💚 Quick Answer
Close Friends is a private list that lets you share Stories with select people only. To create your list: Profile → Menu (☰) → Close Friends → Add people. When posting a Story, choose "Close Friends" instead of "Your Story" to share privately.
What is Instagram Close Friends?
Close Friends is Instagram's feature for sharing Stories with a curated list of people instead of all your followers. Stories shared to Close Friends have a green circle (instead of the usual pink/orange gradient) and are only visible to people on your list.
Key Features:
- ✓Private sharing – Only people on your list see the Story
- ✓No notifications – Adding/removing people is completely silent
- ✓Green indicator – Close Friends Stories have a green ring
- ✓You control the list – Add or remove anyone, anytime
How to Create Your Close Friends List
Go to Your Profile
Open Instagram and tap your profile picture in the bottom right corner.
Open Menu
Tap the menu icon (☰) in the top right corner.
Select Close Friends
Tap Close Friends from the menu options.
Add People
Search for people or browse suggestions. Tap the circle next to their name to add them.
Done!
Tap Done to save your list. You can edit it anytime.
How to Share a Close Friends Story
1. Create a Story as usual (tap the + on your profile or swipe right)
2. Add your photo, video, or content
3. Before sharing, tap "Close Friends" (the green star icon) instead of "Your Story"
4. Your Story will have a green ring and only be visible to your list
This is what a Close Friends Story looks like – the green ring indicates it's private.
How to Remove Someone from Close Friends
1. Go to Profile → Menu (☰) → Close Friends
2. Find the person in your list
3. Tap the green checkmark next to their name to remove them
4. Tap Done – they won't be notified
💡 You can also quickly add/remove someone when viewing their profile – tap the "Following" button and select "Add to Close Friends List" or "Remove from Close Friends."
Best Uses for Close Friends
Personal Moments
Share casual, unfiltered content with your actual close friends and family.
Behind the Scenes
Creators can share exclusive BTS content with their most engaged followers.
Exclusive Offers
Brands can share special deals or early access with VIP customers.
Venting Space
Share thoughts you don't want your boss, family, or certain followers to see.
Testing Content
Get feedback from trusted friends before posting publicly.
Surprise Planning
Coordinate parties or events without the person finding out.
Close Friends Tips & Best Practices
Review Your List Regularly
Relationships change. Review and update your list periodically to ensure it still reflects who you want seeing your private content.
Remember: They Know They're on It
When someone sees your green-ringed Story, they know they're on your Close Friends list. Consider this when adding people.
Use for Community Building
As a creator, add your most engaged followers to make them feel special and increase loyalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
See Who Your Real Friends Are
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