Whether you want to post Stories for a curated audience, or share your content only with a particular user, Instagram's Close Friends list feature is a great way to ensure that only your best friends have access to your private Stories and images.
Here's how you can create a Close Friends list on Instagram, manage and edit a list that you've already made, and see if you're someone else's Close Friend. Let's get started!
How To Make A Close Friends List On Instagram
You can create a Close Friends list on both Instagram's desktop site and the app.
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.
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.
How To Edit Your Close Friends List On Instagram
You can edit your Close Friends List on both desktop and mobile.
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.
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.
How To Post For Close Friends On Instagram
If you want to share exclusive content with your Close Friends list, you can do so for both Stories and regular Posts.
Posting Close Friends Stories
Open Instagram and create your Story as usual.
Before posting, click the Close Friends option next to the Next arrow (denoted with a green circle with a white star).
Once your Story is posted, it will appear as a green ring around your profile picture.
Posting Close Friends Photo or Video Posts
Open Instagram and create your post as usual.
Before you hit Share, scroll down and click Audience.
From here, select your Close Friends list.
NOTE: If you have crossposting on (i.e your Instagram posts are being shared to a Facebook page as well) you will not be able to choose a specific post audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see someone's Close Friends list on Instagram?
No - Close Friends lists on Instagram are private. Instagram will not notify someone if they have been added to or removed from a Close Friends list.
How do I know if I'm someone else's Close Friend on Instagram?
The only way to tell if you're on someone else's Close Friend list is by seeing the green circle around a profile picture when they share a private Story.
What is the green circle around a profile picture on Instagram?
The green ring around an Instagram profile picture means that user has shared a Story with their Close Friends list - and you're on the list.
How many Close Friends lists can you make on Instagram?
You can only have one Close Friends list on Instagram. There is currently no way to create multiple sets to curate various audiences.
How many people can you add to a Close Friends list on Instagram?
You can add an unlimited number of people to your Instagram Close Friends list.
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