One of the most popular social media sites worldwide is Instagram. The app appears to know exactly who to suggest, what content to display, and even—surprisingly—who you might actually know in real life each time you launch it. You may be curious about how Instagram establishes those connections if you’ve ever seen the recommendation titled “Who You Might Know Is on Instagram.”
There is something eerie about it. You haven’t looked for these individuals. You’ve never communicated with them on the internet. Nevertheless, there they are—your neighbor, a former classmate, or a person you saw last week at a coffee shop. This feature isn’t arbitrary. Instagram’s insanity has a method.
Why “Who You Might Know Is on Instagram” Shows Up
Instagram gathers information from both inside and outside the app to create the recommendations you see under “Who You Might Know.” Let’s examine some of the most popular criteria Instagram uses to suggest users in order to provide you with a better understanding:
| Factor | How It Contributes to Suggestions |
| Mutual Followers | You both follow or are followed by the same people |
| Contacts Synced | You’ve synced your phone contacts, and so have they |
| Facebook Connections | Linked accounts or shared friends on Facebook |
| Location and Proximity | You’ve been in the same physical space frequently |
| Engagement Patterns | You’ve liked or viewed similar content or hashtags |
| Search History | One of you has searched for the other |
| Profile Views | Someone viewed your profile or you viewed theirs |
Therefore, it’s not magic if you’ve ever been taken aback by a suggestion that seems overly personal. Instagram’s algorithm is to blame.
What Does “Who You Might Know” Actually Mean?
Instagram is essentially saying, “Here’s someone we think you probably know or want to connect with,” when it displays this phrase.
It’s not a given. They may be completely unknown to you. However, Instagram believes there might be a connection because there is enough overlapping data between you and the recommended individual.
It gets it right sometimes. It can be hilariously off at times. However, most of the time, there is at least one thread, no matter how thin, that connects you two on a social or digital level.
How Instagram Gathers These Connections
Instagram’s suggestion engine’s inner workings are both intriguing and a little unnerving. Here’s a closer look at how it could be functioning:
Phone Contacts
Instagram can cross-check names, phone numbers, and even emails with other users if you’ve given it access to your contacts. Instagram might recommend that person to you—or you to them—if the match is strong.
Facebook Integration
Because Instagram is owned by Meta, if your accounts are linked, Instagram can access your Facebook connections. Five years ago, you had a conversation on Facebook Messenger with that friend of a friend. They may now appear on Instagram.
Shared Activity and Interests
Perhaps you have engaged with similar niche content or left comments on the same meme pages. Instagram can conclude, “Hey, maybe they know each other,” based on that.
Common Networks and Tags
Workplaces, schools, events, hashtags, you name it. Instagram may establish a connection between two users if they interact with comparable content or are tagged in the same location, even at different times.
Location Tracking
People are surprised by this one. If you and another user regularly visit the same physical location, like the same gym, university, or office complex, Instagram might interpret it as a signal.
Can You Stop These Suggestions?
You’re not alone if the thought of Instagram speculating about your social connections makes you uneasy. The good news? To lessen these kinds of recommendations, you can do the following:
- In the settings, turn off contact syncing.
- Cut off your Instagram and Facebook accounts.
- Limit your phone’s app permissions and stay away from people you don’t want to be connected to.
- Delete the history of your searches.
Although you won’t become invisible as a result of these actions, there will be less activity related to personal suggestions.
Are These People Getting Suggested You Too?
Yes, without a doubt. It’s likely that if you see someone listed under “Who You Might Know,” they’re also considering you as a potential acquaintance. The algorithm’s confidence is increased if the data links are reciprocal, such as when you have viewed each other’s profiles or are in each other’s contacts.
Therefore, it’s worthwhile to review your privacy settings and connections on Instagram if you’re attempting to maintain a low profile or prevent certain people from finding you.
Is This a Privacy Concern?
With these features, Instagram doesn’t technically violate your privacy. But by employing so many distinct signals to generate educated guesses, the platform does tread carefully. Even though this type of behavioral prediction is done within the app’s permissions, it may feel intrusive to users who value their digital privacy.
Privacy remains a hot topic in 2025. Furthermore, it is continuously called into question by features like “Who You Might Know.” The majority of users don’t read the fine print, even though Instagram is open about many of its features. Confusion—and sometimes mistrust—can arise there.
Final Thoughts on “Who You Might Know Is on Instagram”
There’s more to the phrase “Who You Might Know Is on Instagram” than meets the eye. This intricate, data-driven feature demonstrates the extent to which social media platforms can infiltrate our online lives. Finding someone you met briefly or reconnecting with an old friend can be beneficial, but it can also lead to privacy issues and unwelcome connections.
It’s worthwhile to check your settings and be careful about the permissions you give if you want a more private digital footprint. For the majority of users, however, this feature is just another example of Instagram’s continuous efforts to keep you involved and connected—with both familiar and occasionally forgotten people.
FAQs
Why does Instagram display users with whom I have never interacted?
Because Instagram suggests connections even when there hasn’t been a direct interaction by using indirect signals like mutual followers, synchronized contacts, and location history.
Can someone check to see if I’ve looked at their Instagram profile?
Instagram does not alert users when their profile is viewed. However, the “Who You Might Know” algorithm might be influenced by frequent views.
Will someone still appear in suggestions if I block them?
Not at all. You won’t show up in their suggestions after you’ve blocked them, and they shouldn’t show up in yours either.
Do all relevant suggestions disappear when I delete my contact list?
Not totally. Though previously suggested users might continue to appear for some time, it decreases future suggestions based on contacts.
How can I disable the “Who You Might Know” recommendations?
Although you can’t completely turn off the feature, you can drastically cut down on these suggestions by unlinking Facebook and turning off contact syncing.
Why do I keep seeing people from my past on Instagram?
Instagram may make recommendations based on historical data, such as past contacts or interactions, particularly if those users re-engage with the platform.
Is granting Instagram access to my contacts safe?
Although it requires providing Instagram with more data, it is safe in terms of app functionality. Features like “Who You Might Know” and friend recommendations are powered by this data.
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