Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao has warned users against buying social media accounts he follows, saying he will immediately unfollow any account found to have been sold.
The caution follows reports that several X (formerly Twitter) accounts followed by CZ were being sold for thousands of dollars, as traders tried to capitalize on the perceived influence of his follow list.
CZ: “My Follow Means Nothing”
In a post on X, CZ clarified that a follow should not be seen as an endorsement or carry any financial value.
He wrote:
“Don’t buy handles that I follow. I will unfollow any sold accounts.”
CZ also urged the community to help identify such activity, adding:
“If you see an account for sale, let me know. DM, tweet, notify interns.”
Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao has clarified that he follows accounts “randomly,” often choosing people who are supportive, informative, or radiate positive energy—not necessarily influencers or major crypto projects. His remarks came amid reports of a thriving market for “CZ-followed” X (formerly Twitter) accounts, which were allegedly being sold for $3,000 to $20,000 due to the perceived prestige of his follow.
Unfollowing Wave Sparks Debate
CZ’s statement followed growing attention to a recent cleanup of his follow list—he has unfollowed more than 380 accounts in recent weeks. According to crypto analyst AB Kuai.Dong, the purge began after several of these followed accounts were suddenly rebranded, launched new tokens, and vanished with investor funds, suggesting they had been sold to scammers.
The move raised concerns across the Binance community, where a follow from CZ had long been seen as a mark of credibility. One Chinese user recalled, “Back in 2022, accounts followed by CZ could sell for 20,000 USDT each,” though he later admitted to buying such an account himself and unfollowing it for being “soulless.” Many interpreted CZ’s mass unfollowing as a cleanup operation to remove inactive or compromised profiles and protect his online integrity.
Community Reactions: Humor and Support
The crypto community reacted with a mix of humor and understanding. One user quipped,
“You’re the Oprah of follows — ‘You get a follow! But sell it and you’re dead to me.’”
Others praised CZ’s proactive stance against impersonation and scam accounts. Another joked,
“CZ: I followed you for your vibes. Follower: Time to cash out! CZ: unfollows quietly.”
The lighthearted responses reflected how CZ’s presence continues to shape crypto culture and conversation on X.
Behind the Unfollows: A Strategic Realignment
Observers pointed out that many of the accounts CZ unfollowed were tied to former Binance-affiliated projects, media figures, or investment firms that have since distanced themselves from the exchange. Analysts suggested this could mark a strategic realignment for CZ in the wake of his legal resolution—focusing on new ventures, brand clarity, and stronger community trust.
Meanwhile, CZ’s own following continues to climb, rising from 10.1 million to 10.47 million since September, driven by speculation about his potential return to Binance leadership once his legal restrictions are lifted.
Ultimately, CZ’s message to his community was clear: reputation isn’t for sale—and in crypto, a follow should never be treated as a financial asset.
