User blog comment:EvilMummy/What Makes a Top Island?/@comment-9523919-20130702215515/@comment-10751008-20130702234826

I think that the popular island owners take the time to spread word of their island, giving their friend codes as they do so. When people add you, they're likely to check out your island, correct? A lot of people adding you equals a lot of visitors, which means the most potential for a lot of likes. By the way, some even make YouTube videos.