Whether you want to maintain your privacy, or just want to keep your followers list organized, Instagram’s Close Friends feature can help.
Today’s guide will show you how the Close Friends feature works, how to create your own Close Friends list, how to post just for Close Friends, and much more.
Key Points:
How Does The Close Friends Feature Work?
Instagram’s Close Friends feature allows you to curated a list of followers with whom you want to share content that the rest of your following can’t see.
This means you can share regular Instagram posts, Reels, Stories, and even notes with just your Close Friends list and anyone who is not on that list will not be able to see the content, or even know that it was shared in the first place.
How Many People Can You Add To A Close Friends List?
There’s no limit to how many people you can add to a Close Friends list, so you can add as many users to it as you like.
Can You See Someone’s Close Friends List On Instagram?
No - the Close Friends list is totally private. Even if you’re on that list, there’s no way for you to see who else is included in someone’s Close Friends.
Why Would Someone Add You To Their Close Friends On Instagram?
While some users maintain a Close Friends list as a way to share personal content with those closest to them, others simply use it as a way to share content with friends and acquaintances while keeping it private from family members or potential employers.
Basically, don’t overthink it if you’ve been added to someone’s Close Friends list - they might just want to keep their following organized.
If I Add Someone To Close Friends On Instagram Will They Know?
Users don’t get a notification when they’ve been added or removed from someone’s Close Friends list but they will be able to tell when you post Close Friends content, since it appears highlighted in green to indicate that you’re only sharing it with Close Friends.
Can Someone Tell If They're The Only Person On Your Close Friends List?
No - because there’s no way for anyone to see a list of your other Close Friends, there’s no way for users to tell if they’re the only person on your Close Friends list at all.
How To Make A Close Friends List
You can set up your Close Friends list on both the Instagram app and desktop site.
On Mobile
Open Instagram.
Click the three horizontal lines on the top right corner of your profile page.
Scroll down to Who Can See Your Content and click Close Friends.
From here, search and select the friends you wish to add to your list.
On Desktop
Click the three horizontal lines on the bottom left corner to open up the More menu.
Click Settings.
Scroll down to Who Can See Your Content and click Close Friends.
From here, search and select the friends you wish to add to your list.
How To Edit Your Close Friends List
If you’ve changed your mind and want to edit your Close Friends list to remove or include a new user, you can do so via the Instagram app or desktop site.
On Mobile
Open Instagram.
Click the three horizontal lines on the top right corner of your profile page.
Scroll down to Who Can See Your Content and click Close Friends.
From here, uncheck any friends you wish to remove or search and select the friends you wish to add.
On Desktop
Click the three horizontal lines on the bottom left corner to open up the More menu.
Click Settings.
Scroll down to Who Can See Your Content and click Close Friends.
From here, uncheck any friends you wish to remove or search and select friends you wish to add.
How To Post For Close Friends
You can share Instagram photo posts, Reels, Stories, and notes with just your Close Friends list by following the instructions outlined below.
Sharing Stories With Close Friends
Open Instagram and create your Story as usual.
Before posting, click the Close Friends option next to the Next arrow.
Once your Story is posted, it will appear as a green ring around your profile picture.
Sharing Photo Posts Or Reels With Close Friends
Open Instagram and create your post as usual.
Before you hit Share, scroll down and click Audience.
From here, select your Close Friends list.
Sharing Notes With Close Friends
From your profile page, tap the Note bubble that appears on your profile picture.
Input your note text and add any music you’d like to include.
Tap Share With Friends on the bottom left.
Tap Close Friends.
Tap Share.
Troubleshooting: Why Can’t I Post To Close Friends?
If you’re having trouble creating a Close Friends or sharing content to just your Close Friends list, it could be due to a few common issues. Run through the troubleshooting steps below to resolve it.
You Didn’t Set Up Your List
If you haven’t set up your Close Friends list, you might have trouble sharing content with Close Friends. Learn how to set up your list here.
You Have Crossposting Enabled
Even if you were able to set up a Close Friends list, if you have crossposting enabled (meaning your posts automatically post to a Facebook page after being published), you won’t be able to share posts specifically to your Close Friends list.
Stories and Notes won’t be impacted by this.
Instagram’s Servers Are Down
Sometime the issue is on Instagram’s side. Check Instagram’s Downdetector page to see if there are any widespread issues. If so, all you can do is wait until they’ve been resolved before trying again.
The App Isn’t Updated
Make sure your app is updated. Out of date apps may include bugs or glitches that haven’t been patched, or could be missing key features.
The App Is Experiencing A Glitch
If Instagram’s servers aren’t down and the app is up to date, it could be a glitch with your app. Try closing it and reopening it before trying again.
Your Internet Connection Isn’t Strong Enough
Make sure your WiFi or cellular data connection is strong. A weak connection could prevent posts, Stories, or Notes from being published.
Use Another Device
Try accessing Instagram from a different device, like the desktop site if you’re using the app.
If All Else Fails…
If none of the troubleshooting steps above work, try contacting Instagram via their Help Hub here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I'm someone else's Close Friend on Instagram?
You’ll know when you see a Close Friends post or Story being shared because it’ll be highlighted in green. If you never see one of these, it might just mean the person hasn’t shared Close Friends content yet, but you might still be on their list.
What is the green circle around a profile picture on Instagram?
A green circle around an Instagram profile picture means the user has shared a Story with their Close Friends, and you’re on the list. Users who aren’t included on the Close Friends list won’t see the green circle at all.
How many Close Friends lists can you make on Instagram?
You can only make one Close Friends list on Instagram, but you can add as many users to that list as you want - there’s no limit.
Do Close Friends know if a note is for Close Friends only?
There’s no indicator that the note is only for Close Friends, unlike Stories and regular Instagram posts. However, anyone who isn’t on your Close Friends list won’t be able to see the note at all.
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