After the 'game changer' Facebook scandal, it made us wonder how secure is the 2nd social network owned by the same group, Instagram. Being not sure if Instagram isn't a partner in this crime, we decided to audit the applications which people too often connect their Instagram with.
We had a big question in our mind - Are the applications that call themselves as the best Instagram followers app, Instagram unfollowers app, Instagram mass followers app even safe?
To our surprise, most of the top listed applications which appeared with the search keyword "Instagram" on both Google Play Store and App Store, FAILED our Data Privacy Check Audit.
We targeted the apps which hovered around the concept of tracking your Unfollowers. Why? Because Instagram's policy for third-party applications clearly states that generating any such list for users violates the policy. This clearly points out to the fact that there has to be something fishy with the method by which you connect your Instagram to these apps.
For most apps, rather than authoring via Instagram, they basically disguised the login page as an official Instagram app that leads unsuspecting users to a phishing website — after which it will ask you to enter your username and password. While rest, simply make you add your username and password directly to their app form.
You can also read: How To Avoid Getting Blocked By Instagram
Unfortunately for the victims, that information is then sent directly to the hackers who built the unfollowers or followers app. How comfortable are you when you know the login credentials of your whole social life are in the hands of many people you're not even aware of!
What are authorized Instagram apps?
Apps that are registered with Instagram as integrations in accordance to their developer guidelines can be deemed to be safe with a high probability. Instagram scrutinizes all the registrations for their API access and is also strict with apps that deviate from their guidelines.
Note:- Statusbrew is a social media management tool using which you can easily publish and schedule your social media posts across your Instagram as well as other social media profiles. Protecting your data is our priority at Statusbrew. Our engineering team uses highly secure processes to meet your security requirements, and our infrastructure is mainly designed to protect your credentials and assets from unauthorized access. You can start your free trial of Statusbrew here.
How to check if your apps are Authorized via Instagram?
For this, you need to login on the Instagram web, go to your Profile page and
- Click the “Settings” icon to the right of 'Edit Profile'
- Select “Authorized Apps” from the menu
- This gives you the complete list of all applications you've ever logged in via Instagram or connected your profile with
Why are followers apps unsafe?
Since followers apps do not have native access to the Instagram's data, they hack their way into it by storing your username and password on their system and use a proxy browser session to imitate as you and gain access to your followers' data. Since you essentially hand over your login credentials to these apps, chances are they can be put to a wrong use such as carrying out actions which you have not authorized. Another concern is that since such companies may not have the best of server security, it's highly probable that a hacker can gain access to your credentials with a server breach.
And maybe for some, it may not be a big deal if someone gains access to their Instagram account, but a bigger problem is that 80% of the people share the same login credentials for other websites — such as Facebook, Google, or even their online banking.
We were shocked to find out, NOT one of these popular Instagram followers apps, Instagram unfollowers apps and Instagram mass followers applications with over 100M+ users and generating Millions $$$ in revenue showed up here. We're not claiming that they would have stolen your password for atrocious purpose or read your personal DMs, but yes, they have your password, and your privacy is at stake!
As you scroll through the list, if you see you're using any of these apps, or you have ever used any of these apps we highly recommend you to change your Instagram password immediately!
Bonus checkpoint: If you change your Instagram password, you'll see none of these apps will be able to sync their data for your profile. Changing your password never affects the authorized apps, because simple, they don't have your password ;)
Let's have a look at the top 20 Instagram Followers, Unfollowers and Mass Followers Applications that are not authorized via Instagram.
Top 20 Followers or Unfollowers Apps for Instagram:
- Followers Insight for Instagram
- FollowMeter for Instagram
- Unfollowers & ghost followers
- Reports+ for Instagram
- Unfollowers & Ghost Followers for Instagram
- Follower tool for Instagram
- Unfollowers for Instagram, Lost
- Likes & who viewed for Instagram
- Unfollow Users for Instagram
- Followers Chief
- Unfollowers for Instagram
- Lite For Instagram
- Cleaner for Instagram Unfollow, Block and Delete
- Unfollower Fast for Instagram
- Unfollowers+
- Follower Tracker for Instagram
- Unfollowers & Ghost Followers (Follower Insight)
- Follower Tracker for Instagram
- Unfollowers & Followers for Instagram
- Likes+Followers Boost
Let's dive in :)
1. Followers Insight for Instagram
Followers Insight - Play Store | App Store
It is one of the apps that even some of our teammates tried using at some point ?
We were surprised to not find even this app in the list of the authorized apps for Instagram. Follower Insight for Instagram provides multiple features to its users like check who follows you Instagram, who unfollows you on Instagram, etc.
(Available on iOS, Android. Installs: 10,000,000+)
2. FollowMeter for Instagram
FollowMeter - Play Store | App Store
It claims to provide the simplest way to manage your Instagram followers. Their powerful analytics allow you to access deep insights into your Instagram account, monitor your follower growth and manage your account effectively, but they have your password! ?
(Available on iOS, Android. Installs: 1,000,000+)
3. Unfollowers & ghost followers
Unfollowers & Ghost Followers - No more supported by Play Store and App Store
This application is also available on the play store. What they frame about themselves will surely attract the users “Find your Unfollowers & Ghost Followers on Instagram and more! Totally Free! No limits!”. Remember, there's no way to know your Ghost followers. ?
(Available on Android. Installs: 1,000,000+)
4. Reports+ for Instagram
Reports - Play Store | App Store
The application Reports+ Followers Analytics for Instagram frames itself to be the most advanced, fastest and the most secure Instagram follower analysis tool in Play Store and AppStore. And they had the best Fake Instagram login page we've ever seen! They even have written it down in bold that Instagram manages your password and we don't store them, but then why don't you list up under Authorized apps? ?
(Available on iOS, Android. Installs: 500,000+)
5. Unfollowers & Ghost Followers for Instagram
Unfollowers & Ghost Followers for Instagram - Play Store | Not on App Store
This app assures the users by framing (“Get the best and most beautiful Instagram management tool on your Android device”) over the web.?
(Available on Android. Installs: 500,000+)
6. Follower tool for Instagram
Follower tool for Instagram - Not on Play Store | Not on App Store
The Followers Tool for Instagram application frames that “You are at the right place if you want to unfollow your unfollowers automatically.” This app tracks your unfollowers (And your passwords and usernames too!), automatically unfollows your lists, makes bulk operations and unfollows all your lists. All of this automation can get your profile suspended forever. ?
(Available on iOS, Android. Installs: 1,000,000+)
7. Unfollowers for Instagram, Lost
Unfollowers for Instagram - Play Store | Not on App Store
This application helps you to find unfollowers (non-followers or lost followers) on Instagram. They even state that “They provide a Login using your Instagram account username and password (Instagram API auth used).” No, we caught your lie! ??
(Available on Android. Installs: 100,000+)
8. Likes & who viewed for Instagram
Likes & who viewed for Instagram - No more supported by Play store and App Store
This app states that if you want to become popular on Instagram, then this app is created specifically for you! It was created for a convenient service to track follows and followers for Instagram and analyze their pages. Sounds nice, nah! ??
(Available on Android. Installs: 100,000+)
9. Unfollow Users for Instagram
Unfollow Users for Instagram - Play Store | Not on App Store
With this app, you can unfollow the users you are following. This app assures the users that it is very easy and quick to unfollow users. And it is free for you to use!??
(Available on Android. Installs: 100,000+)
10. Followers Chief
Followers Chief - Play Store | Not on App Store
With this application, you can see who stopped following you. "Followers Chief" states that it is simple and without ads. ?
(Available on Android. Installs: 100,000+)
11. Unfollowers for Instagram
Unfollowers for Instagram - Play Store | Not on App Store
This application helps you to find unfollowers (non-followers or lost followers) on Instagram. Unfollowers app detects unfollowers on Instagram and shows you a list of users who not follows you back.?
(Available on Android)
12. Lite For Instagram
Lite For Instagram - No more supported by Play store and App Store
It states that it is a secure lite weight android application through which you can browse Instagram and also save photos and videos to your device. If secure, then why it didn’t show up in the list of authorized applications linked with Instagram. ⚡️
(Available on Android. Installs: 100,000+)
13. Cleaner for Instagram Unfollow, Block and Delete
Cleaner for Instagram Unfollow, Block and Delete - Play Store | App Store
With this application, you can mass unfollow Instagram users. I wish this was authorized by Instagram ☹️
(Available on iOS, Android. Installs: 100,000+)
14. Unfollower Fast for Instagram
Unfollower Fast for Instagram - No more supported by Play store and App Store
This app also helps you find Instagram unfollowers. Seems like they sit around to track who unfollowed you and notify you right away. ?
(Available on Android. Installs: 10,000+)
15. Unfollowers+
Unfollowers+ - Play Store | Not on App Store
Unfollowers + for Instagram (Beta) helps you to find your unfollowers, mutual followers, fans and mass unfollow them.?
(Available on Android. Installs: 100,000+)
16. Follower Tracker for Instagram
Follower Tracker for Instagram - No more supported by Play store and App Store
It is a tool for follower analytics on Instagram. It provides the users with the features like Track gained and lost followers, Track the performance of your post, etc.?
(Available on Android. Installs: 10,000+)
17. Unfollowers & Ghost Followers (Follower Insight)
Unfollowers & Ghost Followers (Follower Insight) - No more supported by Play store and App Store
This application finds your Unfollowers & Fans & Mutual Followers & Recent Unfollowers and more.?
(Available on Android. Installs: 10,000+)
18. Follower tracker for Instagram
Follower tracker for Instagram - No more supported by Play store and App Store
With this application, you can find your Instagram Unfollowers, Ghost followers, Loyal followers. ?
(Available on Android. Installs: 10,000+)
19. Unfollowers & Followers for Instagram
Unfollowers & Followers for Instagram - Play Store | Not on App Store
With Unfollowers & Followers for Instagram, you can find who unfollowed you, who follows you, who is not following you back. You can also track new followers, delete followers and just unfollow all non-followers on Instagram.?
(Available on: Android, Installs: 10,000+)
20. Likes+Followers Boost
Likes+Followers Boost - No more supported by Play store and App Store
This application is last on the list. This app frames that you can find your Unfollowers, Ghost Followers for Instagram. They also assure you that you can get more likes, followers, by using trending, unique, and secret hashtags (#tags) ?
(Available on: Android, Installs: 10,000+)
Be smart enough to not be cheated by the phishing webviews
If you see an interface like this, that helps you login using your Instagram details, doesn’t necessarily mean that you are directed to the Instagram page for login. It might be merely a trap in disguise, tracing all your details, just a webview identical to that of Instagram.
There are a surprising number of ways for your personal information to be stolen, accessed, or simply looked at by others. This is because of these review experiences that the apps provide, make phishing attacks are easier.
If Google and Apple update their webview experience by exposing the URL of the website for in-app web view, it can help reduce the phishing attacks from such apps.
We suggest you check under Authorized Apps for any application that you're currently using or connect to in future. You need to be aware and cautious, or else, the web can be a dark place for your privacy.
Related: Here is your guide to Instagram Marketing
We'll love to hear your thoughts on the data privacy of users down in the comments below.
Disclaimer: The names of the applications included in this experiment are subject to change. We will happily remove the name of the apps from the list if any of these are legitimate.
