Frequently asked questions
Everything about privacy, exports, and how True Followers works.
No. True Followers has no server that stores your data. Your export is read and compared entirely inside your browser. Nothing is uploaded, and we have no way to see who you follow.
Never. Any tool that asks for your Instagram login is risky and against Instagram's terms. True Followers only uses the official data export you download from Instagram yourself.
Instagram's API does not let apps read your follower list, and scraping it violates their terms and can get your account restricted. Using your own official data export is the safe, compliant way to do this.
Either works — True Followers reads both JSON and HTML exports. JSON is recommended because it also includes the date each follow happened, so you can sort your lists by date. HTML gives you all the same usernames, just without dates.
For just followers and following it is often ready within a few minutes, but it can occasionally take a few hours. Instagram emails you a download link when it is ready.
The Instagram export doesn't include profile photos, only usernames and links. Fetching real avatars would mean contacting Instagram's servers, which we avoid to keep the tool private and compliant. We show colored initials instead.
When you click "Save snapshot," we store your current follower list in your browser's local storage. Later, upload a fresh export and open the tracker to see who unfollowed you since that snapshot. This data stays on your device.
Yes, completely free. There are no accounts, no sign-ups, and no limits — just upload your export and see your results.
No. True Followers never logs into Instagram or scrapes it — it only reads the official data export you download yourself. Nothing ever contacts Instagram on your behalf, so there's no risk to your account.
Yes. It runs in any modern browser on phone, tablet, or desktop. You can request your data export right inside the Instagram app, then upload the ZIP here.
Instagram's export can include accounts that have since deactivated or been deleted. These often stay in your following list but drop off your followers, so the numbers here may differ slightly from what the app shows. The comparison itself is still accurate to your export.
Snapshots are stored only in your browser (in IndexedDB) on this device — never uploaded anywhere. Use Export on the tracker page to back them up or move them to another device.
Yes. Every list — non-followers, mutuals, and the rest — has a CSV button so you can download it as a spreadsheet.
No. True Followers is an independent tool and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Instagram or Meta.