What Is Instagram Close Friends and How to Use It in 2025

Last Updated on June 25, 2025 by Himanshu Rawat

Privacy and personalization are more crucial than ever in the constantly changing social media landscape. The “Close Friends” list is one of Instagram’s most underappreciated features; it offers the ideal mix of control and exclusivity.

This feature is worth investigating whether you’re a casual user wishing to share more intimate moments with a select group of people or an influencer seeking to establish a closer relationship with your audience. 

In this blog, we’ll cover what Instagram Close Friends is, how it works, and how to utilize it effectively.

What Is Instagram Close Friends?

Instagram Close Friends is a feature that allows users to create a curated list of followers who can view exclusive content that isn’t visible to the broader audience. Originally launched in 2018 for Stories, Close Friends has since expanded to include feed posts, giving users even more control over who sees their most personal or premium updates.

For everyday users, it’s a way to share life’s more intimate moments with only their closest connections. For brands and creators, it’s a strategic tool to reward loyalty, offer behind-the-scenes access, and drive engagement through exclusivity.

5 Key Benefits of Instagram Close Friends

1. Improved Privacy

With Close Friends, you can share private posts and Stories with a select group instead of all followers. The green ring signals exclusivity, helping you set boundaries and keep things more personal.

Example: A New Yorker columnist uses Close Friends to share quirky, offbeat moments like red-lit selfies in public bathrooms or childhood photos, without broadcasting them to all followers. The green ring marks these private, candid glimpses, allowing authentic sharing without compromising her main feed

2. Genuine Involvement

Sharing with close friends creates a more private setting that welcomes candid discussions and sincere criticism for a more profound and significant Instagram experience.

Example: Brands like Away, MAC Cosmetics, Nike, and Recess use Close Friends to deliver tailored content.

• Away teases limited-edition translucent suitcases.
• MAC offers early access to new product drops.
• Nike collects sizing info to send surprise gifts.
• Recess polls followers on new can designs or taglines, all sent only to their most engaged fans.

3. Specific Content

With Close Friends, you can send extremely relevant updates, inside jokes, or exclusive deals. 

This increases the sense of value and loyalty of your most devoted fans by allowing creators and businesses to reward them with special promotions, early access, or exclusive content.

4. Improved Relationships

Connecting with Close Friends through exclusive content strengthens relationships both online and off by fostering a sense of appreciation and belonging.

5. VIP Experience

Brands and influencers can share benefits, first looks, and early access on Close Friends, a digital VIP lounge. In addition to rewarding top fans and converting followers into advocates, it fosters loyalty.

How to Set Up Your Close Friends List on Instagram

Setting up your Close Friends list is easy. Here is a Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1. Open Instagram and Go to Your Profile.

Step 2. Tap the menu icon (three lines) in the top-right corner.

Step 3. Select Close Friends.

Step 4. Add people by searching or scrolling through your follower list. You can add anyone who follows you or whom you follow back.

Step 5. Tap Done to save your list.

You can update your Close Friends list anytime, add or remove people as your relationships and content strategy evolve.

Sharing Content:

• For Stories: Create a Story as usual, but select “Close Friends” before posting. Stories for Close Friends have a distinct green ring.
• For Feed Posts: When posting, use the “Audience” tab to select “Close Friends.” These posts show a green border on your grid.

Who Should Be on Your Close Friends List?

Choosing who to add to your Close Friends list depends on your goals, whether you’re sharing personal updates, building a brand, or running a business.

1. For Personal Use

• Close friends you interact with regularly and trust with more private content.
• Family members who want to stay updated on personal milestones or day-to-day life.
• Trusted colleagues or classmates who are part of your inner circle.
• Old friends you want to reconnect with on a more personal level.

2. For Influencers and Creators

• Loyal followers who consistently engage with your content reward them with exclusive behind-the-scenes or early previews.
• Brand collaborators and partners who need access to special updates, campaign previews, or coordination details.
• VIP fans or superfans who support you through comments, shares, or purchases.
• Members of private communities or groups you run, such as Patreon supporters or Discord members.

3. For Business Accounts

• Members of your business’s core community, such as repeat customers or top clients.
• Premium subscribers who pay for exclusive content or perks.
• Event participants use Close Friends to share event details, sneak peeks, or post-event highlights.
• Brand ambassadors or affiliate partners who benefit from early information or exclusive offers.
• Employees or team members for internal updates, team-building content, or private company announcements.

Best Ways to Use Close Friends

1. Behind-the-Scenes Content

• Give your Close Friends a backstage pass to your world. Share the creative process, day-to-day routines, or sneak peeks of upcoming projects.
• This fosters a sense of exclusivity and trust, making your audience feel like insiders.

2. Polls & Feedback

• Use the privacy of Close Friends to gather honest opinions on new ideas, products, or content before going public. 
• Use Instagram’s built-in poll and question stickers to get real-time feedback from your most engaged followers.

3. Special Discounts or Announcements

• Reward loyalty by running secret sales, sharing exclusive discount codes, or announcing new launches to your Close Friends first. 
• This approach not only drives engagement but also incentivizes more followers to seek inclusion in your Close Friends list.

4. Mini Vlogs or Diary-Style Updates

• Transform Close Friends into a micro-vlogging space. Share raw, unfiltered moments, daily diaries, or quick video updates that showcase your authentic self. 
• This type of content can strengthen personal bonds and build a more relatable online persona.

5. Exclusive Community

• Build a close-knit group around a shared interest by sharing specialized content with Close Friends, perfect for subscribers, events, or hobby groups, all within Instagram.

Conclusion

Instagram Close Friends is more than just a privacy feature; it’s a dynamic tool for building deeper relationships, driving engagement, and creating a sense of exclusivity in an increasingly crowded social media landscape. Whether you’re sharing personal moments or building a VIP community for your brand, Close Friends empowers you to connect authentically with the people who matter most

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can someone tell if they’re on my Close Friends list?

No. Instagram doesn’t notify people when they’re added or removed from your Close Friends list. However, they can tell they’re on it if they see your Story with the green ring or “Close Friends” label.

2. Can people see who else is on my Close Friends list?

No, your list is completely private.

3. Can someone request to be added to my Close Friends?

No. You have full control over who is added or removed.

4. Can I remove someone without them knowing?

Yes. They won’t be notified.

5. Can I make different Close Friends lists for different purposes?

No. Instagram currently allows only one Close Friends list per account. If you want to segment more, you may need to use alternate accounts or create private groups via Notes or DM.