Followers on public profiles
On public creator-style profiles, followers opt into your updates without a mutual friend add.
That count is what most “Snapchat followers” searches refer to.
Friends are different
Mutual friends power private social graphs. Packs and public growth talk target the follower object, not your private friend list.
Why the number matters
Social proof for collabs, cross-posting, and “is this account real?” checks.
Watch time and Story opens still matter more for actual attention.
How to grow the number
Organic: consistency, cross-promotion, Spotlight-fit content.
Optional: transparent packs on SIGNAL after the profile is public.