Instagram is broadening its Close Friends feature, allowing users to share main feed posts and reels exclusively with a select group, expanding the platform’s effort to provide users with more control over their content sharing.
Previously, the Close Friends feature allowed users to share stories with a limited audience rather than all of their followers.
Now, users can extend this exclusivity to main feed posts and reels as well. To utilize this feature, users can tap an “audience” menu before sharing a post or reel, selecting their Close Friends list.
When the content appears in the feeds of Close Friends, it will be identified with a green star icon, mirroring the green ring used for Close Friends stories.
The Close Friends lists of users will remain consistent across various post types, including stories, reels, feed posts, or notes.
Replies to Close Friends stories function as direct messages, maintaining the private nature of the interaction.
However, likes or comments on Close Friends’ main feed posts or reels will be visible to others within the Close Friends circle.
The expansion of this feature was initially observed during testing in September and is now officially rolling out.
“We know our community already uses Close Friends as a pressure-free space to connect with the people that matter most,” stated Instagram in its official announcement.
“We hope this opens up more ways to be your most authentic self on Instagram while having more choices over who sees your content.”
Additionally, for creators, the expanded Close Friends feature offers new potential revenue streams.
Creators can now monetize exclusive Instagram content, moving beyond ephemeral Close Friends stories and leveraging the platform’s broader reach.
