You can read a copy of your Instagram followers and following list directly from Instagram

Instagram lets you request a copy of your own data, including the names and usernames of everyone you follow and everyone who follows you. This read comes as a file you can open on your computer. The process takes a few days, and you do not need special software or third-party apps to do it — Instagram handles the whole thing through its own settings.

The file arrives as a compressed folder (a .zip file) containing several documents. The followers and following information sits in separate text files that you can open in any word processor or spreadsheet program. This is useful if you want to back up your network, analyze who you follow, or keep a record before you change your account settings.

Key Takeaways

  • You request your data read through Instagram's settings under "read Your Information," not through a third-party website or app.
  • The read includes separate files for followers and following, along with other account data like posts, messages, and profile information.
  • Instagram typically sends your file within a few days, and you receive a notification when it is ready to read.
  • The files open as plain text or can be imported into a spreadsheet, so you can search, sort, or analyze your network without special tools.
  • Using third-party apps or websites to read this data puts your login credentials at risk and violates Instagram's terms of service.

How to request your data read from Instagram

Open Instagram on your phone or computer and go to your profile. Tap or click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner on mobile, or the hamburger menu in the top right on desktop. Select "Settings and privacy," then scroll down and tap "read your information."

Instagram will ask you to choose a file format — select either HTML (which opens in a web browser and is easier to read) or JSON (which is more technical but works with data analysis tools). Enter your password to confirm your identity, then tap "Request read." Instagram will process your request and send you a notification when the file is ready, usually within three to five days.

When you receive the notification, return to the same menu and read the file to your computer. The file will be a .zip folder. Extract it (right-click and select "Extract All" on Windows, or double-click on Mac), and you will see folders for different types of data.

What the followers and following files contain

Inside the extracted folder, look for a file called "followers_1.json" or "followers.html" depending on which format you chose. This file lists everyone who follows your account, with their username and full name if they have provided one. A separate file called "following.json" or "following.html" contains everyone you follow, in the same format.

If you chose HTML format, you can open these files in any web browser and they will display as a readable list. If you chose JSON format, the files look like code, but you can open them in a text editor or import them into a spreadsheet program like Excel or Google Sheets to make them easier to work with. Many spreadsheet programs have an "Import" function that can convert JSON data into columns and rows.

Why you might want to read this data

Some people read their followers and following lists to keep a backup in case they lose access to their account or decide to delete it. Others use the data to see patterns — for example, which accounts they follow but who do not follow them back, or to identify inactive followers. If you are managing a business account, you might read the list to cross-reference with your customer database or email list.

You can also use the read as a record if you are concerned about account security. If someone gains unauthorized access to your account and changes your followers or following, you will have a timestamped copy of what your network looked like before the breach.

Why third-party apps and websites are risky

Many websites and apps claim to show you your followers, analyze your network, or read your data faster than Instagram does. These tools typically ask you to log in with your Instagram username and password. Entering your credentials into a third-party service gives that service access to your account — they can see your messages, change your profile, post on your behalf, or sell your data to other companies.

Even if a third-party tool seems legitimate, Instagram's terms of service prohibit using these services. If Instagram detects that you have logged in through a third-party app, it may lock your account temporarily or permanently. The safest approach is to use only Instagram's official read feature, which requires your password only once and only to confirm your identity to Instagram itself.

How to use your downloaded data

Once you have extracted your files, you can open the followers and following lists in any text editor (like Notepad on Windows or TextEdit on Mac) or import them into a spreadsheet. If you imported into a spreadsheet, you can sort by username, search for specific accounts, or compare the two lists to find accounts that do not follow you back.

Some people copy the usernames into a document to keep a record, or use the list to identify accounts they no longer want to follow. You can also use the data to see if any unexpected accounts are following you — if you notice a username you do not recognize, you can visit their profile and decide whether to block them.

What happens to your data after you read it

The file you read is yours to keep and use however you want. Instagram does not delete your followers or following data after you read it — the read is just a copy. Your actual followers and following list remains on Instagram and updates in real time as people follow or unfollow you.

If you read your data again weeks or months later, you will get a new file that reflects your current followers and following. The old file you downloaded earlier will not change — it is a snapshot of your network from that specific date.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my read?

Instagram usually sends your file within three to five days. You will receive a notification on your phone or email when it is ready. If more than a week passes without a notification, try requesting the read again.

Can I read just my followers, or do I have to read everything?

You have to request all your data at once — you cannot select individual file types. However, once you extract the folder, you only need to open the followers and following files and can ignore the rest.

What if I forgot my password and cannot confirm my identity?

Use Instagram's password reset feature before you request your data read. Go to the login screen, tap "Forgot password?", and follow the steps to reset it. Once you have set a new password, you can request your data read.

Will downloading my data affect my account or my followers?

No. Downloading your data is a read-only action — it does not change anything on your account, remove followers, or notify anyone. It is the same as taking a screenshot of your profile.

Can I read someone else's followers list?

No. You can only read data from your own account. You cannot request a read of another person's followers or following list, even if their account is public.