How to Use Instagram’s Close Friends Feature Like a Pro

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

How to Use Instagram’s Close Friends Feature Like a Pro

How to Use Instagram’s Close Friends Feature Like a Pro

Instagram’s Close Friends feature lets you share Stories with a hand-picked group—perfect for staying authentic while maintaining control over your privacy.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

April 8, 2025

Are you oversharing on Instagram?

Do you ever hesitate before posting a Story because you don’t want your boss, an old classmate, or every one of your followers to see it?

What if you could share your funniest, most personal, or behind-the-scenes moments with only the people you trust?

Here's a Cool Tip: Use Instagram's Close Friends feature.

Originally launched in 2018, this often-overlooked tool is a must-know for anyone who wants more control over who sees their content—without juggling multiple accounts.

Whether you’re a creator, professional, or casual user, this guide will show you how to use Close Friends to take back your social media privacy.

What Is Instagram’s Close Friends Feature?

Close Friends allows Instagram users to create a private list of followers who can view select Stories.

When you post a Story and choose to share it with Close Friends, only those on the list can see it.

🔑 Key Functions:

Share Stories privately with a curated group.
Create and update your Close Friends list at any time.
Easily distinguish Close Friends Stories (green ring around your profile).
Keep things personal without switching to a private or secondary account.

Why This Feature Matters

Instagram is one of the most public platforms today—yet not every moment needs to be shared with hundreds or thousands of followers.

Close Friends offers a middle ground to provide more privacy, more intentional content and less stress about who’s watching.

It’s ideal for influencers testing new content, families sharing updates privately, event planners coordinating with select people and professionals keeping their online presence polished while still having fun.

Here's how to do it.

iOS and Android

Tap Profile or your profile picture to go to your profile.
Tap Menu in the top right.
Tap Close Friends.
Search for people you want to add and tap the circle next to their name to add to your Close Friends list.
To remove someone on your list, uncheck next to their name.

Website

Tap Profile or your profile picture to go to your profile.
Tap Menu in the top right, then Apps and websites.
Tap Close Friends.
Search for people you want to add and tap the circle next to their name to add to your Close Friends list.
To remove someone on your list, uncheck next to their name.

Notes

When posting, select Close Friends in the Audience option to limit your post to your Close Friends list.
People won't be notified when you add or remove them from your list.
You can update your list at any time.
Changes take effect immediately and privately—Instagram does not alert followers.

fig. 1 - Add People to Instagram Close Friends List

Instagram’s Close Friends feature strikes a smart balance between staying connected and staying private.

You can post honestly, casually, or even experimentally—without broadcasting to everyone.

If you’ve been reluctant to share certain moments, this tool empowers you to stay in control of your story.

It’s one of Instagram’s most powerful—but underused—privacy features.

Have you used Close Friends before?

What kind of content do you share with your inner circle?

Drop your experience in the comments.

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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned tech expert, is the mastermind behind www.OneCoolTip.com where he serves as both writer and editor. With a keen eye for simplifying complex tech, Rodger delivers practical advice that empowers readers to navigate the digital world with confidence. Dive into www.OneCoolTip.com for a treasure trove of savvy tips and tricks that keep you one step ahead in tech.