Introducing the all new Ascend. Read the announcement

I reviewed Flock Social.

Flock Social is an Instagram automation tool that manages follow-unfollow activity using software. It is cheaper than most managed services. The account risk is real. One and a half stars.

1.5

One and a Half Stars

Our rating

What is Flock Social?

Flock Social is an Instagram automation tool that manages follow-unfollow activity on your behalf using software. I have reviewed over 70 Instagram growth services and ranked every one on my Instagram growth service grades page. Flock Social is at least honest about being a tool rather than a managed service. They are cheaper than fully managed options and the targeting functionality is real.

But automation software on Instagram is against the platform rules.

How does Flock Social work?

You connect your Instagram account to Flock Social's software, set your targeting criteria by niche and competitor accounts, and the tool automates follow-unfollow activity at preset intervals. The idea is that followed accounts visit your profile and a percentage follows back.

The issue is that Instagram's systems detect non-human activity patterns. Accounts that follow and unfollow at rates or schedules that humans cannot sustain get flagged. Action blocks and account restrictions follow.

The problems with Flock Social

  1. Automation Violates Instagram ToS

    Flock Social uses software to automate follow-unfollow actions on your Instagram account. Instagram explicitly prohibits third-party automation tools. Accounts using Flock Social risk temporary restrictions or permanent bans.

  2. No Content Support

    Flock Social does not help with content. Their tool automates one mechanical aspect of Instagram growth while leaving the most important variable, content quality, entirely in your hands.

  3. You Still Do All the Work

    Flock Social is a tool, not a managed service. You set up the targeting, monitor the activity, and deal with any account restrictions that result. There is no dedicated assistant managing your strategy.

Flock Social vs Ascend Viral

With Flock Social

  • Automation tool, not managed growth
  • Account risk from ToS violation
  • No content help included
  • One and a half stars on our scale

With Ascend Viral

  • Real human works your account daily
  • Up to four hours of manual work per day
  • No software risk to your account
  • Content tips included at every tier
  • Five-day free trial to start
Feature by feature
FeatureFlock SocialAscend Viral
Real Human FollowersNoYes
Instagram ToS CompliantNoYes
Genuine EngagementNoYes
Transparent MethodsNoYes
Dedicated Growth AssistantNoYes
Targeted by NicheYesYes
No Account RiskNoYes

The core difference

With Ascend Viral a dedicated personal growth assistant manually works your account for up to four hours every day. Real human activity on a real device. Instagram cannot distinguish it from natural account behavior because it is natural account behavior.

Flock Social automates a process that Instagram punishes when it detects automation. Ascend Viral does the same outreach the right way, with a real person on a real device every single day.

The verdict

One and a Half Stars

One and a half stars. Flock Social earns credit for niche-based targeting and for being a tool rather than a fake follower panel. The automation risk is real and documented.

If you want the follow-unfollow method to work without risking your account, you need a real person doing it manually. Flock Social cuts that corner and accounts pay the price.

Ascend Viral is now Ascend.

Same team, one simpler name. Ascend watches and studies viral videos all day so you don’t have to.

Ask anything. The answer comes with the Reels.

Most AIs get their info from the internet. We get our info from viral videos.

What's working in my niche this week?

What’s working in cooking this week

1. Practical kitchen hacks with an immediate payoff

The winning structure is: show the useful result immediately, add a curiosity-led text hook, then demonstrate the trick quickly.

  • 348 comments57K likes
    elle_kvl17M views

    Reel by @elle_kvl, 17M views, posted . A kitchen tip that starts with a paper towel folded around a knife blade.

  • 232 comments9K likes
    elle_kvl1M views

    Reel by @elle_kvl, 1M views, posted . Leftovers reheated on a wire rack over a pan of simmering water.

  • 20K comments140K likes
    brunchwithbabs3M views

    Reel by @brunchwithbabs, 3M views, posted . A home cook walks through the spread she made for game day, starting with a long sub sandwich.

The Growth Plan: a real person grows your account.

The hands-on growth Ascend Viral is known for is still here. It comes with the Growth and Viral plans.

Plans that include the Growth Plan
PlanPriceGrowth Plan
Growth$150 a month15 hours a week
Viral$300 a month30 hours a week
  1. Your growth assistant signs in on a dedicated phone, never your device.

  2. 2 to 4 hours a day of real engagement with the audience you set up.

  3. Your account grows. Our estimate is 2 to 10 targeted followers an hour. It’s an estimate, not a promise.

Grow like the top accounts in your niche.