Did you notice a drop in your followers recently? You’re not alone! In May 2026, Instagram initiated a significant platform-wide cleanup, resulting in the removal of millions of accounts and a sharp decline in follower counts for users globally. Dubbed the “Great Purge of 2026,” this initiative reflects Meta’s intensified efforts to eliminate spam, inactive profiles, and “non-organic” followers. The sweep targeted accounts flagged as automated bots or those acquired through unauthorized third-party services.

The impact of this overnight operation has been felt across all tiers of the platform. While small to mid-sized creators have reported average losses between 2% and 5% of their follower base, high-profile celebrity accounts have experienced the most substantial numerical drops. Reports indicate that Kylie Jenner lost over 15 million followers, while the official account for BLACKPINK saw a reduction of approximately 10 million. Other major figures, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Selena Gomez, also recorded losses in the millions, illustrating the prevalence of bot accounts among the platform’s most-followed profiles.

Industry analysts attribute this aggressive action to a new AI-driven moderation tool. This technology is designed to detect “coordinated inauthentic behavior” and predict user age with greater precision. However, the rollout has not been without controversy. Alongside the removal of bots, there have been reports of legitimate users facing “accidental” bans or restrictions, suggesting that the AI moderation may be overreaching in its current state. This follows a May 5th update to Instagram’s content policy, which prioritized original posts and deprioritized accounts that primarily share reposted material.

Instagram and Facebook deleted in the blink of an eye
byu/skytheimpaler inInstagram

For users concerned about their standing, experts recommend reviewing the “Account Status” section within Instagram’s settings to check for reach restrictions. Additionally, users are advised to disconnect any third-party follower-tracking applications, as these can trigger automated security flags. Emphasizing the creation of original content remains the most effective strategy for aligning with the 2026 algorithm updates. While the purge has caused temporary disruption on Instagram, it has simultaneously driven record engagement on Threads, where users have gathered to document the shift.