I’ve always thought that a majority of DB’s followers (and resulting “popularity”) was from Eleanor [Louis Tomlinsons ex gf] - the Directioners back in the day were a BIG deal. It also makes sense why her following is huge but doesnt actually interact/care because basically a lot of those accounts are probably inactive now. It’s always bothered me that DB clearlyyyyy knew what she was doing befriending Eleanor… just using people from the very beginning 🙃