “Following” tab to see exactly what your friends were up to — who they followed, what they liked, and even who they commented on? It was one of the app’s most talked-about features… and one of its most controversial.

Then, in late 2019, Instagram quietly removed it. The “Following Activity” tab disappeared, and with it, a whole era of digital people-watching ended. But why?

1. Privacy Backlash Was Growing

One of the biggest reasons Instagram ditched the feature was due to growing user discomfort. Many people didn’t even realize that their activity — likes, follows, and comments — were being broadcast to others.

Once users became aware, they felt exposed. Social media, while public, still feels like a private experience. Instagram’s Following tab shattered that illusion.

Removing it was a step toward giving users more privacy and control over their own online behaviors.

2. Engagement Was Shifting Elsewhere

When Instagram first introduced the Following tab, it helped drive engagement. Users could discover new accounts through their friends’ actions. But by 2019, the Explore page and algorithmic feed were doing a better job at that.

People weren’t tapping into the Following tab as much anymore. And for Instagram, features that don’t generate meaningful engagement tend to be phased out.

3. Influencer Culture Changed the Game

As influencers became more prominent, Instagram’s role shifted from a personal sharing platform to a public branding tool. With brands, creators, and public figures making up a large chunk of user activity, who someone followed became more strategic — and more sensitive.

Whether it was a celebrity following a rival or a brand liking a controversial post, the Following tab turned into a potential PR nightmare. Instagram had to act.

4. The Rise of Social Anxiety

Watching someone’s activity — and being watched in return — contributed to a new kind of social pressure. It wasn’t just about what you posted. It was also about who you followed, who you liked, and when you were online.

This surveillance culture started causing stress for users. Instagram recognized this and responded by trimming features that added pressure or anxiety. The Following tab was an easy target.

5. Clean Interface, Clean Experience

Instagram has always prided itself on a minimalist, clean user interface. With features like Stories, Reels, and Shops coming into play, there was less room for outdated or underused tabs.

Removing the Following Activity tab freed up visual space and streamlined the experience for users who weren’t using it. Simpler UI = better user retention.

6. It Was Never a Core Feature

Despite its cult popularity, the Following tab was never a centerpiece of Instagram. It was a “nice to have,” not a must-have. Removing it didn’t affect the app’s core functionality: sharing photos, liking content, and exploring new creators.

Instagram knew it could pull the plug without losing users — and it was right.

So How Do You See Who Someone Just Followed Now?

If you're feeling nostalgic for the days when you could see who someone recently followed, you're not alone. And while Instagram doesn’t provide that info anymore, there is a workaround.

GhostPeek lets you see who any public Instagram profile recently followed — without needing to log in, install anything, or refresh your feed every 30 minutes.

Here’s How GhostPeek Works:

  1. Visit GhostPeek.io
  2. Enter any public Instagram username
  3. View their most recent follows and followers, sorted in actual chronological order

No login. No app download. Just fast, secure access to real-time public data.

Why People Still Want This Info

The Following tab might be gone, but curiosity isn’t. People still want to know what’s happening behind the scenes:

  • Is your ex dating someone new?
  • Did that influencer just follow a competing brand?
  • Is your favorite creator networking with someone unexpected?

These aren’t just nosy questions — they’re human questions. GhostPeek helps you answer them without the drama.

Track Over Time with GhostPeek Pro

If you want even more insight, GhostPeek Pro lets you track changes over time. You’ll see new follows, unfollows, and trends — all plotted day by day. It’s like bringing back the Following Activity tab, but better, clearer, and on your terms.

Final Thoughts: Instagram Changed, But You Don’t Have To

Instagram removed the Following Activity tab for good reasons — privacy, performance, mental health. But if you're still craving those insights, tools like GhostPeek offer a respectful and effective way to stay informed.

Curiosity is normal. Wanting clarity is human. And in a social world, knowing who someone just followed is often more than just gossip — it’s context.

Try GhostPeek now and take back a bit of the control that Instagram quietly removed.

Because the tab is gone... but your instincts aren’t.