Forget about the cultural divides, language barriers, anecdotes, or common assumptions regarding how to make foreign friends on Instagram. I know all too well how boring it can get to be stuck with only your Instagram buddies from ‘day one’ every time you scroll through your Instagram feed. Spice things up by making some foreign friends! Not only will you expand your social circle, but you’ll also have the perfect excuse to practice your language skills (and maybe even plan some future travels).
How to make foreign friends on Instagram
Making foreign friends on Instagram isn’t as difficult as it sounds, just follow these steps to get started:
Materials needed:
- A smartphone
- An Instagram account
- Some time
1. Search for foreign friends
Logically to make new friends, you actually have to meet them first. So, the first step on how to making international friends on Instagram is finding them.
How do you do this? Use the “search” button. Instagram’s search feature is a really handy tool for this.
But to get the best out of it, here are some tips to get you started:
a. Use relevant hashtags (#) that are popular in other countries or regions to find new friends
For example, if you were looking to meet people from Greece, you could type #Greece to find friends there.
b. Make your Instagram page “Public”, as opposed to keeping it just “Private”
This gives your page a wider reach, and easily allows new friends who may have similar interests to slide into your DM (that’s a direct message, for all you social media newbies)
c. Follow accounts related to your interests, and engage with their followers
There is a high probability of making friends with those users because you have similar interests.
d. Follow your hunch
Be on the lookout for users with unique (user) names or profiles that catch your eye
e. Go random
If all else fails, just start randomly liking and commenting on posts until you find someone who catches your eye. Trust me, it’s not as creepy as it sounds.
2. Reach out to them
So, you’ve found a potential foreign friend on Instagram, Congrats. But, now comes the tricky part; reaching out to them.
How do you break the ice without coming off as weird or just plain offensive? – Remember the first impression counts.
While you reach out, you also want to be careful not to interact with scammers who may end up stealing your account.
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
- Take note of their language. Use ‘Google Translate’ to do a quick translation of your language to theirs so you don’t unintentionally use swear words at them while thinking you’re just saying ‘Hi’
- Break the ice. Start by sending a DM (Direct message) with a friendly greeting and telling them a little bit about yourself.
- Be funny. Show your funny side by incorporating a joke or funny (non-offensive) observation in your DM, and don’t be afraid to embrace your inner language learner by throwing in a few phrases in their native tongue.
- Slow it down a bit. Be careful not to come across as too cheesy or desperate while looking to make international friends on Instagram. Remember, you’re a cool and confident social media user who doesn’t need anyone’s validation.
3. Make the friendship blossom
You’ve reached out to them, and they seem to like you. So what do you do next? Make the friendship blossom by building it.
You do everything you would do as if you just met a new friend in the dorm room next to yours. But, just the online stuff.
a. More research
Do some more research about them online; culture, language, food, holidays, and the like. Doing this would keep you in the ‘know’ about your new foreign buddy, and trust me, they would really take a liking to you.
If you’re not sure about something, don’t be afraid to ask! After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
For example, did you know that in some countries a ‘thumbs up’ is seen as an offensive gesture? Imagine sending your friends in Italy, Iran, Iraq, and Greece a picture of yourself with this gesture. “Ka-boom!”…there goes your friendship
b. Keep the conversation flowing
Share interesting stories (pictures and videos too) and cultural experiences with them. And remember to avoid using offensive language or behavior.
4. Maintain regular communication
This is an informal way of telling them “I really care about you”. They would begin to see you more as a companion as opposed to just a ‘regular’ friend.
a. Get creative
Send them photos of your city, your pets, your last party, or even your latest cooking disaster.
b. Kick it up a notch
Try using voice or video calls to practice speaking in their language.
Read also: use this opportunity to trap rich Instagram guys
Don’t worry if you sound like a babbling toddler at first, your friend will surely appreciate your effort. Plus, who knows? Maybe you’ll even pick up a few new slang words along the way.
5. Play safe and don’t overdo
Trying to make a new friend doesn’t mean you need to throw caution into the wind. As you would do if you just met a stranger on the road, you need to be cautious and ‘online’ smart.
Do not reveal sensitive personal or financial information to them, and if you are suspicious about them; maybe they aren’t who they claim to be or you feel they have sinister motives, then back off!
Report them on Instagram or to any relevant government agencies, you might just be saving someone else from falling into their trap.
Lastly, familiarize yourself with Instagram’s Community Guidelines to help you meet the best foreign friends from other countries.
Read also: of course, you can make a phony Instagram account!
FAQs
Can we chat with foreigners in Instagram?
Yes, you can chat with foreigners on Instagram. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Before you send a message, follow them.
- To grab their attention, like and comment on a few pictures first.
- Send a DM saying how you found their profile.
What’s the easiest way to find friends from another country on Instagram?
The easiest way to do this is by using the Instagram search feature. Or, using hashtags that are popular in other countries or regions to find new friends. For example, you could type #Korea to find new friends if you wanted to meet friends from Korea. Send them a direct message and start a conversation once you’ve found folks who share your interests.
Which country is easy to make friends in?
Every country is easy to make friends in, you only need to make sure you both share similar interests or passions, and voila! You’ve made a new friend.
Conclusion
There you have it, folks! This wraps it up for “how to make foreign friends on Instagram”. By following these simple steps, you too can make foreign friends on Instagram, expand your social circle and gain valuable insight into different cultures and languages.
So what are you waiting for? Cast your net of friendship and who knows, you might just end up with a new best friend.
