Best desk follower counters in 2026
The best desk follower counter is Smiirl for a flip counter customers can see ($399 to $629), LaMetric TIME for a clock that also counts (about $199), Tikky for a small physical counter (€99.99), CountDeck if you would rather use the iPhone or spare screen you already own (its split-flap desk counter is free in any browser for one YouTube channel, GitHub repo or Bluesky account), and an ESP32 build if you like to make things.
What each option costs
| Feature | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Smiirl counter, 5 digits (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook) | $399 once, excl. tax | One flip counter showing one account |
| Smiirl counter, 7 digits | $559 once, excl. tax | Same, for counts in the millions |
| Smiirl Custom, 5 or 7 digits | $459 or $629 once, excl. tax | Any number you send it (JSON or Zapier) |
| LaMetric TIME | About $199 once | Pixel clock with free counter apps |
| Tikky | €99.99 once | Small physical counter, no subscription |
 CountDeck | $0 for 1 source | Home Screen and Lock Screen widgets on the phone you already own. StandBy and Desk mode come with Pro: $3.99/month, $29.99/year or $89.99 once |
| CountDeck free desk counter | $0 | Full-screen split-flap counter for YouTube, GitHub stars or Bluesky followers in any browser (old iPad, TV), no signup |
The list
We make CountDeck, so it is on this list. Every other entry is described from its own listing, and we say who each one is best for.
What we compared
- What you need to buy, if anything
- Price, including what the free tier gives you
- Platforms and metrics each one covers
- Who it suits, so the order is a fit, not a score
- Prices and features checked on the date above
1. CountDeckOurs
Best for: Creators and indie hackers who want followers, GitHub stars and MRR on a desk without buying hardware: a free split-flap counter in any browser for one YouTube channel, GitHub repo or Bluesky account, or every number on an iPhone in StandBy or an old iPad or TV in Desk mode (Pro).Covers: YouTube, X, Bluesky, GitHub, Twitch, Stripe, RevenueCat and morePrice: Free for 1 source. Pro $3.99/month, $29.99/year or $89.99 onceJoin the waitlistDesk follower counter- (opens in a new tab)
2. Smiirl
Best for: Cafés, shops and brands that want a flip counter customers can see, especially for Instagram or TikTok.Covers: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, plus custom data (JSON, Zapier)Price: $399 to $629 one-time, excl. tax - (opens in a new tab)
3. LaMetric TIME
Best for: Anyone who wants a desk clock that also shows the weather, notifications and follower counts.Covers: YouTube, X, Twitch, Instagram (Business account), TikTok, Facebook, GitHub contributionsPrice: About $199 device, free counter apps - (opens in a new tab)
4. Tikky
Best for: A small physical counter for Instagram, TikTok, Twitch or X, paid once.Covers: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitch, XPrice: €99.99 one-time, no subscription - (opens in a new tab)
5. DIY ESP32 counter
Best for: Makers who want any number on a display of their choice and do not mind writing the code.Covers: Any platform with an API you can callPrice: Parts only (an ESP32 board and a small display), plus your time - (opens in a new tab)
6. Split-Flap TV
Best for: Venues that want a split-flap board with sound on a TV they own, for menus and messages as well as a follower count.Covers: Any number from a JSON or XML feed on Cockpit, such as Facebook, Instagram or YouTubePrice: 7-day free trial, then from $21.99 per screen per month; follower counts need Cockpit ($53.99) - (opens in a new tab)
7. FollowerDeck
Best for: Venues that want a split-flap follower counter in a browser on a TV or tablet, free for one Facebook Page.Covers: Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, Twitch, Bluesky, Mastodon, X (Instagram coming soon)Price: Free for 1 Facebook Page, then £5.99/month (3 accounts) or £18.99/month (all platforms)
Questions
What is the best desk follower counter?
It depends on what you track and who looks at it. Smiirl is the classic flip counter for shops. LaMetric TIME is a clock that also counts. Tikky is the cheapest ready-made device. CountDeck uses the iPhone, iPad or TV you already own.
Which desk counter is cheapest?
CountDeck: its split-flap desk counter is free in any browser on an old iPad, tablet or TV for one YouTube channel, GitHub repo or Bluesky account, with no signup. The app is free for one source on your Home Screen, and StandBy and Desk mode for every number come with Pro at $3.99/month, $29.99/year or $89.99 once. Among devices, Tikky is €99.99 and LaMetric TIME is about $199.
Which desk counter shows Instagram or TikTok?
Smiirl, LaMetric TIME and Tikky all list Instagram and TikTok. FollowerDeck lists TikTok, with Instagram coming soon. CountDeck does not count Instagram, TikTok or Facebook.
Which desk counter shows MRR or GitHub stars?
CountDeck shows Stripe and RevenueCat MRR and GitHub stars directly. Smiirl Custom shows any number you send it through JSON or Zapier, and a DIY ESP32 build can call any API.
Can I use an old iPhone as a desk counter?
Yes, if it runs CountDeck: with Pro, StandBy shows your count full screen while the iPhone charges on its side.
