Instagram’s upcoming feature allows users to take control of their content’s visibility by introducing the option to share Reels and Feed Posts exclusively with a selected group known as “Close Friends.” While this feature has been in testing with some users since September, it is now set to be officially rolled out to all Instagram users.
“Close Friends” was initially introduced by Instagram in 2018 for Stories, enabling users to curate a list of up to 100 people with whom they could share more personal and private updates. This feature essentially transformed the Instagram experience for those seeking a more intimate and restricted form of social sharing.
Expanding the circle: Reels and Feed Posts
With the upcoming update, Instagram users will be able to extend this more exclusive form of sharing to Reels and Feed Posts. This means that when creating or sharing Reels or Feed Posts, users can choose to limit the audience to only those individuals they have added to their “Close Friends” list.
The introduction of this feature aligns with a broader trend in social media platforms moving toward more enclosed and private group interactions. Instagram acknowledges the shift in user behavior, as highlighted by Instagram chief Adam Mosseri, where users are now posting more Stories and sending more direct messages than making public feed posts.
How to share Reels and posts with only close friends
If you are one of the selected users, here are the steps you need to follow: choose the Audience option during the sharing process. Simply select Close Friends, press Done, and proceed to share your content as usual. Your photo, video, or reel will only be visible to your close friends, signified by a green star icon denoting its exclusive sharing to users on your list.
Addressing the rise of AI-recommended content
This move also comes in response to the increasing prevalence of AI-recommended content in user feeds, which sometimes overshadows updates from friends and family. By offering the option to share content exclusively with “Close Friends,” Instagram aims to provide users with a more personalized and curated space within the app.
The implications and user adoption
Instagram’s upcoming feature, allowing users to share Reels and Feed Posts exclusively with “Close Friends,” raises questions about whether users will opt for a more private sharing circle or stick to broader visibility. This move reflects Instagram’s commitment to user preferences, offering new avenues for private group sharing and enhancing the overall user experience.
As social media evolves, Instagram’s focus on empowering users with greater control over sharing settings signifies an understanding of diverse online connections. With this feature rollout, users can expect a more personalized and customizable experience, deepening connections with their digital inner circles.
