Learn what does “suggested user” mean on Instagram search and how it affects your privacy and interactions on the platform.
Table of Contents
- Problem
- What Does “Suggested User” Mean on Instagram Search?
- How Does Instagram Determine Who to Suggest?
- Your search history
- Your engagement history
- Your network
- Your interests
- Why Does Instagram Suggest Users to You?
- To enhance your experience on the platform
- To increase its revenue
- How to Control Who Instagram Suggests to You?
- Method 1: Clear your search history
- Method 2: Hide suggested users
- Method 3: Adjust your privacy settings
- Method 4: Change your interests
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Question: Does “Suggested User” Mean That You Have Searched for Them in the Past?
- Question: Does “Suggested User” Mean That They Have Searched for You in the Past?
- Question: Does “Suggested User” Affect Your Privacy on Instagram?
- Summary
Problem
You may have noticed that sometimes when you search for someone on Instagram, you see a label that says “suggested user” next to their name. What does this mean and how does it affect your privacy and interactions on the platform?
In this article, we will explain what “suggested user” means on Instagram search, why it appears, and how you can control it.
What Does “Suggested User” Mean on Instagram Search?
When you search for someone on Instagram, you may see a label that says “suggested user” next to their name. This means that Instagram thinks that you may be interested in following or interacting with this person, based on your previous activity and preferences on the platform. For example, if you have searched for this person before, liked or commented on their posts, followed similar accounts, or have mutual friends or followers, Instagram may suggest them to you as a potential connection.
How Does Instagram Determine Who to Suggest?
Instagram uses a complex algorithm to determine who to suggest to you as a “suggested user”. The algorithm takes into account various factors, such as:
Your search history
If you have searched for someone before, Instagram may suggest them to you again, as it assumes that you are interested in them or their content.
Your engagement history
If you have liked, commented, saved, or shared someone’s posts, Instagram may suggest them to you, as it indicates that you enjoy their content or have a relationship with them.
Your network
If you have mutual friends or followers with someone, Instagram may suggest them to you, as it implies that you have something in common or belong to the same community.
Your interests
If you follow similar accounts or hashtags, or have similar preferences or tastes, Instagram may suggest them to you, as it reflects that you have similar interests or hobbies.
Why Does Instagram Suggest Users to You?
Instagram suggests users to you for two main reasons:
To enhance your experience on the platform
Instagram wants you to discover new content and people that you may like, and to increase your engagement and satisfaction on the platform. By suggesting users to you, Instagram hopes that you will follow them, interact with them, and enjoy their content.
To increase its revenue
Instagram makes money by showing ads to its users, and by allowing businesses and influencers to promote their products and services on the platform. By suggesting users to you, Instagram aims to increase its user base, its ad impressions, and its conversions.
How to Control Who Instagram Suggests to You?
If you are not comfortable with Instagram suggesting users to you, or if you want to change who Instagram suggests to you, you have some options to control it. Here are some ways to do that:
Method 1: Clear your search history
If you want to prevent Instagram from suggesting users based on your previous searches, you can clear your search history. To do that, go to your profile, tap the menu icon, tap Settings, tap Security, tap Clear Search History, and tap Clear All.
Method 2: Hide suggested users
If you want to hide specific users from your suggestions, you can do that by tapping the “x” icon next to their name. This will remove them from your suggestions, but it will not block them or prevent them from seeing your profile or content.
Method 3: Adjust your privacy settings
If you want to limit who can see your profile or content, you can adjust your privacy settings. To do that, go to your profile, tap the menu icon, tap Settings, tap Privacy, and choose your preferences. For example, you can switch to a private account, which will only allow your approved followers to see your posts and stories. You can also block or restrict users, which will prevent them from seeing your profile or content, or interacting with you.
Method 4: Change your interests
If you want to change who Instagram suggests to you based on your interests, you can do that by unfollowing accounts or hashtags that you are not interested in, or by following new ones that you are interested in. You can also explore different categories and topics on the Explore tab, and like or save the posts that you like. This will help Instagram to learn more about your preferences and tastes, and to suggest users accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: Does “Suggested User” Mean That You Have Searched for Them in the Past?
Answer: No, “suggested user” does not necessarily mean that you have searched for them in the past. It could also mean that you have engaged with their content, have mutual connections, or have similar interests. However, if you have searched for them before, it is more likely that Instagram will suggest them to you.
Question: Does “Suggested User” Mean That They Have Searched for You in the Past?
Answer: No, “suggested user” does not necessarily mean that they have searched for you in the past. It could also mean that they have engaged with your content, have mutual connections, or have similar interests. However, if they have searched for you before, it is more likely that Instagram will suggest you to them.
Question: Does “Suggested User” Affect Your Privacy on Instagram?
Answer: No, “suggested user” does not affect your privacy on Instagram. It does not reveal any personal information about you or the other person, such as your search history, your engagement history, or your network. It also does not allow the other person to see your profile or content, unless you have a public account or they are your approved follower. However, if you want to control who Instagram suggests to you, or who can see your profile or content, you can follow the steps mentioned above.
Summary
In summary, “suggested user” means that Instagram thinks that you may be interested in following or interacting with this person, based on your previous activity and preferences on the platform. It does not necessarily mean that you or the other person have searched for each other in the past, or that it affects your privacy on Instagram. However, if you want to control who Instagram suggests to you, or who can see your profile or content, you can clear your search history, hide suggested users, adjust your privacy settings, or change your interests.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. We are not affiliated with Instagram or any of its products or services. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or validity of the information provided in this article. You should always do your own research and consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions or taking any actions based on the information in this article. We are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or consequences that may arise from your use of the information in this article.