# Nostr: How do follows work across clients?

A Nostr follow list is itself a signed event, defined by NIP-02.

2026-08-10
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Switchboard Tech Services


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## Short answer

A Nostr follow list is itself a signed event, defined by NIP-02. A compatible client can fetch it from relays and show the accounts you follow, so the list can travel with your key rather than one app account. The client must still find the list, and a relay might not retain it. Back up important relationships if they matter to you.

## Sources

[NIP-02: Follow lists](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/blob/master/02.md).

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Canonical URL: https://switchboardtechservices.com/guides/nostr-how-do-follows-work-across-clients/

Language: en-us

Content type: guide

Author: Switchboard Tech Services

Published: 2026-08-10T07:22:42+00:00

Description: A practical answer to How do follows work across clients?