In this guide, learn everything you need to know about how to use Instagram Close Friends
Having thousands of followers is great. But sometimes, the real value of social media comes from smaller, more meaningful interactions. That’s where Instagram Close Friends can be a game changer.
This Instagram feature, first introduced in 2018, lets you handpick a close friends list — a private group who can view exclusive content through your Instagram Stories. Whether you're a creator wanting to show more behind the scenes, or a small business testing new product ideas, Close Friends opens up a new layer of connection.
Think of it like an inner circle feed: no algorithms, no pressure, just you and the people who matter most.
And it’s not the only way Instagram is leaning into exclusivity. New tools like Broadcast Channels and Unlockable Reels make it even easier to create private, VIP-style experiences for your most engaged followers. Whether you want to send updates, share gated content, or build a closer community, these features give you more ways to post with purpose.
In this guide, we’ll walk through:
What the Close Friends feature is and how it works
How to set up your Close Friends list
Creative ways to use Close Friends for content and community building
How to integrate other Instagram tools like Broadcast Channels and Unlockable Reels
Tips for balancing exclusivity without alienating your wider audience
Let’s get into it.
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What is Instagram Close Friends?
Instagram Close Friends is a feature that lets you share Instagram Stories with a select group of people — your Close Friends list. It’s designed to help creators, businesses, and individuals post more personal or exclusive content without broadcasting it to their full audience.
When you post a Story to your Close Friends, only the people you’ve added to that list will see it. They’ll know they’re included because they’ll see a green circle around your profile picture — a visual cue that this isn’t just any Story, it’s part of your Close Friends feed.
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Quick FAQ
How do you know if you're on someone’s Close Friends list? Look for the green circle around their Story bubble — that’s your signal.
Can anyone see your Close Friends list? No — your Close Friends list is private and only you can view or edit it.
You can add or remove people manually from the list at any time. Instagram doesn’t notify people when you add or remove them — which gives you full control over who gets access to your more private stories.
There’s no official cap on how many people you can include, so your list can be as tight-knit or as expansive as you like. Some use it for a true inner circle of friends. Othe
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