Taylor Swift’s Instagram following has taken a hit in recent weeks, according to data from analytics website Social Blade.

Newsweek reached out to Swift’s representative via email for comment on Thursday.

Why It Matters

The shift in Swift’s Instagram follower count has attracted widespread attention due to the timing—coinciding with the release of her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl. The controversy over Swift’s alleged use of artificial intelligence (AI) for album promotion has sparked a debate about artistic authenticity and the increasing use of AI in creative industries. For a global pop icon known for championing creative integrity, changes in fan sentiment—and social media engagement—may signal broader implications for the relationship between celebrities and their audiences in the era of emerging technologies.

What To Know

According to Social Blade, Swift’s Instagram following hovered at approximately 282 million in early September, before dipping to around 281.98 million by mid-October. Over the last month, the platform’s statistics indicate the 14-time Grammy Award winner lost nearly 200,000 followers, representing about 0.07 percent of her total followers. The detailed analytics also show frequent fluctuations, with some days of gains and others of significant losses—such as a decrease of 38,884 followers on October 5 but an increase of 10,722 followers on October 7—as Swift’s promotional campaign for her new album intensified.

Contrary to some social media reports and articles claiming losses of up to 1 million followers, the actual verified data suggests a more moderate decline over the past 30 days. As noted by PopRant, Instagram rounds off numbers for high-profile accounts, leading to misconceptions about dramatic drops. There is also no verified data about follower changes on X at this time, and it is unknown how many of those that have unfollowed Swift are bots.

Much of the decrease lined up with public discussions and outrage over Swift’s alleged promotional use of AI-generated graphics and alternate reality games, particularly the “orange door” puzzle, which involved QR-coded videos distributed globally. Simultaneously, her TikTok follower count increased by 300,000 in the last 30 days, according to Social Blade, indicating engagement shifts may not be uniform across platforms.

Last year, Swift spoke out about her “fears” surrounding AI while endorsing former Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.

“Recently I was made aware that AI of ‘me’ falsely endorsing Donald Trump’s presidential run was posted to his site,” she wrote on Instagram in September 2024. “It really conjured up my fears around AI, and the dangers of spreading misinformation.”

What People Are Saying

The Life of a Showgirl has so far had mixed reviews from critics and fans.

Pitchfork gave it a 5.9 rating and called the album: “a little schmaltzy.”

Esquire said Swift: “too often settles for overworked metaphors, characters and one-liners.”

Rolling Stone, meanwhile, gave it a glowing review and wrote: “Showgirl feels like the culmination of so many of her favorite stories…serving up 12 pop bangers.”

ABC News shared: The songs contain “a treasure trove of deliciously quotable lines.”

Brand strategist Morgan Battista said in a social media video with 1.5 million views: “The Life of a Showgirl is flopping…There was an incongruence between the world that was built and then the actual songs.”

Swift fan account @Moonlightswift9 wrote on X in a post with 25,700 views and 2,100 likes: “Everyone was hating on this album but for me it’s her best one ever. Officially my #1 favorite Taylor album, even surpassing 1989! I’m not even lying, it’s so good, the instruments, the production. First time I’ve danced to a Taylor album since 1989 and Lover!”

What Happens Next?

The minor reduction in Instagram followers may not have a direct impact on her commercial success in the near future. Her companion concert film, The Official Release Party of a Show Girl, debuted at No. 1 at the global box office, opening with $46 million worldwide, including $33 million domestically and $13 million internationally, during its three-day run, Variety reported.

Her album also shattered Adele’s record for most first-week sales, according to Rolling Stone, and she broke Spotify’s record for most streamed album in a day.