Instagram continues to be a major player in the social media landscape, but getting a complete list of your followers isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Let me walk you through the current methods that actually work in 2025.
The Native Instagram Export
Finally, after years of user requests, Instagram has introduced a native export feature – though it comes with some limitations. You’ll find this under Settings > Privacy > Data Download. The process takes about 48 hours, and you’ll receive an email with your data package that includes your followers list along with other account information.
Third-Party Tools Worth Considering
I’ve personally tested dozens of third-party tools, and I’ll be honest – many of them are either unreliable or potentially harmful to your account. However, there are a few trustworthy options that stand out:
Instagram Analytics Pro
This tool has become my go-to recommendation for clients who need detailed follower insights. It’s not free ($14.99/month), but it provides real-time updates and allows you to export your follower list in multiple formats, including CSV and Excel.
Social Blade Manager
While primarily known for analytics, Social Blade has recently added a robust follower export feature. I’ve found it particularly useful for tracking follower growth patterns over time.
Important Security Considerations
Let’s talk about something crucial that many people overlook. Before using any third-party tool, always check its authentication method. Never trust applications that ask for your Instagram password directly. Instead, look for tools that use Instagram’s official OAuth process – you’ll recognize this by the familiar Instagram login popup.
Manual Method (Time-Consuming but Free)
If you’re working with a smaller account or don’t want to spend money, there’s always the manual approach. I often suggest using your phone’s screenshot feature to capture your followers list in segments, then using a free OCR tool to convert the images to text. It’s not elegant, but it works!
What About API Changes?
Instagram’s API policies continue to evolve, and we’ve seen significant changes in early 2025 that affect how third-party tools can access follower data. Keep in mind that any method working today might need adjustment as these policies change.
Remember, whichever method you choose, the key is to regularly back up your follower list, especially if you’re using Instagram for business purposes. I typically recommend doing this quarterly – it’s saved me more than once when analyzing growth patterns or identifying unfollowers.
