What Does Unfollow Mean? | Social Media Glossary

"Unfollow" refers to the action of stopping following someone or something on social media to no longer receive updates from them.

What does “Unfollow” mean in the context of social media?

Unfollow is the action of choosing to stop following a social media account, whether it’s a person, brand, or page. This means you will no longer see their posts, updates, or content in your feed. Users may unfollow someone to avoid seeing content they no longer find interesting, relevant, or aligned with their interests. Unlike blocking, unfollowing doesn’t prevent the person from following you back or engaging with your content.

The Unfollow feature exists across most social media platforms, such as Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok, giving users greater control over what they see and engage with online.

Example

I had to unfollow that account because their posts were just too repetitive.

What are ways to use “Unfollow” on social media?

You might unfollow an account if their content is no longer appealing to you, if you want to declutter your feed, or if you’re looking for more relevant content. It’s an easy way to curate your social media experience without completely disconnecting from the user (which would be the case if you blocked them).

In some cases, people unfollow others to maintain boundaries, especially when content feels overwhelming or intrusive.

Pro Tip

If you’re unsure about unfollowing someone, consider muting their content instead. Muting allows you to stay connected without receiving regular updates.