u/AltruisticExpert9227

I’m trying to understand the current logic behind how the "Following" list is ordered when I am viewing a profile that I do follow, but looking at their list of who they follow.

I’ve noticed a specific account consistently appearing at the very top (top 1-3) of a friend's following list. I want to know what triggers that high of a ranking.

Here are the variables:

• Mutuals: The account has about 15-20 mutual followers with the person I’m viewing.

• My Account: I do NOT follow the account that is ranking at the top.

• Frequency: This account stays at the top regardless of when I check.

My questions for the experts:

1. Is the "Following" list still sorted by interaction (DMs, profile visits, likes) from the account owner’s side?

2. If I don't follow that top person, why would Instagram prioritize them to me over other people they follow?

3. Does being in the same physical city (Geo-location) influence the rank of their "Following" list when I view it?

4. Is it possible for an "old" follow (someone followed years ago) to stay at the very top if there has been zero recent interaction, or does the algorithm require recent "signals" to keep them there?

Looking for a technical explanation of the current 2026 API/Algorithm behavior if anyone has insight. Thanks!

I (M27) have been with my GF (F29) for 10 months (LDR). We’ve met families and talked marriage. She is currently in Spain; I’m in Philly.

She recently traveled to Berlin. I noticed she mutually follows a local DJ who performs in Berlin.

I asked who he was. I said im not mad im not saying she did anything wrong. I just said i saw she mutually follows a DJ in Berlin. She said: "I don’t know any DJ in Berlin." I said OK. she again said she doesnt know any dj in Berlin. Again i just said ok.

She asked for a screenshot and i quickly found him near the top of her 2k following list.

Once confronted with proof, the story immediately changed to: "He’s actually an old friend from 10 years ago." this is true, shes in a group photo on his page from many years ago. She said she didnt even know he was a dj or live in berlin and hasnt talked to or seen him in years.

They are now at the top of eachother's "Following" list s on IG, suggesting a very recent connection, not a 10-year-old one. Why would they be at the top of eachother's follow lists if they hadnt had engagement for many years? (checked from new neutral IG account)

I said its a coincidence and she said its not and i found myself arguing to her whether seeing a mutual follower who's a club DJ in Berlin days after she returned from Berlin with her friends is a coincidence or not.

She said her ex used to ask her questions when he was cheating on her and she's not stupid and she "knows how this goes."

She said she feels like she's in jail even though I let her go to the club with her friends and she goes every few months. She says it's not that I'm asking her questions, its ok to ask qurstions, but it's how I'm asking her questions and it makes her feel like she hast to defend herself. But anytime I've ever ask her a questions such as the question about the DJ and her having condoms next to her bed (she's on birth control we dont use condoms)... and others. All I did was say what I found and ask about it and then, when she answered, I said OK.

Is this a sign of infidelity or maybe something in between or should I believe her? Thank you.

TL;DR