Follower Growth Rate
Quick definition
Follower growth rate is the net change in followers over a period, expressed as a percentage of followers at the start.
Formula
Follower Growth Rate = (New Followers − Lost Followers) ÷ Followers at Start × 100
Formula variables
- New Followers
- Followers gained during the period.
- Lost Followers
- Followers who unfollowed or were removed during the period.
- Followers at Start
- The follower count at the start of the period.
Worked example
- Followers at start
- 10,000
- New followers
- 700
- Lost followers
- 200
(700 − 200) ÷ 10,000 × 100
Result: 5%
Net growth of 500 followers is 5% of the starting audience. The figures are illustrative.
How definitions differ
- Gross growth
- New Followers ÷ Followers at Start × 100
- Some reports ignore losses. This overstates growth when people unfollow.
- Sampling period
- Rates over different lengths of time cannot be compared directly.
How to interpret it
The rate puts growth in proportion to account size, so large and small accounts can be compared. It shows audience size, not audience quality.
Pair it with engagement rate to see whether new followers interact.
When it is useful
- Tracking audience growth over time.
- Comparing accounts of different sizes.
- Measuring the effect of campaigns aimed at gaining followers.
Limitations
- Followers can be inactive, purchased or automated accounts.
- Net growth hides gains offset by losses.
- It does not reflect reach or engagement.
Common mistakes
- Using gross growth without saying so.
- Comparing periods of different lengths.
- Treating growth as a business result.