A follower total does not explain what happened. Reliable analysis compares two complete snapshots of the same profile.
Create a baseline first
The first scan is a reference, not a change report. New and departed labels become meaningful only after a later complete scan.
Check list completeness
Matching totals alone do not prove that a list is complete. Instagram responses can contain different accounts. Partial records may be saved with their status; do not treat unverified differences as confirmed unfollows.
Read each signal correctly
New followers, departed followers, newly followed and unfollowed accounts are separate events. “Does not follow you” is a current state, not proof of a historical unfollow.
Protect account health
Prefer one complete scan over frequent repeats. Use slower pacing for large lists and stop after a 429 warning.
| View | Shows | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Saved | Full list at a date | Snapshot |
| Changes | Difference between complete scans | New or departed accounts |
| Mutual state | Current relationship | Not necessarily a past change |
FAQ
Why is the first scan empty?
There is no earlier complete snapshot to compare yet.
What if the total changed but no difference appears?
Confirm both scans completed and contain the same list type.
Can a private profile be analysed?
Only when your signed-in Instagram account can already access it.