Investigating Social Media Fandom:
A recent study conducted by the Japanese iGaming site 6takarakuji delves into the realm of social media fandom, specifically focusing on Instagram, to identify Premier League teams with the highest percentage of suspected fake followers.
Burnley Tops the List:
Topping the list is Burnley, with a staggering 36.86% of their 691,900 Instagram followers predicted as likely fake.
Notably, Burnley’s self-proclaimed championship post from April 25, 2023, garnered substantial likes, contributing to their dubious fan percentage.
Bournemouth and Fulham Follow:
In second place is Bournemouth, boasting 799,400 followers, of which an estimated 35.52% are believed to be fake.
Fulham secures the third spot, with 34.44% of their one million followers identified as potentially fake, outpacing Burnley in average likes per post.
Crystal Palace, West Ham, and Beyond:
Crystal Palace claims the fourth spot, with 33.62% of their 1.8 million followers considered fake.
West Ham United, boasting the most substantial following in the top 10 with four million followers, occupies fifth place, with 31.32% estimated fake fans.
Everton, Brighton, Sheffield United, Brentford, and Aston Villa:
The rankings continue with Everton (30.04%), Brighton and Hove Albion (29.32%), Sheffield United (28.84%), Brentford (27.05%), and Aston Villa (26.63%) completing the top 10, each with a notable percentage of suspected fake followers.
The Genuine Fandom:
On the flip side, clubs like Luton Town, Nottingham Forest, and Manchester United emerge as the top three with the highest percentage of genuine Instagram followers, showcasing a more authentic social media fanbase.
Insights from 6takarakuji:
Sayaka Yamamoto, the Content Manager of 6takarakuji, reflects on the findings, emphasizing the intrigue of uncovering fake followers in the world’s biggest football league.
Yamamoto acknowledges Burnley’s paradoxical high support despite fake followers and provides tips to identify fake accounts, including missing details, stock images, or limited posts.
The prevalence of suspected fake fans on social media within the Premier League raises questions about the dynamics of online fandom.
The study sheds light on the disparity in fan engagement, with some clubs experiencing a higher percentage of potential fake followers.
The juxtaposition of Burnley’s passionate local support with a significant fake fan percentage adds an interesting dimension to the discussion.
As social media continues to play a crucial role in fan interactions, the authenticity of online support becomes an essential consideration for clubs and enthusiasts alike.
