Instagram is set to enhance its Close Friends feature by allowing users to share exclusive feed posts (photos, carousels, and Reels) with their select group. This addition complements the existing ability to share Instagram Stories and Notes with Close Friends.
But what’s driving Instagram to experiment with this new feature, and how will it operate? Here’s a detailed look at what you should know, including the essentials of the Close Friends list.
What’s the Close Friends List on Instagram? Introduced in 2018, Instagram’s Close Friends allows you to share content privately, including Stories and Notes. With the upcoming update, this feature will expand to include private feed posts.
Why Instagram is Experimenting with Feed Posts for Close Friends Recent trends show a decline in feed posts by Instagram users. Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri noted in a 2022 tweet that users prefer Stories and DMs over feed posts. This shift is partly due to the platform’s evolution, including the popularity of short-form videos and algorithm updates.
To counteract this, Instagram has introduced features like the Following and Favorites tabs, Broadcast Channels, Group Profiles, and adjustments in the algorithm to balance photo and video content in the feed.
This new feature aims to encourage more feed posts and adapt to user preferences.
Impact on the Algorithm and User Engagement This feature might extend the type of content shared with Close Friends in Stories, such as casual updates, exclusive content, and private stories. It might also revive the early 2000s trend of Instagram as a “digital scrapbook.”
Stay tuned for more updates.
Setting Up a Close Friends List on Instagram To add friends or engaged customers to your Close Friends list, follow these steps:
- Go to your profile and tap the icon in the top-right corner.
- Select “Close Friends”.
- Search and add people to your list.
