Proxies for Mass Following on Instagram and TikTok: How to Get 500+ Followers Without Bans

Mass following remains one of the most effective ways to organically promote accounts on Instagram, TikTok, and VK. However, in 2024, the platforms have strengthened their anti-spam algorithms: exceeding limits, using automation services, or suspicious activity can lead to shadow bans, temporary blocks, or complete account deletion. In this article, we will discuss how to properly configure proxies for mass following, what limits to observe, and which tools to use to keep client accounts safe.

If you are an SMM specialist managing multiple accounts or an agency with dozens of projects, this guide will help you build a safe mass following system with minimal risk of bans.

Why Social Media Bans Mass Following

Instagram, TikTok, and VK view mass following as spam activity that degrades user experience. The algorithms of these platforms analyze dozens of behavior parameters to distinguish a real user from a bot or automated tool.

Main Triggers for Bans

1. Exceeding Action Limits. Each platform has internal limits on the number of subscriptions, likes, and comments per hour and per day. For Instagram, this is about 150-200 subscriptions per day for new accounts and up to 400-500 for warmed-up ones. TikTok is more lenient — up to 300-400 subscriptions per day, VK — about 100-150. Exceeding these values immediately raises suspicions.

2. Same IP Address for Multiple Accounts. If you manage 10 accounts from one IP, the platform sees this as suspicious activity. It is especially dangerous if the accounts behave synchronously: subscribing to the same users, liking at the same time. This is a classic sign of automation.

3. Suspicious Behavior Patterns. Robotic activity is easily recognizable: identical intervals between actions (every 30 seconds), lack of viewing Stories, direct messages, comments — only subscriptions. Algorithms also analyze scrolling speed, clicks on profiles, and content viewing time.

4. Use of Data Center IPs. Many cheap proxies operate through data centers — server IP addresses that are easily identified by platforms. Instagram and TikTok maintain blacklists of such addresses, and accounts operating through them receive shadow bans or feature blocks.

5. Geolocation Mismatches. If an account is registered in Moscow but activity comes from an IP in the Netherlands or the USA — this is a red flag. Platforms require consistency between the account's geolocation and the IP address.

Which Proxies are Suitable for Mass Following

Choosing the type of proxy is a critically important decision for the safety of mass following. Different types of proxies have different levels of trust from platforms, speed, and cost. Let's examine each type in detail.

Residential Proxies — The Optimal Choice

Residential proxies use IP addresses of real home users assigned by Internet Service Providers. For Instagram, TikTok, and VK, such IPs appear as regular users, minimizing the risk of bans.

Advantages for Mass Following:

• High Trust from Platforms. Residential IPs do not get blacklisted as they belong to regular users.
• Geographical Accuracy. You can choose IPs from a specific city or region, which is important for local targeting (for example, promoting a Moscow café through Moscow IPs).
• Low CAPTCHA Rate. Social networks rarely request confirmation via CAPTCHA when working with residential IPs.
• Long-Term Stability. One residential IP can be used for one account for months without issues.

Disadvantages:

• Higher cost compared to data center proxies (from $5-15 per GB of traffic).
• Limited speed — usually up to 10-50 Mbps, as these are real home connections.

When to Use: For valuable client accounts, commercial projects, working with Instagram and TikTok. If you manage 10-50 accounts and cannot afford bans — residential proxies are essential.

Mobile Proxies — Maximum Protection

Mobile proxies operate through IP addresses of mobile operators (MTS, Beeline, Tele2). This is the most trusted type of IP for social networks, as most users of Instagram and TikTok access from mobile devices.

Advantages:

• Maximum Trust. Social networks almost never ban mobile IPs, as one IP can be used by thousands of real users of the operator.
• Dynamic IP Rotation. Many mobile proxies automatically change IPs every 10-30 minutes, making detection even more difficult.
• Suitable for Aggressive Strategies. You can perform more actions per day without the risk of a ban.

Disadvantages:

• High cost — from $50-150 per IP per month.
• The shared IP is used by many users, which can lead to problems if someone violates platform rules.

When to Use: For particularly valuable accounts (brands, influencers with an audience of 100K+), recovering blocked accounts, working with new accounts during the warm-up period.

Data Center Proxies — Only for Testing

Data center proxies are server IP addresses that do not belong to Internet Service Providers. They are fast and cheap but are easily recognized by social networks as suspicious.

Advantages:

• Low cost — from $1-3 per IP per month.
• High speed — up to 1 Gbps.
• Stable IP address.

Disadvantages:

• High risk of bans on Instagram and TikTok.
• Frequent CAPTCHAs and security checks.
• Many IPs are already on the platforms' blacklists.

When to Use: Only for test accounts, VK (a more lenient platform towards data center IPs), data scraping without authorization. Not recommended for commercial mass following on Instagram and TikTok.

Comparative Table of Proxy Types

Safe Subscription and Action Limits in 2024

Adhering to limits is the foundation of safe mass following. Platforms constantly adjust their algorithms, so it is important to keep track of current data. Below are verified limits for early 2024, based on the experience of SMM specialists and agencies.

Instagram Limits

Instagram is the strictest platform regarding automation. Limits depend on the age of the account, level of activity, and reputation.

New Accounts (0-3 months):

• Subscriptions: 20-50 per day in the first week, gradually increasing to 100-150 by the end of the first month
• Unsubscriptions: no more than 50 per day
• Likes: 100-200 per day
• Comments: 20-50 per day
• Direct Messages: 20-30 per day
• Intervals between actions: 30-60 seconds with randomization

Warmed-Up Accounts (3-6 months):

• Subscriptions: 200-300 per day
• Unsubscriptions: 100-150 per day
• Likes: 300-500 per day
• Comments: 50-100 per day
• Direct Messages: 50-70 per day
• Intervals between actions: 20-45 seconds

Old Accounts (6+ months, good reputation):

• Subscriptions: 400-500 per day (maximum)
• Unsubscriptions: 200-300 per day
• Likes: 500-800 per day
• Comments: 100-150 per day
• Direct Messages: 70-100 per day
• Intervals between actions: 15-40 seconds

TikTok Limits

TikTok is more lenient towards mass following but also has protective mechanisms.

New Accounts (0-2 months):

• Subscriptions: 50-100 per day
• Likes: 200-300 per day
• Comments: 30-50 per day
• Video Views: unlimited, but it's important to watch to the end

Warmed-Up Accounts (2+ months):

• Subscriptions: 300-400 per day
• Likes: 500-700 per day
• Comments: 100-150 per day
• Intervals: 20-40 seconds between actions

VK Limits

VK has strict technical limits specified in its API.

• Subscriptions: 100-150 per day (official limit — 1000 subscriptions per account)
• Likes: 200-300 per day
• Comments: 50-100 per day
• Messages: 20-40 per day (strict anti-spam filters)

General Safety Rules

1. Randomization of Intervals. Never perform actions with the same interval. If the average interval is 30 seconds, use a range from 20 to 45 seconds. Add random pauses of 2-5 minutes every 20-30 actions.

2. Imitating Human Behavior. Between subscriptions, view Stories, like posts, read comments. Automation tools should support these functions.

3. Working Hours. Perform mass following only during the target audience's working hours (8:00 AM - 11:00 PM local time of the account). Night activity is a red flag for algorithms.

4. Days Off and Breaks. Take 1-2 days off each week. This reduces suspicion and gives the account a "rest."

5. Gradual Increase in Activity. If you started with 50 subscriptions per day, do not jump straight to 300. Increase by 20-30% each week.

Tools for Mass Following: What to Choose

The choice of tool for mass following depends on the scale of tasks, budget, and technical skills. Let's look at popular solutions for SMM specialists in 2024.

Cloud Automation Services

Instato, Ingramer, Combin. These are cloud platforms that work through a browser. They do not require software installation and support built-in proxies.

Advantages:

• Ease of use — intuitive interface
• Built-in safe limits and randomization
• Work 24/7 without the need to keep a computer on
• Support for multiple accounts in one panel

Disadvantages:

• Monthly subscription from $15-50 per account
• Limited customization of scenarios
• Risk of mass bans if the service gets blacklisted by Instagram

When to Use: For small agencies with 5-20 accounts, beginners in SMM, projects with a limited budget for development.

Desktop Applications

Jarvee, FollowAdder (outdated), SocialCaptain. Programs that are installed on a computer and emulate user actions.

Advantages:

• Full control over settings and scenarios
• Ability to use your own proxies
• One-time purchase or low subscription

Disadvantages:

• Require a constantly running computer or VPS server
• Complex setup for beginners
• Many old tools (Jarvee, Massplanner) no longer work after Instagram API updates

When to Use: If you have technical skills and your own server, for maximum control over the process.

Anti-Detect Browsers with Automation

Dolphin Anty, AdsPower, Multilogin. These are anti-detect browsers originally created for multi-accounting in arbitrage, but they can be used for mass following through extensions or scripts.

Advantages:

• Each account operates in an isolated environment with a unique digital fingerprint
• Built-in proxy support with automatic checking
• Ability to connect extensions for automation (e.g., Selenium IDE)
• Security at the level of browser hardware parameters

Disadvantages:

• Require manual setup of automation or use of third-party scripts
• Cost from $10-100 per month depending on the number of profiles

When to Use: For agencies working with dozens of accounts, where maximum security and isolation are important. Especially relevant if you are already using anti-detect browsers for other tasks (arbitrage, e-commerce).

Mobile Applications

Inflact (web + mobile app), AiGrow. Services with mobile applications for managing mass following.

Advantages:

• Working from a real mobile device reduces the risk of bans
• Ease of management through a smartphone
• Automatic use of the device's mobile IP

Disadvantages:

• Limited functionality compared to desktop solutions
• Difficulty scaling to dozens of accounts

When to Use: For managing 1-5 personal accounts, micro-influencers, testing strategies.

Comparative Table of Tools

Setting Up Proxies for Mass Following: Step-by-Step Instructions

Properly setting up proxies is a critically important step. Mistakes at this stage can lead to bans, even if you are using high-quality residential or mobile proxies. Let's consider the setup using popular tools as an example.

Setting Up Proxies in Dolphin Anty

Dolphin Anty is one of the most popular anti-detect browsers for multi-accounting. It supports HTTP, HTTPS, and SOCKS5 proxies.

Step 1: Create a Browser Profile

1. Open Dolphin Anty and click "Create Profile"
2. Select the operating system (Windows or macOS is recommended for Instagram)
3. Name the profile (e.g., "Instagram_Account_1")

Step 2: Configure the Proxy

1. In the "Proxy" section, select the type: HTTP, HTTPS, or SOCKS5 (SOCKS5 is recommended for Instagram)
2. Enter the proxy details:
   • Host: Proxy IP address (e.g., 123.45.67.89)
   • Port: Proxy port (e.g., 8080)
   • Login: Username (if authentication is required)
   • Password: Password
3. Click "Check Proxy" — the system will check availability and show the IP geolocation

Step 3: Configure the Digital Fingerprint

1. Enable "Automatic Fingerprint Generation" — Dolphin will create unique browser parameters (screen resolution, fonts, WebGL, Canvas)
2. In the "Geolocation" section, select "Determine by Proxy IP" — this will ensure consistency between geolocation and IP
3. In the "Language and Time Zone" section, also select "By Proxy IP"

Step 4: Save and Launch

1. Save the profile
2. Click "Launch" — a browser with the configured proxy will open
3. Go to the site 2ip.ru or whoer.net and check that the IP matches your proxy

Setting Up Proxies in AdsPower

AdsPower is an alternative to Dolphin Anty with more advanced automation features.

Step 1: Create a Profile

1. In the main menu, click "New Profile"
2. Select the platform: "Social Media" → "Instagram"
3. Name the profile

Step 2: Configure the Proxy

1. Open the "Proxy" section
2. Select "Custom Proxy"
3. Enter the details in the format: socks5://username:password@host:port
4. Click "Check" — AdsPower will show the IP, country, city, provider

Step 3: Configure the Environment

1. In the "Main Settings" section, select User-Agent (mobile is recommended for Instagram: iPhone or Android)
2. Enable "Sync Time Zone with Proxy"
3. Enable "Sync Language with Proxy"
4. In the "WebRTC" section, select "Replace with Proxy IP" — this will prevent real IP leaks through WebRTC

Step 4: Launch and Check

1. Save the profile and launch the browser
2. Check the IP on browserleaks.com — ensure there are no DNS, WebRTC, Canvas leaks
3. Log into Instagram and authenticate

Setting Up Proxies in Cloud Services (Instato, Combin)

Cloud services usually have built-in proxy support with simplified setup.

Example for Instato:

1. Go to the Instato control panel
2. Go to the "Accounts" section → "Add Account"
3. Enter the login and password of the Instagram account
4. In the "Proxy" section, select "Use Own Proxy"
5. Enter the proxy details in the format: host:port:username:password
6. Click "Check Connection"
7. If the check is successful, click "Save"

Now all actions of this account (subscriptions, likes, comments) will be performed through the specified proxy.

Checking the Correctness of Proxy Setup

After setting up, be sure to check that the proxy is working correctly and there are no data leaks.

Verification Checklist:

1. IP Address: Go to 2ip.ru — ensure the proxy IP is displayed, not your real one
2. Geolocation: Check that the country and city match the proxy
3. DNS Leaks: Open dnsleaktest.com and run the test — DNS servers should match the country of the proxy
4. WebRTC Leaks: Open browserleaks.com/webrtc — ensure your real IP is not displayed
5. Speed: Run speedtest.net — ensure the speed is sufficient for comfortable work (minimum 5 Mbps)

If any of the checks fail — do not use this proxy for commercial accounts. Data leaks will lead to account linking and bans.

Warming Up Accounts Before Mass Following

Warming up is the process of mimicking natural user behavior in the first weeks of an account's existence. New accounts are under special scrutiny from Instagram and TikTok algorithms, so starting mass following immediately after registration is a guaranteed path to a ban.

Why Warming Up is Necessary

Platforms analyze account behavior in the first 2-4 weeks to determine whether it is a real user or a bot. Accounts that immediately start mass subscriptions without content, Stories, or comments are instantly flagged as suspicious.

Warming up helps:

• Create a history of activity that looks natural
• Increase the "trust" of algorithms in the account
• Avoid shadow bans and feature blocks
• Increase action limits faster

4-Week Warming Up Plan

Week 1: Minimal Activity

• Complete your profile: avatar, bio, website link
• Post 3-5 posts (can be scheduled in advance)
• Manually subscribe to 10-15 accounts (competitors, niche leaders)
• Like 20-30 posts per day in your niche
• View 10-15 Stories per day
• Leave 3-5 comments on other users' posts
• DO NOT use automation! All actions manually.

Week 2: Increasing Activity

• Continue filling out the profile with additional posts and interactions
• Gradually increase the number of subscriptions to 30-50 per day
• Engage more with Stories and comments
• Start using automation tools cautiously, ensuring they mimic human behavior