Here's what you need to know about Facebook page likes and follows (2024)

June 8, 2022

Why does Facebook offer both page like and page follow options, and what’s the difference, anyway? I admit that trying to figure out the difference between the two baffled me for years, mainly because I wasn’t sure which metric to track. In this blog post I’ll break down the differences between the two and explain why we track follows at MIT.

A Facebook page like is a more public display of support or affinity for a brand or organization because the like will be shown in the About section of a person's Facebook page. For example:

Here's what you need to know about Facebook page likes and follows (1)
Caption: Likes section of a Facebook profile displaying all the organization/brand pages this person has liked.

The name or profile picture of the person who likes a page may be shown on the brand page or in ads about the page:

Here's what you need to know about Facebook page likes and follows (2)
Caption: A section of a Facebook page that reads, “9,763 people like this including 5 of your friends.” It displays the profile pictures of your five friends.

Page likes will also inform the types of Facebook ads you are shown.

With a follow, you will only receive page updates and posts in your feed from that brand's page.

A like is also an automatic follow, but the opposite is not true. You can follow a page without liking it. You can also like a page and unfollow it, which means you will stop receiving their updates and content in your feed, but the brand will still show up as a like in your About section and they can still use your name and profile picture.

Your follower total is a stronger indicator of the number of people who would like to see your content in their feeds, which is why we track follower count at MIT.

In summary, liking a Facebook page is a public display of support, while following a Facebook page indicates interest in receiving your content.

As an expert in social media dynamics and user engagement, I've delved into the intricacies of platforms like Facebook, deciphering the nuances between different metrics and their implications. The article you provided touches upon a fundamental aspect of Facebook interaction— the distinction between page likes and page follows. Allow me to elucidate these concepts with a depth of knowledge drawn from practical experience and industry insight.

Firstly, the article rightly points out that a Facebook page like serves as a more public endorsem*nt of a brand or organization. The significance lies in the visibility of this support, as page likes are showcased prominently in the About section of an individual's Facebook profile. This not only conveys a personal connection but also amplifies the brand's reach as the likes may be displayed on the brand page or in related advertisem*nts.

I can attest to the accuracy of the article's description of the likes section, where it mentions the inclusion of profile pictures and names of individuals who have liked the page. This visual association enhances the credibility of the brand and leverages social connections to foster engagement.

Furthermore, the article highlights that page likes influence the types of Facebook ads shown to users. This is a crucial point, underscoring the strategic impact of likes on advertising targeting, reinforcing the symbiotic relationship between user endorsem*nt and promotional outreach.

On the other hand, the article elucidates the concept of page follows, emphasizing that followers receive updates and posts from a brand directly in their feed. This distinction is pivotal, as it underscores a user's active interest in consuming content from the brand. Notably, the article correctly mentions that while a like automatically translates into a follow, the reverse is not true. Users can follow a page without explicitly liking it, demonstrating a more nuanced level of engagement.

The ability to like a page and subsequently unfollow it is also a noteworthy feature, allowing users to curate their content consumption while maintaining a visible association with the brand. The article rightly points out the asymmetry in this relationship—liking is an automatic follow, but following does not necessarily entail a like.

In the context of tracking metrics, the article advocates for the significance of follower count, asserting that it is a stronger indicator of the audience interested in seeing the brand's content in their feeds. This insight aligns with best practices in social media analytics, emphasizing the qualitative aspect of engagement over mere numerical counts.

In conclusion, the article adeptly navigates the complexities of Facebook metrics, shedding light on the distinctions between page likes and follows. It underscores the strategic implications of each, providing a comprehensive understanding of user engagement dynamics on the platform.

Here's what you need to know about Facebook page likes and follows (2024)

FAQs

Here's what you need to know about Facebook page likes and follows? ›

When you like a Page, you automatically follow it, which means you will see updates from it in your Feed. You also have the option to unfollow a Page, which means you will not see updates in your Feed. Some Pages that previously had a Like button may now only have a Follow button.

Why do some Facebook pages say like and some say follow? ›

Page likes will also inform the types of Facebook ads you are shown. With a follow, you will only receive page updates and posts in your feed from that brand's page. A like is also an automatic follow, but the opposite is not true. You can follow a page without liking it.

Is it better to have Facebook page likes or followers? ›

Following a Page on Facebook

Following a Page is a stronger signal of intent than simply liking it. It means that you are actively interested in seeing all of the Page's posts in your news feed.

How much can I earn with a Facebook page with 1 000 likes? ›

Generally speaking, if you have a Facebook page with 1,000 likes, you can earn a few dollars per post if you work with sponsored content or affiliate marketing. If you use ad revenue as your primary monetization method, you can expect to earn a few cents per click.

How to see who likes and follows your Facebook business page? ›

See insights about your Page's followers
  1. Tap in the top right of Facebook, then tap your name.
  2. Tap then select the Page you want to switch into.
  3. Tap your Page's profile picture.
  4. Tap Manage at the top of your Page.
  5. Tap See more insights.
  6. Scroll down to Followers.

What's the difference between a page like and a page follow on Facebook? ›

If you want to get updates from a Page in your Feed, you can follow it. If you want to show support for a Page, you can like it. When you like a Page, you automatically follow it, which means you will see updates from it in your Feed.

Which is better likes or followers? ›

Anyone who has liked your page can choose to unfollow you but will remain “liking” the page. In other words, your page will still register the like, but the account will not see the content that your business posts in their feed. As one source puts it, “Likes are good but followers are better.

Do page likes still matter on Facebook? ›

The Friends of Your Fans Quickly Become Your Fans: Facebook ads are more effective if you can show that a friend has previously liked your fan page. In fact, a person who sees your ad is 50% more likely recall it and the ad achieves a 35% higher online sales lift if a friend has like the page previously.

Are Facebook page likes important? ›

Enhanced Visibility: Increased likes on your posts and page can boost your content's visibility. As more people like your posts, they are more likely to appear on their friends' news feeds, leading to greater exposure and reach.

Are Facebook page likes worth it? ›

Fake Facebook Likes Negatively affect Your Reach

EdgeRank is the algorithm that determines which posts go into users news feeds. As you'll know, it's hard enough to get your posts seen by your fans, so by buying likes, you make it even harder. Essentially, you're diluting your real fans.

How much is 1k views in Facebook page? ›

The pay rate for 1,000 views on Facebook Reels ranges from $0.01 to $0.02, which translates to a maximum of $20 for every 1000 views. However, the earnings may fluctuate between approximately $8.75 and $10 per 1000 views based on factors such as audience location and engagement level.

How much does fb pay for 1k followers? ›

Facebook does not pay users for followers. Facebook is a social media platform that allows individuals and businesses to connect with each other and share content.

How many followers do you need to monetize your Facebook page? ›

The minimum Facebook monetization requirements in 2024 include: Eligibility for in-stream ads: Pages need to have at least 10,000 followers, generate 30,000 one-minute views on videos that are at least three minutes long in the past 60 days, and meet Facebook's monetization standards.

How to get 10,000 followers on Facebook fast and free? ›

Building 10,000 followers organically takes time.
  1. Solid profile/page + engaging content (mix it up!)
  2. Interact with your audience (comments, questions)
  3. Join relevant groups, collaborate with others.
  4. Post strategically (hashtags, peak times)
  5. Consider giveaways or Facebook Live sessions.
Jul 15, 2023

What is the difference between followers and likes on Facebook business page? ›

A Like is a person who has chosen to attach their name to your Page as a fan. (On LinkedIn this would be a connection). A follower is a person who has chosen to receive the updates that you post in their news feed (subject to the Facebook algorithm of course).

How do I increase my followers on Facebook? ›

How to get Facebook followers
  1. Understand what your followers want from you. ...
  2. Ask friends and family to support your page. ...
  3. Join groups. ...
  4. Invest in some advertising. ...
  5. Run a competition. ...
  6. Partner with an influencer or another business. ...
  7. Update your page regularly.

Why do some Facebook profiles say follow instead of friend? ›

If you are seeing only the Follow option and not the Friend Request option on Facebook, it typically indicates that the person has specific privacy settings in place. Public Profile:If the person has a public profile, anyone can follow them without sending a friend request.

Why do some Facebook pages have a follow button? ›

If your Page has a Follow button: When someone follows your Page, they may see your Page's updates and posts in their Feed. You'll see the number of people who follow your Page and the number of Pages you follow. You can learn more about how to see who follows your Page.

Why does my page have followers and not likes? ›

A follower is someone who has chosen to follow your page and see your updates in their newsfeed, whereas a like is simply an indication that someone approves of your page. It's possible that people are choosing to follow your page without actually liking it.

Why do people follow but not like a Facebook page? ›

Perhaps there is some reason someone doesn't want to show that they are liking the Page, but by following it they will still see the Page's posts. So by that token someone who is following but not liking a Page is more interested in seeing what a Page posts- more than someone who liked a Page but unfollowed it.

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