Home Feature Breakdown

Feature Breakdown

Detailed guides about our features and how you can use them to maximize your growth.
Luka
By Luka
• 10 articles

Welcome DMs

Whether you want to drop a quick thanks, share something cool you’re working on, or just let your new followers know what your page is all about, Upleap’s Welcome DMs make it easy. You write the message once, and we’ll quietly send it to everyone who hits that follow button. Simple, friendly, and most importantly, no effort required. What it does The second someone follows you through Upleap, they’re added to your message queue. Once you turn the feature on, DMs will start rolling out. Keep in mind that we don’t send messages immediately. Instead, there’s a short delay, just enough to make it feel natural. The sending is also timed so your message hits before the system unfollows. You’re still in that follower’s orbit, they're still engaged and likely to notice it...that makes all the difference. Getting started Go to your Dynamics page in the Upleap dashboard and find the Welcome DMs section. - Switch it on - Drop your message into the field - Hit save That’s all. Your message is now live. You can edit it any time, so feel free to test different angles or wording to see what resonates best. Need-to-knows - Messages are only sent while Auto Mode is active, so make sure it’s turned on. If you’ve paused growth or switched things up, the DMs will wait until Auto Mode is back on. - Your messages are delivered before we unfollow users. This way, they still see the message while they’re engaged and paying attention. - You can check how many messages have been sent right from your dashboard. The takeaway Welcome DMs are a simple way to let new followers know there’s a real person behind your account. It’s not about pitching or pushing. It’s about showing up. A quick hello at the right time can spark curiosity, keep people around, and make your growth feel a lot more personal. And since Upleap handles the sending, you just need to write it once and let it run on autopilot.

Last updated on Apr 24, 2025

Targeting suggestions

If you’re not sure where to start with your targeting, Upleap’s got your back. Our system can recommend smart, relevant Targets that are already performing well for accounts similar to yours. You still have full control over who you target, of course, but a few data-backed suggestions can make the process quicker and easier. How Targeting Suggestions work Once you start adding Targets inside your dashboard, suggested ones will begin to appear automatically. These are based on large-scale engagement patterns, real user interactions, and the niche your account falls under. We detect your category as soon as you sign up, which helps tailor the list from the very beginning. If the suggestions don’t look like a great match, you can always update your category inside the dashboard. Once you do, your suggestions will refresh to better fit your new focus. Need-to-knows You don’t have to enable anything to use this feature. Suggestions appear on their own, but there are a few helpful things to note: - Targets are scored based on how well they convert into followbacks - Location is not a factor, so some targets may come from outside your region - Instagram is in charge of account categories, so some niches may have more suggestions than others - The list updates often, so check back when you’re refining your growth strategy The takeaway You don’t need a massive list of targets to start growing. A few well-chosen suggestions can help you point Upleap in the right direction and start seeing real results. Keep what works, skip what doesn’t, and tweak your strategy as you go.

Last updated on Apr 24, 2025

Like after Follow

Getting someone to follow you is just the beginning. What happens next can make or break that new connection. That’s where Upleap’s Like after Follow feature comes in—it gives new followers a gentle tap on the shoulder to say, “Hey, I see you.” What it actually does When someone follows you back, Upleap quietly goes to their profile and likes a few of their recent posts. It’s subtle and intentional. We’re not talking about liking everything in sight. Just one to three posts, depending on how active they are and how fresh their content is. Likes are spaced out over a couple of days, never dumped all at once. We skip anything that’s way too old and tailor the number of likes based on how often the person posts. That way it always looks natural, like something you’d actually do yourself. Why it’s worth keeping on This feature works best when you leave it running. It makes your account feel more personal and helps you stay visible right after someone connects with you. That’s a moment when people are still paying attention, and a little nudge from your side can lead to real engagement. Likes go out before we unfollow anyone, which keeps things smooth. Since that process runs on a slight delay, you might not see the likes displayed on the counter right away, but they’re happening behind the scenes, and you’ll find all the stats waiting for you in your dashboard. How to turn it on Honestly, you don’t need to do much. It’s already on by default when you’re in Auto Mode. But if you ever need to check: - Head to your Upleap dashboard - Go to the Dynamics section - Find the toggle for Like after Follow and make sure it’s switched on You can flip it off anytime, but most users keep it on. It’s one of those quiet features that just makes the whole system work better. The takeaway If you want your new followers to stick around, give them a reason to! A like or two on their content can start the kind of engagement loop that keeps your account at the top of their mind. People remember when you notice them, even just a little.

Last updated on Apr 24, 2025

The Follow/Unfollow method

The Follow/Unfollow method has been around for years, but when applied with precision, it still delivers consistent growth. At Upleap, we’ve adapted the approach to align with platform changes, user expectations, and Instagram’s safety guidelines. What the process looks like Everything starts when you connect your Instagram account to Upleap. Once you’re in, you’ll define your Targets — these are accounts or hashtags tied to the type of audience you want to attract. From there, the system begins engaging with users who already follow or interact with those Targets. We don’t spam. We don’t guess. Every action is intentional. Once a user is followed, Upleap waits a short period. This gives them time to check out your profile and decide if they want to follow back. Then, the system will quietly remove the follows it did. This keeps your follower ratio balanced and your account looking clean. Why the method still works This method works because of how people behave on Instagram. Most users take a glance at new followers. If they see a relevant, active, and well-presented profile, they’re likely to follow back. It’s a simple mechanism, but it’s effective when paired with the right targeting and quality content. What matters most is that these users are chosen based on the accounts and hashtags you select. That means they already care about the kind of content you’re sharing, which makes them more likely to follow and engage with you over time. A few things you should know Upleap doesn’t rush the process. We space out actions to keep things natural. That means: - The number of actions adjusts depending on how old or active your account is - Follow and unfollow actions are never clustered together - We monitor behavior closely to stay aligned with Instagram’s evolving limits We also protect all the connections you had before you joined. Our system automatically adds them to your whitelist, which means they’ll never be unfollowed by mistake. The takeaway This isn’t a trick, and it’s not a trend. It’s a smart, well-tested method that works when done right. Upleap uses it to bring the right people to your page without inflating your numbers or putting your account at risk. The only thing you need to focus on is nailing your targets and showing up with content that speaks to the audience we help you reach. We handle the rest.

Last updated on Apr 23, 2025

The tech behind Upleap

Instagram is smart. If your account starts acting strangely (like following dozens of users in a burst or repeating the same moves nonstop) it won’t take long before things slow down or get flagged. That’s why Upleap isn’t built like your average tool. We’ve designed it to behave like a real person running your account, not a robot with a checklist. It all starts with real phones We don’t use simulated devices or browser bots. Every action, whether it’s a follow, like, DM, or story view, is done through an actual mobile phone. Just like you’d do on your own device. This isn’t just a nice touch. Instagram knows how to tell the difference. When your activity comes from a real phone, it’s far less likely to raise any alarms. It feels human because it is. Your account, your setup Each Upleap user is assigned their own dedicated phone, along with a local IP address. So if you’re based in the US, for example, it’s going to look like you’re scrolling and tapping from the same area every time. That consistency matters. It doesn’t just protect your account, it also helps the system learn how you behave and adjust growth activity to match your rhythm. We act the way you would This isn’t just “follow 500 accounts and hope for the best.” Upleap builds momentum gradually. We start small, letting the system warm up by checking profiles, watching a few stories, maybe liking a post here and there. Then, we increase the pace based on your account’s age and health. There are breaks between actions, time gaps, and switches in activity type, because that’s how real users behave. No two accounts grow the same way, and Upleap adapts accordingly. The takeaway If your account’s going to grow, it needs to play by Instagram’s rules—and that means looking and acting like a real person. Upleap’s system is built to keep things natural. We don’t rush, we don’t cut corners, and we definitely don’t trigger red flags. In other words, you get the benefits of steady organic growth without putting your profile at risk. Our system is smart, safe, and saves you the trouble of doing it all by hand, which is the point of automation, right?

Last updated on Apr 23, 2025

Close Friends Auto-adder

If you’re not using Instagram’s Close Friends list to boost your story reach, you’re leaving a powerful tool on the table. With Upleap’s Auto-Adder feature, your Stories don’t just disappear into the feed — they get front and center where they belong. Why this feature matters Let’s face it, people tap that green circle. Whether it’s curiosity or the feeling that they’re seeing something exclusive, Close Friends Stories tend to pull more eyes and get better responses. When you automatically add your followers to that list, you give your content a better chance to stand out. How it actually works Once you switch it on (head to the Dynamics Page ➡ toggle Close Friends Auto-adder ON), Upleap will start adding your current and future followers to your Close Friends list, up to 1,000 per day. It’s automatic, steady, and completely within Instagram’s natural behavior limits. The feature runs quietly in the background, making sure your list stays fresh and updated. Want to clean it up? There’s also an auto-remove option. That setting helps you tidy up the list if needed, without affecting anyone you added manually. Your original Close Friends list? Safe and untouched. Pausing is always an option You’re in control. If you want to stop adding people for a while, just pause the feature from your dashboard. You can turn it back on whenever you’re ready to boost things again. Need-to-knows - Instagram doesn’t tell users when they’re added or removed from Close Friends - You can still add or remove people yourself at any time - This feature is only available on our highest tier plan The takeaway Stories can do more than just entertain — they can re-engage your audience, drive clicks, and remind people why they followed you in the first place. The Close Friends Auto-adder helps make that happen by putting your content where it’s more likely to be seen with no extra effort from your end.

Last updated on Apr 23, 2025

Growth Pods vs Targeted Growth

There’s no single way to grow on Instagram, and that’s kind of the whole point. Some people want a quick boost. Others are all about steady, long-term engagement. With Upleap, you don’t have to pick one forever — you just pick what works best for where you’re at. Let’s unpack what these two growth methods actually do and how to choose the right one. Targeted growth This one’s all about precision. You tell Upleap the kind of people you want following you (think specific accounts your audience already interacts with or hashtags they use). From there, Upleap starts doing the outreach. Quietly. Consistently. Here’s how it rolls: - You log in with your Instagram so Upleap can start working on your behalf - You add Targets (either accounts or hashtags your future followers are already into) - Upleap follows those users, maybe likes a post or two, watches a Story, and sends the occasional DM - After a short delay, the system cleans up by unfollowing so you’re not stuck following a bunch of users The pace is slower, but the people who follow back? Way more likely to stick around. It’s growth with intention. Growth Pods Network Need to get seen fast? This is your lane. With Growth Pods, Upleap groups you with other real users in similar niches. Everyone helps each other out by increasing visibility, engagement, and, most importantly, the follower count. It’s not artificial or forced, it's just a faster, smarter way to get in front of users in your lane. When you sign up, Upleap automatically drops you into a pod that matches your niche. That way, the followers you gain aren’t totally random, since they’re at least loosely relevant and active in your niche. It’s a great starting point if you want traction before moving into something more curated. Switching between the two You’re not locked into one method forever. You can bounce back and forth depending on your goals. Want to start with the Growth Pods to get things moving and switch to Targeted Growth once you’re rolling? Go for it. You’ll find everything you need to make the switch inside your dashboard. By default, every new user is placed into the Growth Pods Network since most people want to see some movement before they commit to a more tailored strategy. The takeaway There’s more than one way to build your audience. The hustle should fit your style, not the other way around. Some days you need precision. Other days, you just need momentum. Upleap gives you both. Pick what works today, pivot when needed, and let the system meet you where you’re at.

Last updated on Apr 23, 2025

Followbacks, Activity & Queue

When you’re growing with Upleap, knowing what’s happening behind the scenes helps you make better decisions. That’s where your Followbacks, Activity, and Queue tabs come in. Each one gives you a detailed look at how your growth is progressing, what’s working, and what’s next. Followbacks This section shows you who’s followed you back and from which Targets. It’s one of the most useful ways to track how well your targeting is performing. If your followback rate is high, it usually means your content and Targets are aligned. If it’s low, it may be time to swap out a few underperforming ones. Need-to-knows: - Followbacks are recorded only after Upleap unfollows the user - That typically happens two to four days after the initial follow - You’ll need to give the system a little time before seeing new data - A followback rate of 10% or higher is strong - Anything under 5% usually signals that the Target isn’t a great fit Reviewing this regularly helps you focus on quality over quantity. Activity This tab logs every action Upleap performs on your behalf. You’ll see: - Each follow and unfollow - The exact time of every interaction - Which Target triggered the action Use this to track consistency, identify patterns, or understand why growth may have shifted. It’s especially helpful when testing out new strategies or tweaking your targeting. Queue The Queue is where you can see the users Upleap is preparing to engage with next. Here’s how it works: - Users scheduled for follow or unfollow are listed here - If you remove one, Upleap instantly replaces it with a new one from the same Target - If you delete a whole Target, users already in the Queue will still be processed unless you remove them manually It’s a hands-off feature, but checking in now and then keeps you informed. The takeaway You don’t need to monitor your dashboard obsessively, but these three sections can be incredibly useful when you’re refining your setup or trying to figure out what’s moving the needle. A quick review once in a while is all it takes to stay in tune with how your account is growing.

Last updated on Apr 24, 2025

Blacklist & Whitelist

Not everyone you run into on Instagram is a good fit for your brand. Some accounts are spammy. Some feel off-brand. And others? You want to make sure you stay connected to them no matter what. That’s where your whitelist and blacklist come in. These two features give you full control over who Upleap should interact with and who it should avoid entirely. Blacklist: Skip what doesn’t belong If there are profiles you’d rather not touch, maybe they’re irrelevant, spammy, or just not aligned with what you’re doing...add them to your blacklist. Once an account is on your blacklist, Upleap stops all interaction with them. That means no likes, no follows, no story views. Past activity won’t be undone, but nothing new gets triggered. You can update your blacklist anytime from your dashboard. It’s quick to set up and gives you peace of mind knowing your growth isn’t wasted on the wrong crowd. Whitelist: Protect the people who matter Some connections are off-limits. Whether it’s a client, a friend, a partner, or someone you followed because you genuinely like their work, these are the people you don’t want Upleap to unfollow. When you first connect your account, we automatically whitelist everyone you were following. That’s your starting point. If you follow new accounts manually after setup, you’ll need to add them to your whitelist yourself. It only takes a second, and it makes sure those connections stay intact. The takeaway You don’t need to babysit your lists, but checking in every once in a while can go a long way. Maybe your niche has shifted. Maybe a few accounts need to be protected or cleared out. Keeping your whitelist and blacklist up to date keeps your growth aligned with your goals and your audience as relevant as possible.

Last updated on Apr 24, 2025