Social media follower counts and online popularity metrics are back under scrutiny after renewed attention on Instagram’s crackdown against fake followers and bot-driven accounts highlighted the scale of artificial engagement linked to global celebrities.
Names including Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Virat Kohli, Kylie Jenner and Cristiano Ronaldo were among personalities referenced in reports surrounding large-scale follower losses after Instagram removed fake accounts and bots from the platform.
The discussion has resurfaced around findings from a 2019 study conducted by the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance, which examined the authenticity of celebrity Instagram audiences. The study claimed that several high-profile celebrities had substantial percentages of fake or inactive followers.
According to the study, television host Ellen DeGeneres ranked among the highest for alleged fake follower counts, with more than 58% of her Instagram following reportedly identified as fake or bot-driven accounts.
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The report had also pointed to a broader trend within the entertainment industry, where social media validation and follower counts increasingly influence celebrity branding, endorsements and online visibility.
In India, the issue had previously led to investigations into fake follower rackets operating across social media platforms. In 2021, Priyanka Chopra Jonas was reportedly summoned by Mumbai Police in connection with inquiries linked to the fake follower case, though the actor did not publicly comment on the matter.
Instagram has periodically conducted large-scale cleanups aimed at removing spam profiles, automated bots and fake engagement networks from the platform. Parent company Meta
has said such actions are intended to improve authenticity, platform trust and advertiser confidence.
The issue remains significant for brands and advertisers as celebrity endorsements and influencer marketing continue to attract large advertising spends globally. Social media following has increasingly become a key metric for partnerships, promotions and digital campaigns across entertainment, sports and lifestyle sectors.
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The resurfaced discussion has once again drawn attention to how follower counts are measured and the growing challenge platforms face in tackling artificial engagement online.
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First Published on May 8, 2026, 15:04:05 IST