10 Best Sites to Buy Instagram Followers

The digital marketing landscape, particularly on platforms like Instagram, has undergone significant transformations, presenting formidable challenges for individuals, businesses, and aspiring influencers alike. Organic growth, once a cornerstone of social media strategy, has become increasingly arduous due to dynamic algorithm changes, intense competition, and the ever-evolving expectations of users. This heightened difficulty often compels entities to explore alternative avenues for accelerating their online presence, leading to a burgeoning market for services that promise rapid follower acquisition. 

In this environment, the appeal of purchasing Instagram followers lies in its perceived immediate benefits. A swift increase in follower count can enhance a profile’s visibility, create an illusion of popularity, and generate what is often termed “social proof”. This numerical boost is theoretically intended to attract genuine followers and potential brand partnerships, as a larger audience base is frequently interpreted as a sign of credibility and influence.

The underlying psychological mechanism at play here is that people are inherently more inclined to trust or engage with content that already appears popular, creating a feedback loop where perceived influence can, in some cases, lead to actual engagement. This report serves as a comprehensive guide to the top services for purchasing Instagram followers, with a specific focus on their relevance and utility for users in the USA, Canada, and Australia. The objective is to equip readers with the necessary information to make informed decisions while navigating this complex and often controversial aspect of digital strategy. 

Understanding Your Needs: Key Criteria for Choosing an Instagram Follower Service

Selecting a service for purchasing Instagram followers requires a meticulous evaluation of several critical factors. The efficacy and safety of such an investment hinge on a clear understanding of what constitutes a valuable service and the potential pitfalls to avoid.

Defining “Quality Followers”: Real vs. Bots, Engagement Potential

A fundamental distinction in the realm of follower services is between “real” followers and automated bots or fake accounts. Genuine followers are actual individuals with active Instagram profiles who possess the capacity and inclination to interact meaningfully with content. Conversely, bots and fake accounts, while inflating numerical counts, offer no authentic engagement—they do not like, comment, share, or convert. The presence of a large number of these inactive accounts can severely dilute an account’s engagement rate, which Instagram’s algorithms prioritize, ultimately harming organic reach and overall visibility. 

A significant challenge within this industry is the pervasive claim by many providers to deliver “real,” “genuine,” or “active” followers. However, a consistent pattern emerges from user experiences, which frequently report receiving bots, inactive accounts, or profiles that exhibit no genuine interaction. This stark contradiction between marketing assertions and actual delivery highlights a substantial information asymmetry and a prevalent deceptive practice within the sector. Consequently, prospective users must approach such claims with extreme skepticism, prioritizing independent reviews and exercising due diligence, as the true value of any purchase is directly tied to the quality of the followers received. 

Evaluating Delivery Speed and Reliability

The speed at which followers are delivered is another crucial consideration. While instant delivery might seem appealing for a quick numerical boost, it can paradoxically trigger red flags within Instagram’s sophisticated detection systems. A sudden, unnatural spike in follower count can be identified as suspicious activity, potentially leading to algorithmic penalties or even account suspension. Therefore, a more gradual delivery, mimicking organic growth patterns, is generally preferable for maintaining account integrity and avoiding detection. 

Assessing Customer Support and Guarantees

The quality of customer support and the presence of robust guarantees are vital indicators of a service’s reliability. Reputable providers often advertise 24/7 support, money-back guarantees, and refill policies to address any drops in follower count. However, a recurring theme in user feedback points to a significant disparity between these advertised promises and the actual experience. Reports frequently describe unresponsive, unhelpful, or limited customer service, often restricted to email-only communication. This consistent gap suggests a systemic weakness in the industry’s post-purchase service, implying that once a transaction is completed, recourse for issues may be minimal. Users should temper their expectations regarding support and recognize this as a notable risk factor. 

Pricing Models and Value for Money

Services offer a variety of pricing models and package options. It is imperative for users to look beyond the initial “cheap” price tag and understand what that cost truly delivers in terms of follower quality and long-term impact. A lower price often correlates with lower quality followers (e.g., bots), which can ultimately prove to be a waste of money due to their lack of engagement and the risks they pose to an account’s health. The true value for money should be assessed in terms of the authenticity and potential engagement of the acquired followers, rather than just the raw numbers. 

The Importance of Safety, Privacy, and Compliance with Instagram’s Policies

Account safety and privacy are paramount. Trustworthy services should never require Instagram login credentials; instead, they should only need a username to deliver followers. Furthermore, secure and encrypted payment gateways are essential for protecting financial information. Critically, purchasing followers directly violates Instagram’s Terms of Service. Instagram’s sophisticated algorithms are designed to detect artificial growth, and engaging in such practices can lead to severe penalties, including reduced visibility, account suspension, or even permanent deletion. 

Considerations for Geo-Targeting (USA, Canada, Australia)

For businesses and influencers aiming to cultivate a local or regional impact, the ability to acquire geo-targeted followers is indispensable. This ensures that the new audience is relevant to specific marketing objectives. While some services claim to offer geographic targeting , user reviews frequently contradict these assertions, indicating that the delivery of truly region-specific followers may be limited or non-existent. This discrepancy necessitates careful investigation by users in the USA, Canada, and Australia to ensure that a chosen service can genuinely deliver an audience from their desired locations. 

Top 10 Sites to Buy Instagram Followers for Targeted Growth

This section provides a detailed analysis of leading Instagram follower services, evaluating their offerings against the critical criteria outlined previously, with a particular emphasis on their relevance to users in the USA, Canada, and Australia.

1. Famups: Leading the Charge in Instagram Acceleration

Famups, often identified as Famoid in various analyses , positions itself as a robust solution for enhancing Instagram presence. The service asserts its capability to deliver “Real & Active” followers and offers “Managed Growth” through an “Ad-driven Delivery” system. This system is purported to promote content to a “targeted audience,” thereby attracting “high-quality organic engagement” and ensuring that the Instagram profile is seen by individuals genuinely interested in the content.

Famups places a strong emphasis on user privacy and safety, claiming that no personal information is stored and employing robust data encryption protocols. Furthermore, it advertises 24/7 customer support and a 30-day money-back guarantee for any issues encountered with purchases. The purchasing process is designed to be straightforward, requiring users to simply select a package, enter their username, and complete payment, with various payment options including PayPal, Debit/Credit cards, Apple Pay, and Cryptocurrencies. 

From the perspective of initial credibility and a rapid boost, Famups suggests that acquiring followers can “enhance your profile’s overall credibility and generate hype,” a factor highly valued by brands seeking to broaden their audience reach. The stated goal is to facilitate natural account growth through advertising, promising “instant delivery of a high-quality audience” while simultaneously safeguarding the account from potential bans.  

However, a closer examination of independent assessments reveals important nuances and contradictions. An IDsnews.com review highlights several advantages, such as delivery within a day, transparent pricing, and the absence of a password requirement for transactions. Yet, the same review points out significant limitations: a notable absence of “advanced targeting options” that would allow users to specify demographics or locations, “mixed authenticity” where some acquired followers are reported to be of poor quality or inactive, and “limited rudimentary customer support” primarily accessible via email, lacking live or instant assistance. Another evaluation explicitly states that despite Famoid’s promises of “all real & active” followers, the experience often resulted in “pretty obvious fakes”. 

A critical discrepancy arises concerning geographic targeting. While Famups’ marketing materials emphasize “Ad-Driven Delivery” to a “targeted audience” , the IDsnews.com review directly contradicts this, stating there are “No advanced targeting options – you can’t choose certain demographics/locations”. This inconsistency suggests that the term “targeted” might be used broadly, or that precise geo-targeting for regions like the USA, Canada, or Australia may not be genuinely available or effective. This is a crucial point for users specifically seeking region-specific growth, as it implies that Famups’ utility for highly localized impact might be limited despite its other advertised benefits. Its primary value, therefore, may reside more in providing a general boost to follower count for broader social proof. 

The recurring reports of “fake” or “inactive” followers, despite claims of “real & active” engagement , underscore a broader challenge within the industry: the difficulty in consistently delivering truly authentic engagement. This pattern suggests that even services positioned at the top of the market may struggle with the inherent complexities of providing genuinely active and interested followers, reinforcing the fundamental risks associated with purchasing such services. 

Famups Service Overview

2. Twicsy

Twicsy is frequently cited as a highly reputable Instagram growth service, distinguished by its customizable follower packages and the option to acquire Instagram likes and views. It asserts its commitment to delivering only genuine followers relevant to the user’s account, explicitly stating that it “never uses bots or fake accounts and only works with real people”. The service provides flexibility, allowing users to choose the desired quantity of followers, from a few hundred to as many as 20,000, and promises fast delivery times at affordable prices. Twicsy also offers “active followers” for enhanced exposure and maintains a 24-hour customer support team. 

Despite these strong claims, user experiences, particularly on platforms like Reddit, present a more mixed picture. One Reddit review indicates that “premium” likes, advertised as coming from real profiles, were found to be “inactive accs or bots”. Another user on Reddit stated that Twicsy is “not worth it” and reported “really poor” support, with slow response times and issues with follower drops. This divergence between the service’s claims and user reports regarding follower authenticity and customer support is a recurring theme within the industry. 

3. Buzzoid

Buzzoid is often compared directly with Twicsy, sharing a similar level of experience and offering comparable high-quality Instagram followers. It provides real follower packages ranging from 100 to 20,000 and allows users to upgrade to “premium followers,” which are described as highly active users capable of triggering significant growth. Buzzoid also promises fast delivery times and 24-hour customer support. 

However, user feedback, especially from Reddit and Sitejabber, reveals substantial concerns. Multiple Reddit users reported negative experiences, including a significant drop in engagement and views after purchasing likes, and receiving “bot followers from Vietnam”. Complaints include “really poor” and unresponsive customer support, and the service being “not worth it”. Sitejabber reviews for Buzzoid indicate a low 2-star rating, with flags for suspicious review activity. Common complaints include rapid loss of purchased followers, receipt of fake or bot profiles, poor customer service, non-delivery or partial delivery, and even fraudulent charges. This pattern of issues suggests that while Buzzoid aims for high-quality service, its execution and the authenticity of its followers are frequently questioned by its user base. 

4. Media Mister

Media Mister distinguishes itself with a long history in the social media growth sector, claiming 13 years in business and serving over 270,000 satisfied customers across more than 190 countries. The service emphasizes its commitment to delivering “100% authentic social proof” and “high-impact social signals from real people with active and authentic accounts,” explicitly stating a “no bots, no automation, and no-spam policy”. A significant advantage for users in targeted regions is Media Mister’s provision of “Targeted Services,” enabling the acquisition of followers from specific geographic markets worldwide. The company also offers a money-back guarantee and strong customer support, including live chat and email options. Pricing for various services, including Instagram followers, starts from $2, with delivery times typically ranging from 1 to 2 working days, and initial results appearing within minutes.

User reviews on Reddit offer a mixed perspective. One user provided a positive review of Media Mister’s TikTok follower service, noting that followers “came in smoothly, no weird drops,” and observed an increase in likes and real comments, suggesting a positive impact on the algorithm or user trust. Conversely, another Reddit user reported a “BAD EXPERIENCE,” claiming that “ORDERS MARKED COMPLETED – BUT DID NOT DELIVER. HIGHWAY ROBBERY!” and citing “BAD CUSTOMER CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE, BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE”. This highlights that while Media Mister offers compelling features and a long-standing presence, individual experiences can vary significantly.

5. Plixi

Plixi presents itself as an advanced AI-powered Instagram growth engine designed to deliver “real, targeted followers organically”. It boasts features such as 24/7 automatic growth, AI-Match™ technology for identifying ideal target followers, real-time insights, dedicated growth experts, and cloud-based automation tools. Plixi explicitly states “No bots, no fake followers, no passwords” and claims to be Instagram-compliant. It offers robust targeting options, including location, gender, age, and hashtags, which is particularly relevant for users in USA, Canada, and Australia seeking specific audiences. Delivery is promised within 24 hours, with full potential seen in 7 days, aiming for over 1000 followers per month.

However, the user reviews for Plixi, predominantly from Reddit, are overwhelmingly negative. Multiple users describe the service as a “scam” that “literally don’t do anything” or deliver “super sketchy” and “fake accounts” that are “all bots”. Complaints include unanswered direct messages to followers, stalled cancellation requests despite a money-back guarantee, “AI-generated responses” from customer support, and refusal to issue refunds. Some users reported being double-billed or charged for full years despite agreeing to shorter terms. This stark contrast between Plixi’s advanced technological claims and the widespread negative user experiences suggests a significant disconnect in service delivery and customer satisfaction. 

6. iDigic

iDigic is an Instagram marketing agency with nine years of experience, specializing in providing “real Instagram followers in your target audience”. The service offers choices between “high-quality followers” and “super-quality Insta followers,” maintaining a “zero tolerance for bots”. iDigic promises fast delivery times, with new followers appearing minutes after an order, and provides a guarantee to replace any real users who unfollow the account. It also sells views and likes and supports various payment methods, including credit cards.

Sitejabber reviews for iDigic are mixed, with an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars. While some users praise the quality of followers as “real Instagram people” and note “instant delivery” and “very good” customer service, others report significant issues. Conflicting reviews mention followers decreasing rapidly after purchase, non-delivery of orders, and unhelpful or deceptive customer support responses, including claims of Instagram being down when it was not. This indicates a varied user experience, where the service’s performance can be inconsistent. 

7. InstaPort.me

InstaPort.me operates as a social media marketing agency focused on helping Instagram accounts grow by providing “cheap Instagram followers”. The service emphasizes its commitment to delivering “real followers with real accounts,” explicitly stating that it avoids “fake Instagram followers (bots)” to prevent account suspension. Delivery of purchased followers can take “up to 48 hours”. The service also notes that users should be “willing to pay by PayPal”. 

Specific detailed user reviews for InstaPort.me on Trustpilot, Sitejabber, and Reddit are not readily available in the provided data. General discussions on Reddit about Trustpilot and Sitejabber often highlight concerns about the reliability of these review platforms themselves, suggesting they can be prone to fake reviews or operate as “protection rackets”. This lack of direct, verifiable user feedback for InstaPort.me makes a comprehensive assessment of its follower quality, delivery consistency, and customer support challenging based solely on the provided information. 

8. SocialSavvy Co.

SocialSavvy Co. offers services to acquire up to 1,000 new followers with “reasonably fast delivery”. The service aims to boost engagement rates and draw attention to quality content by providing genuine Instagram followers. However, a notable limitation is the absence of 24/7 customer support. 

Similar to InstaPort.me, specific detailed user reviews for SocialSavvy Co. on Trustpilot, Sitejabber, and Reddit are not comprehensively available in the provided data. The available snippets discuss general issues with review platforms or other companies. This makes it difficult to ascertain the actual quality of followers, consistency of delivery, or responsiveness of customer support for SocialSavvy Co. beyond its stated features. 

9. BuzzWorx

BuzzWorx is an Instagram growth service designed to assist users in boosting organic growth and building brand awareness through the acquisition of Instagram followers. The service focuses on providing “active users” as followers and explicitly states that it does not supply “fake Instagram followers (bots)”. Delivery is typically within 24 hours, and the service aims to offer “low prices” for IG followers. A key characteristic of BuzzWorx is that its new followers “may come from anywhere in the world”. This can be advantageous for influencers targeting a broad global demographic but less ideal for small businesses requiring geographically specific local followers.   

Comprehensive user reviews for BuzzWorx on Trustpilot, Sitejabber, and Reddit are not directly provided in the research material. Some snippets refer to “Buzzworks Business Services” which is a different entity. Without direct user feedback on follower quality, delivery consistency, and customer support specific to BuzzWorx, a thorough evaluation remains limited. 

10. Thunderclap

Thunderclap is recognized as a long-standing player in Instagram growth, offering affordable packages of Instagram followers, likes, and views. It allows users to purchase between 50 to 5,000 high-quality Instagram followers, which can provide a quick boost to an account. The service has expanded its offerings to other social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok, indicating a broad scope of social media marketing services.   

While Thunderclap is highlighted as a top choice for Instagram growth and is noted for its track record, detailed user reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, Sitejabber, or Reddit, focusing specifically on follower quality, delivery speed, and customer support for Instagram followers, are not provided in the available research material. This limits the ability to provide a granular assessment of user experiences with the service.

Risks and Considerations When Buying Instagram Followers

While the prospect of rapidly increasing follower counts can be tempting, particularly for those struggling with organic growth, it is imperative to acknowledge the significant and often detrimental risks associated with purchasing Instagram followers. These risks extend beyond mere financial expenditure and can severely compromise an account’s long-term viability and credibility.

Firstly, buying Instagram followers is a direct violation of Meta’s (Instagram’s parent company) Terms of Service. When an account is created, users explicitly agree to these terms, which prioritize authenticity and genuine engagement. Instagram employs sophisticated machine learning and artificial intelligence to detect irregular growth patterns, bot activity, and fake accounts. If such activities are identified, Instagram is empowered to take severe action against the account, ranging from reduced visibility and warnings to temporary suspension or even permanent deletion. This means any financial investment in purchased followers could be entirely lost if the account is penalized or purged.

Secondly, and perhaps most critically, purchasing fake followers will destroy an account’s reach and engagement. The primary motivation behind buying followers is typically to boost these metrics, but the outcome is often the precise opposite. Purchased followers are almost universally either automated bots or inactive accounts that have no genuine interest in the content being posted. They do not engage with posts by liking, commenting, or sharing, nor do they even see the content as they are not real users actively logging in. Instagram’s algorithms heavily favor content that generates high engagement rates among its existing followers.

For illustrative purposes, consider an account with 1,000 genuine followers and a healthy 20% organic reach (meaning 200 people see each post). If this account then purchases an additional 9,000 fake followers, its total follower count inflates to 10,000. However, the number of genuine engagers remains roughly the same (200). This drastic increase in follower count without a corresponding increase in engagement causes the engagement rate to plummet from 20% to a mere 2%. Instagram’s algorithm interprets this sharp decline in engagement as a signal that the content is of poor quality or no longer relevant to its audience, leading to a significant reduction in the organic reach of future posts. This creates a negative feedback loop where the very action intended to boost visibility actively harms it.

Thirdly, the presence of purchased followers corrupts an account’s analytics data. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as reach, impressions, and engagement rate become distorted and virtually worthless when diluted by a large number of disengaged, fake profiles. This makes it impossible for account owners or marketers to accurately assess content performance, understand their true audience demographics, or formulate effective future strategies. Such skewed data can also present a highly unfavorable picture to stakeholders or potential collaborators. 

Furthermore, acquiring fake followers creates a negative impression and erodes credibility. Savvy users, brands, and potential partners are increasingly adept at identifying inflated follower counts that are not supported by commensurate engagement. A high follower count paired with disproportionately low likes, comments, or shares immediately signals artificiality. This lack of authenticity can deter genuine engagement, prevent brand collaborations, and damage an account’s professional reputation, as brands typically seek partners with both a substantial and genuinely engaged audience. 

Finally, beyond the ineffectiveness and reputational damage, purchasing followers is fundamentally a waste of money. These purchased accounts will not convert into sales, loyal customers, or meaningful brand advocates. Moreover, the industry itself often involves sketchy or exploitative business practices, with some services reportedly relying on “click farms” where poorly paid laborers operate under substandard conditions to create fake accounts. There are even warnings from organizations like NATO’s Strategic Communications Center that money spent on these services may inadvertently funnel into organized crime groups. 

Beyond the Purchase: Strategies for Sustainable Organic Growth

Given the significant risks and often limited long-term benefits associated with purchasing Instagram followers, a more sustainable and genuinely impactful approach to Instagram growth lies in cultivating an authentic audience through organic strategies. These methods focus on building real connections, fostering engagement, and providing consistent value to attract followers who are genuinely interested in the content.

• Create Quality Content: Content remains paramount on Instagram. High-quality images, compelling video, engaging captions, and authentic storytelling are fundamental to attracting and retaining followers. Investing time and resources into visually appealing and relevant posts that resonate with the target audience is crucial for organic growth. 
• Engage with Your Audience: Building a vibrant community on Instagram necessitates active engagement. This involves consistently responding to comments, asking questions in captions to encourage interaction, and actively engaging with followers’ content. Cultivating these relationships leads to organic growth and fosters loyalty, transforming passive viewers into active participants. 
• Utilize Hashtags Wisely: Hashtags are powerful tools for increasing visibility and reach on Instagram. Strategic use involves researching relevant hashtags within a niche and employing a mix of popular, niche-specific, and trending tags to enhance discoverability. 
• Collaborate with Others: Partnering with other users or brands within a similar niche can expose a profile to a broader, relevant audience. Collaborations can take various forms, including joint giveaways, co-hosting events, or cross-promoting content, leveraging existing audiences for mutual growth.  
• Post Consistently: Maintaining a regular posting schedule is vital for keeping a profile active in followers’ feeds and maintaining momentum. Utilizing Instagram Insights can help determine optimal posting times when the target audience is most active, maximizing visibility and engagement.  
• Leverage Instagram Features: Explore and utilize all of Instagram’s features, including Reels, Stories, and Instagram Live, to diversify content and reach different segments of the audience. Each feature offers unique opportunities for engagement and discoverability.
• Analyze Performance: Regularly monitor Instagram Insights to gauge the performance of content and campaigns. Understanding which posts resonate most effectively and identifying audience demographics can inform and refine future content strategies.  
• Paid Advertising: While distinct from buying followers, targeted Instagram ads can be a highly effective and compliant way to reach specific demographics and interests. Unlike purchasing followers, paid ads deliver content to genuinely interested users who are more likely to engage and convert, offering a significantly higher return on investment.  

These organic strategies, though requiring consistent effort and patience, build a foundation of authentic engagement and loyal followers, leading to sustainable and meaningful Instagram growth.

Conclusions and Recommendations

The analysis of services offering Instagram followers reveals a complex landscape where marketing claims frequently diverge from user experiences. While the immediate numerical boost provided by purchasing followers can fulfill the desire for “social proof” and initial visibility, the long-term implications are often detrimental. Services, even those positioned as leaders like Famups (Famoid), face scrutiny regarding the authenticity of their followers and the efficacy of their targeting capabilities. The direct contradiction in Famups’ claims regarding geo-targeting, for instance, underscores a broader industry challenge where precise audience acquisition for regions like the USA, Canada, and Australia may not be reliably delivered despite advertised features. Furthermore, the pervasive reports of “fake” or “inactive” followers across multiple popular services (Twicsy, Buzzoid, Plixi, iDigic) highlight the inherent difficulty in truly acquiring engaged, human followers through these transactional models.

The risks associated with buying followers are substantial and well-documented. These practices violate Instagram’s Terms of Service, exposing accounts to penalties ranging from reduced reach to permanent suspension. Critically, the influx of unengaged or bot followers actively harms an account’s engagement rate, which in turn triggers algorithmic penalties that suppress organic visibility. This renders analytics data unreliable and undermines an account’s credibility, deterring genuine collaborations and audience growth. Moreover, the ethical implications, including potential links to exploitative practices, add another layer of concern.

Recommendations for Instagram Growth in USA, Canada, and Australia:

For individuals and businesses in the USA, Canada, and Australia seeking to enhance their Instagram presence, the following recommendations are paramount:

1. Prioritize Organic Growth Strategies: Invest resources into creating high-quality, engaging content that genuinely resonates with the target audience. Consistent posting, active community engagement, strategic hashtag use, and collaborations are the most effective pathways to sustainable, authentic growth.
2. Exercise Extreme Caution with Follower Services: If considering a follower service for an initial numerical boost, proceed with profound skepticism. Thoroughly vet providers, cross-referencing their claims with independent user reviews (especially on platforms like Reddit, while acknowledging their anecdotal nature). Be wary of services that promise “real” followers without robust, verifiable mechanisms for delivering them, and those that lack transparent or responsive customer support.
3. Verify Geo-Targeting Claims Directly: For targeted growth in specific regions like the USA, Canada, or Australia, directly contact the service provider to confirm their precise geo-targeting capabilities and request evidence of past successful deliveries to these regions. Do not rely solely on general marketing statements.
4. Understand the Trade-offs: Recognize that any purchased followers are unlikely to contribute to genuine engagement or conversions. Their primary, and often fleeting, value is superficial social proof. Be prepared for potential follower drops and the negative impact on engagement metrics.
5. Leverage Paid Advertising for Targeted Reach: For controlled, compliant, and effective audience expansion, invest in Instagram’s native paid advertising features. These tools allow for precise demographic and interest-based targeting, ensuring that content reaches genuinely interested users who are more likely to convert into active followers and customers.

Ultimately, while the allure of quick follower gains is understandable, the long-term success on Instagram is built on authenticity, consistent value delivery, and genuine audience connection. Strategic organic growth, complemented by targeted paid advertising, offers a far more sustainable and rewarding path than the inherent risks and limited returns of purchasing followers.