Meghan Markle was found to have a ‘significant’ amount of fake followers and bots on Instagram and now a marketing expert has given a word of caution.
Meghan Markle has been cautioned over the impact fake accounts following her newly-launched Instagram page could have on her brand’s integrity.

Her new profile on Instagram, promoting new lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard was found to have a “significant” amount of fake accounts and bots following it.

The Duchess of Sussex soft launched her latest business venture, American Riviera Orchard, last month, with a brand new Instagram platform which featured the brand’s logo, a crest and linked to a website prompting users to sign up for a waiting list.

American Riviera Orchard is thought to be a lifestyle brand which will reportedly sell all kinds of items from home decor and jams to pet products. It is also said to coincide with the launch of a brand-new cooking show on Netflix.

Its Instagram page went viral overnight having already amassed 585,000 followers as of Thursday (April 4) evening.

Meghan Markle looking ahead

Meghan Markle’s new Instagram page has gone viral but was found to have fake followers

But according to a marketing expert, Meghan’s followers had a “significant” amount (nearly 14 percent) of fake accounts and bots which could affect her “credibility” and “trustworthiness”.

Stacey Wong from digital marketing agency Own Your Space told the Mirror: “The Instagram for American Riviera Orchard showcases a robust following of over half a million, a testament to her powerful personal brand and appeal.

“However, the presence of a 13.77 percent ‘fake follower’ metric reveals a common challenge in digital brand management. Navigating this landscape requires strategic engagement and authentic content to maintain and enhance brand integrity.”

The expert said that the fake followers not only distort engagement metrics but also “undermine the authenticity and trustworthiness of her online presence”.

She explained: “Having 7.25 percent suspicious mass followers and 6.52 percent likely bots or fake accounts presents a significant threat to the integrity of her brand.

Meghan Markle smiling

Meghan Markle soft-launched American Riviera Orchard in March

“These fake followers not only distort engagement metrics but also undermine the authenticity and trustworthiness of her online presence. With the rise of influencer marketing and the increasing emphasis on genuine connections with audiences, the presence of fake followers can tarnish Markle’s credibility and hinder her ability to effectively communicate with her genuine followers.”

Ms Wong added: “The demographic breakdown of Meghan’s brand audience on Instagram, predominantly female and within the 25-34 age range, indicates a highly targeted market segment.

“This presents a golden opportunity for tailored marketing strategies. Yet, the presence of suspicious followers underscores the importance of continual audience analysis to ensure genuine engagement and brand loyalty.”

The Duchess of Sussex’s representatives have been contacted for comment.