Lurker

A lurker is a social media user who regularly views and consumes content but rarely—or never—interacts with it through likes, comments, or shares. They stay in the background, silently following along without actively participating.

While lurkers don’t contribute to engagement metrics, they still make up a large portion of most online audiences. Their presence can still impact reach and visibility, and over time, they may become more active or turn into loyal followers or customers. Understanding lurkers is key to building content strategies that not only engage active users but also resonate with quiet observers.