Engagement PODS are groups of people who like each other’s posts to fake likes and engagement.
Spotting an engagement pod is obvious. Have you ever seen an account whose posts are constantly filled with comments by the same set of accounts? Accounts that have a similar engagement patterns? Chances are, they are using Engagement PODS.
Those who use engagement pods are just holding themselves back from growing organically. By only exposing your content to the same people repeatedly, you are limiting your reach and also increasing the likelihood of you being shadow banned. While this can help you sustain a low level of engagement, it doesn’t help to grow your following.
There are several different types of Pods:
- Niche pods are where all members are part of a distinct industry or niche.
- Like pods are where all members interact by liking posts.
- Comment Pods are where all members interact by leaving comments rather than liking posts.
Instagram have announced its commitment to reducing inauthentic activity on Instagram by cracking down on bots, spam, fake accounts, and false engagement. Facebook put the Instagram pod community on notice by suspending 10 Instagram engagement groups. Instagram pods are banned. If you engage in them you’re running a real risk of being banned from the platform. After all, fake engagement is against Instagram community guidelines.
Did you know that fake likes and comments affect your organic engagement, which makes it hard to figure out what content is really doing well with your target audience. Fake engagement does nothing to help you sell your products. This is bad for your bottom line, and can be catastrophic for collaborations.