There are two ways to find people to follow on Instagram. You can connect your device’s contact list in the app and Instagram will recommend accounts to follow based on your contacts. You can also tap at the bottom of the screen to search for people you'd like to follow.

Keep in mind that your contact list is periodically synced and your contacts will be re-uploaded the next time Instagram syncs your contacts. To stop this, go to your device settings and also turn off contacts syncing on all devices logged into Instagram.

Keep in mind that when you confirm your phone number or email on Instagram, your account may be recommended to users who have your contact information in their device’s contact list. You may also be recommended people and things that are relevant to you so we can offer you a better service. Your phone number and email is stored on Instagram when you sign up for an account with this information or have added it to your Personal Information.

Learn more about what happens when you connect Instagram to your device's contact list and how to disconnect your contacts.

For more information, please see our notice on contact syncing for Non-Users.