Nollywood veteran Kanayo O. Kanayo has publicly called out Meta, the parent company of Instagram, over what he describes as unfair treatment regarding his follower count on the platform. The actor, known for his iconic roles in the Nigerian film industry, expressed his frustration in a video message shared on Instagram, stating that his followers have been decreasing for months rather than increasing.
Kanayo, who once had around 2.2 to 2.3 million followers, revealed that his numbers have now dropped to 1.9 million, and he finds it difficult to believe that he has not gained even a thousand new followers in the past seven to eight months. His concerns highlight a growing issue among social media users, particularly content creators and celebrities who rely on these platforms to engage with their audiences.
In his message, Kanayo did not hold back his disappointment, stressing that Instagram’s handling of follower counts appears to be unfair. He pointed out that he is not the only one experiencing this issue, suggesting that many other users, including fellow content creators, are facing similar challenges.
“I have noticed that for the past seven to eight months, my Instagram page followership, which was about 2.2 or 2.3 million, was brought down to 1.9 million. Is it that my followership has not added up to one thousand for seven to eight months? It’s a matter of concern because it’s happening to a lot of people,” Kanayo said in his video.
His remarks reflect the frustrations of many influencers, celebrities, and brands who invest time and effort in growing their online presence, only to experience unexplained drops in engagement and followership. Social media platforms play a crucial role in the digital age, serving as a means for public figures to connect with their fans, promote projects, and share personal updates. However, the lack of transparency in how these platforms manage user engagement has long been a point of contention.
Kanayo emphasized that Instagram should treat users, especially content creators, with more fairness and consideration. He noted that both parties benefit from the platform—content creators bring in engagement, and Instagram profits from the activity generated. Despite this mutual benefit, he argued that content creators are not receiving the fair treatment they deserve.
“We are using a platform that we have no control over, and the way that they are treating us is very bad. So I’m calling on the owners of Instagram to treat us like content creators; it’s beneficial to you as well as it’s complementary beneficial to us,” he added.
The actor’s statement has sparked discussions online, with fans and fellow celebrities weighing in on the issue. Many have shared their own experiences with fluctuating follower counts, reduced engagement, and other platform-related concerns. Some believe Instagram’s algorithm changes and automated systems are responsible for these issues, while others suspect the platform intentionally limits growth for certain accounts.
In recent years, social media platforms, including Instagram, have been criticized for their lack of clarity regarding how they manage user engagement. Some users have accused Instagram of “shadow banning,” a practice where content is restricted or hidden without notification, leading to a decrease in visibility and engagement. While Instagram has denied deliberately suppressing users, many content creators argue that their reach has significantly declined without explanation.
Kanayo’s concerns also align with broader debates about the power social media companies hold over content creators. While platforms provide a space for expression, the lack of control users have over their own audience growth is becoming a growing issue. The unpredictability of Instagram’s algorithm makes it difficult for users to strategize effectively, leaving many feeling at the mercy of the platform’s internal mechanisms.
The veteran actor’s frustration also sheds light on the dependency that public figures and businesses have on social media. In an era where digital presence translates to influence and revenue, losing followers and engagement can impact endorsements, partnerships, and overall brand visibility. For actors, musicians, and influencers, maintaining a strong online presence is often key to securing collaborations and staying relevant in the entertainment industry.
Kanayo O. Kanayo has built a solid fanbase over the years, not just through his acting career but also through his engagement on social media. As an advocate for cultural preservation and a mentor to younger generations in Nollywood, his online presence serves as a crucial platform for sharing insights, engaging with fans, and promoting industry growth.
His call for fairness from Instagram raises an important discussion about the need for greater transparency from social media companies. While platforms like Instagram continuously update their policies and algorithms to improve user experience, they often fail to communicate effectively with users about changes that may affect their reach and engagement.
Following his statement, Kanayo’s supporters have taken to social media to express solidarity, with many urging Instagram to address the issue and provide clearer explanations for declining follower counts. Some have also suggested alternative solutions, such as decentralized social media platforms that offer users more control over their data and audience reach.
As the conversation continues, it remains to be seen whether Instagram will respond to Kanayo’s concerns or take steps to address similar complaints from other users. For now, the Nollywood veteran has sparked a larger discussion about digital visibility, content creator rights, and the evolving relationship between social media platforms and their users.
With social media becoming an essential part of modern communication and entertainment, issues like these highlight the need for content creators to explore multiple platforms and diversify their online presence. While Instagram remains a dominant force in digital engagement, its growing criticisms may push more creators to seek alternative platforms that prioritize transparency and fairness.
Kanayo’s public stance serves as a reminder that even well-established figures are not immune to the challenges of navigating social media. His call to action encourages not just celebrities but everyday users to demand better treatment from platforms that thrive on user-generated content. Whether Instagram will address these concerns remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the conversation about fair treatment on social media is far from over.
