Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, and it’s a lot more fun when you’re connected with people you know. Whether you’re new to the app or returning after some time away, learning how to find friends on Instagram and follow them can help you personalize your feed, stay updated on their lives, and interact with their photos and videos. In this guide, we’ll walk you through several ways to follow friends on Instagram quickly and easily.
1. Using the Search Bar
The simplest and most direct way to find someone on Instagram is by using the search bar at the top of the Explore page.
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Tap the magnifying glass icon at the bottom of the screen to go to the Explore page.
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At the top, you’ll see the search bar. Tap it and type in the name, username, or nickname of the person you’re looking for.
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As you type, Instagram will generate a list of suggested profiles. Look for the correct one by checking profile photos and bios.
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Once you’ve found the right profile, tap Follow to start seeing their posts and stories in your feed.
This method is ideal if you know exactly who you’re looking for or have their Instagram handle.
2. Syncing Phone Contacts
Another way to find friends on Instagram is by syncing your phone’s contact list. Instagram uses this information to suggest accounts of people you already know.
To sync contacts:
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Go to your profile and tap the three lines in the top right corner.
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Tap Settings and privacy > Account Center > Contacts syncing.
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Turn on Connect contacts.
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Go back and tap Discover people. You’ll see a list of people from your contacts who are on Instagram.
Once your contacts are synced, Instagram will automatically suggest them in the “Discover People” section. Just tap Follow next to the names of the people you want to connect with.
Note: You can manage or remove synced contacts at any time through the same settings menu for privacy.
3. Connecting Facebook Friends
Instagram also allows you to connect with your Facebook friends, making it even easier to grow your Instagram network.
To do this:
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Go to your profile, tap the three lines, and select Settings and privacy.
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Tap Account Center > Connected experiences > Sharing across profiles.
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Log in with your Facebook account if prompted, and allow access.
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Once connected, Instagram will suggest Facebook friends who are also on Instagram.
This is especially helpful if you’re already active on Facebook and want to follow your existing network.
4. Using the ‘Discover People’ Feature
Instagram’s Discover People feature is designed specifically to help users find and follow friends on Instagram. You can access it by:
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Going to your profile and tapping the menu icon (three lines).
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Tapping Discover People.
This section displays a list of suggested accounts, including people from your contacts, Facebook friends, and mutual connections. Instagram’s algorithm uses your activity, existing connections, and interactions to provide personalized suggestions.
Just tap Follow next to any account to connect instantly.
5. Exploring Hashtags and Locations
If you’re trying to reconnect with friends who share specific interests or who attended the same event, hashtags and location tags can help.
Here’s how:
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Tap the search bar and enter a hashtag (e.g., #photographyclub or #newyorkconcert).
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Browse the posts to find familiar faces.
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Similarly, search for a location (e.g., a school, café, or event venue) to view posts tagged there.
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If you spot a friend, tap on their profile and follow them.
This method works best for connecting with people you may not have direct contact info for, but know through shared interests or activities.
6. Accepting Follow Requests (For Private Accounts)
If your account is set to private, you’ll receive follow requests from others instead of them following you automatically.
To manage these:
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Go to your profile, tap the heart icon for notifications.
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Tap Follow requests to see who wants to follow you.
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Tap Confirm to accept or Delete to ignore the request.
You can also switch between public and private at any time via Settings and privacy > Account privacy.
Tips for Building Your Instagram Network
Once you’ve learned how to follow friends on Instagram, here are a few tips to keep the experience engaging:
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Engage with their content: Like, comment, and share their posts to stay visible in their feed.
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Use Instagram Stories and Reels: Share snippets of your life and tag friends to increase interaction.
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Direct Messages (DMs): Use the messaging feature to stay in touch privately or share posts.
Being active helps you appear in other users’ suggestions, which can expand your social circle further.
FAQs
What if I can’t find someone on Instagram?
Try searching their full name, nickname, or known username variations. If their account is private or newly created, it may not show up immediately. You can also ask them directly for their handle.
Can I follow someone without them knowing?
No. Instagram notifies users when someone follows them. However, they won’t be notified when you view their public profile unless you interact with it.
How do I unfollow or remove someone later?
Go to their profile and tap Following, then select Unfollow. If you want to remove someone from your followers, go to your followers list, tap the three dots next to their name, and select Remove.
Conclusion
Learning how to find friends on Instagram is a great way to get the most out of the platform. Whether you’re syncing contacts, connecting your Facebook account, or exploring suggestions through the Discover People feature, Instagram offers multiple ways to help you connect with people you know. Once you follow friends on Instagram, your feed becomes more personalized and engaging, helping you stay connected and share moments together.
I’m Maxwell Warner, a content writer from Austria with 3+ years of experience. With a Media & Communication degree from the University of Vienna, I craft engaging content across tech, lifestyle, travel, and business.
