This just in: Instagram’s rolling out a new way to create content for your Close Friends list.
Soon you’ll be able to share exclusive feed posts, just like Instagram Stories and Notes.
But why is Instagram experimenting with this feed post feature and how will it work?
We’re sharing everything you need to know — plus the basics of the Close Friends list, too. Keep scrollin’.
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What Is Instagram's Close Friends List?
Launched in 2018, Instagram’s Close Friends is a private list of people who you can share content with — notably Stories and Notes.
Once Instagram’s latest test rolls out globally, users will be able to share private feed posts with their Close Friends list, too.
FYI: With Later’s social media management tools, you can plan, post, and analyze your Instagram content — from Stories to feed posts and Reels. Create an account today.
Why Is Instagram Testing Feed Posts for Close Friends?
It’s no secret that Instagram users have been posting less to their feed.
According to a Tweet by Instagram’s CEO, Adam Mosseri, friends post “a lot more to Stories and send a lot more DMs than they post to feed.”
Why?
As the platform has evolved — from the rise of short-form video to a call for more "authentic content" to algorithm changes — the average user has turned to other ways to connect with the people they follow.
To address this, Instagram’s launched new features like:
The Following and Favorites tabs, chronological feeds of posts from the people you follow
Broadcast Channels, a group messaging tool where creators can share content with followers who’ve opted in
Group Profiles, where users can collaborate and share content to one Instagram profile
Dialing back on suggested posts and rebalancing photo and video content in the feed
With this latest test, it’s clear that Instagram’s not only trying to meet users where they are but they also want users to post more to their feeds too.
But how will it affect the algorithm? Will there eventually be a separate Close Friends list for Stories and for the feed? And how will people use this feature?
It could become an extension of what users (including brands) already share for Close Friends on their Stories — silly content, exclusive behind-the-scenes, and private stories.
Or, we could see a reemergence of the “digital scrapbook” days of Instagram in the early 2000s. We’ll keep you posted.
How To Create a Close Friends List on Instagram
So, you want to add your friends (or most engaged customers) to your Close Friends list?
Here’s how to do it:
From your profile page, tap the icon in the top-right corner:
Then scroll down to the “Close Friends” option:
Next, search for the people you’d like to add to your Close Friends list:
Now, whenever you post content exclusively for your Close Friends, there will be a green label attached to it.
NOTE: People will not be notified when you add them to your Close Friends list. And currently, there's no known limit for how many people you can add to your list.
How To Share an Instagram Story With Your Close Friends List
To share an Instagram Story with your Close Friends, follow the steps you’d typically take when posting a Story.
When you’re ready to post, tap the “Close Friends” button instead of the “Your story” option.
Now, when your selected friends see your Stories, they’ll see a green label attached to it — indicating it’s for your Close Friends only.
NOTE: Sharing Instagram Stories with Close Friends is currently available globally.
You can auto-publish your Instagram Stories with Later’s scheduling tools — start posting today.
How To Share an Instagram Feed Post With Your Close Friends List
To share an Instagram feed post with your Close Friends, follow the steps you’d typically take when posting to your feed.
Before you publish your photo or Reel, there will be a new Audience tab for you to click on:
Choose “Close Friends”, and then “Share,” and voila — your post will now only be seen by those on your list.
To differentiate Close Friends posts from the rest of your grid, they will have a green label:
NOTE: If you don’t have access to this feature yet, keep an eye out!
And there you have it — everything you need to know about Instagram Close Friends feed posts, how the feature works, and why it’s coming to a feed near you.
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