When it concerns Instagram followers, the common belief is that more is preferable. While a growing follower count can lead to more likes and increased engagement, a substantial following often results in less personal interaction. This downside includes the challenge of locating friends and family members’ accounts. In 2018, Instagram introduced the Close Friends Stories feature, allowing users to post more privately and connect with smaller groups. Enthusiasts utilize this feature to interact with their inner circles easily or provide exclusive content to their most engaged followers. This guide covers all you need to know about utilizing the Instagram Close Friends List feature.
What is Instagram Close Friends?
Instagram Close Friends is a feature enabling you to designate a select group with special access to your private Stories. When you post a Story and activate this feature, only individuals manually added to your Close Friends list can view it.
How is the Instagram Close Friends list determined?
Instagram doesn’t curate your Close Friends list; it’s up to you to manage it by adding or removing people through the app’s Close Friends setting.
How can you tell if you’re on someone’s Close Friends list?
Being on someone’s Close Friends list means you’ll see their designated Story on the Stories feed or their profile, marked by a green circle around their profile picture.
Can you opt out of someone’s Close Friends list on Instagram?
Unfortunately, no. Your alternatives include requesting removal, muting their Stories, or blocking the account.
Is there a notification when you’re removed from someone else Instagram Close Friends list?
No, Instagram doesn’t notify individuals about someone added or removed them from Close Friends lists.
Mastering the Instagram Close Friends Feature
Instagram Close Friends offers a targeted way to engage with specific followers, allowing you to share Stories exclusively with a select group or safeguard more private content. Whether for your close-knit circle or devoted fans, utilizing this feature is a seamless process.
Creating an Instagram Close Friends List
Follow these steps to create an Instagram Close Friends list:
- Open the Instagram app.
- Go to your profile by tapping the profile picture icon at the bottom right.
- Tap the three horizontal lines at the top-right.
- Select Close Friends.
- Scroll through your followers, choose the accounts to include, and tap Done. Note: You need at least one account on your Close Friends list to post to it.
Adding or Removing Close Friends
Here’s how to add or remove individuals from your Close Friends list:
- Open the Instagram app.
- Go to your profile by tapping the profile picture icon at the bottom right.
- Tap the three horizontal lines at the top-right.
- Select Close Friends.
- Choose users to add or deselect to remove. You can also use Clear All and Select All.
How to Share a Story Exclusively with Your List
Now that your list is ready, here’s the process to post a Story for your Close Friends:
- Open the Instagram app.
- Tap the Story Camera button at the top-left.
- Create or upload your Story.
- Choose the Close Friends option at the bottom.
- A Close Friends Story is marked by a green circle around the profile icon in the Stories feed and on your profile.
This exclusive Story will display a “Close Friends” label for those with access. Those not on your list won’t see the green circle or have entry.
Remember, like regular Stories, Close Friends Stories last for 24 hours and are accessible for both private and public accounts.
How to Leverage Close Friends for Your Photography Account
While Close Friends is for personal connections, there are creative ways to utilize it for your photography account. Here are a few ideas:
- Add current and past clients to share updates on events or specials.
- Include active followers for exclusive tips and how-tos.
- Add those inquiring about your photo editing; share Stories on your editing process.
Messaging Your Close Friends List on Instagram
Apart from tailored content, you can directly message them using Threads by Instagram. Follow these steps:
- Open Threads by Instagram.
- Log in with your Instagram profile.
- Continue with your existing Close Friends list or add more.
- Press Continue.
- Take or upload a photo/video.
- Select the account to message.
- Press Send.
This sends a direct message you can view and respond to in Threads or within Instagram’s direct messages.
User-friendly and impactful, Instagram’s Close Friends list is a valuable tool for connecting and sharing with a select group. This guide covers all you need to know about this feature.