Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao has cautioned users against purchasing social media accounts that he follows. Saying he will unfollow any account discovered to have been sold. The warning came after growing reports that X (formerly Twitter) accounts followed by CZ. Traders were trading those for thousands of dollars due to the influence attached to his followers.
CZ: “My Follow Means Nothing”
In a post on X, CZ made it clear that following someone is not an endorsement and holds no commercial value. He stated, “Don’t buy handles that I follow. I will unfollow any sold accounts.” He also asked users to report such sales directly to him or his team. He writes, “If you see an account for sale, let me know. DM, tweet, notify interns.”
Don’t buy handles that I follow. I will unfollow any sold accounts. If you see an account for sale, let me know. DM, tweet, notify “interns”.
I follow accounts “randomly”, usually supportive, informative, positive energy people.
My follow means nothing, not endorsement. https://t.co/655fSK9h4S
— CZ 🔶 BNB (@cz_binance) November 10, 2025
CZ explained that he follows accounts “randomly.” Specifically, he often chooses supportive, informative, and positive-energy people, rather than necessarily influencers or major projects. His clarification followed an online discussion about the growing market of “CZ-followed” X accounts. Which were reportedly selling for between $3,000 and $20,000.
Unfollowing Wave Sparks Debate
CZ’s post came after community members noticed that he had unfollowed over 380 accounts in recent weeks. According to crypto analyst AB Kuai.Dong, the purge began after multiple followed accounts suddenly rebranded. It launched new tokens and disappeared with investor funds. That suggests they were sold to scammers.
This sparked concern among the Binance community. As they had previously seen being followed by CZ as a credibility boost. One Chinese user recalled, “Back in 2022, accounts followed by CZ could sell for 20,000 USDT each.” However, he admitted that he once bought such an account himself. He only unfollowed them later for being “soulless.” CZ’s mass unfollowing was widely interpreted as a clean-up operation to remove inactive accounts. Conversely, compromised profiles and protect the integrity of his online presence.
Community Reactions: Humor Meets Reflection
The crypto community reacted with a mix of humor and respect. One user joked, “You’re the Oprah of follows. You get a follow! But don’t sell it or you’re dead to me.’” Others admired his move, saying it was necessary to prevent impersonation scams. Several users even shared mock dialogues: “CZ: I followed you for your energy. Follower: Time to make money! CZ: unfollows quietly.” The light-hearted responses reflected how CZ’s interactions often shape crypto culture online.
Behind the Unfollows: A Strategic Shift
Analysts noted that many of the unfollowed accounts linked to former Binance projects. Including media figures or investment firms that had distanced themselves from the exchange. Some speculated this could signal CZ’s post-pardon realignment. It is focusing on new ventures and cleaner branding.
Meanwhile, his follower count on X has grown from 10.1 million to 10.47 million since September. Speculation about his potential return to Binance’s leadership after legal restrictions ease drives that. CZ’s latest clarification reinforces a key message to his 10 million followers. In crypto, they don’t sell reputation, and traders should never treat a follow as a financial asset.