Instagram, which is owned by Meta, is currently in the testing phase of a novel feature that allows users to exclusively share their feed posts with a select group of ‘Close Friends.’
Lia Haberman, a digital media marketing instructor, recently shared a screenshot of this upcoming feature on a different social media platform (formerly known as Twitter). She remarked, “Instagram appears to be introducing a Close Friends feed post feature, as evidenced by a user in the UK. This could potentially divert users away from utilizing Stories and direct messaging, providing a unique experience for Close Friends.”
According to reports from TechCrunch, Meta is conducting tests for this feature in specific countries, though the exact list of countries remains undisclosed. A spokesperson from Meta commented, “We are presently testing the ability for users in certain countries to share their feed posts exclusively with their Close Friends. We are continually exploring new avenues to encourage self-expression and enhance connectivity within the Instagram community.”
It’s worth noting that this feature was initially discovered by Alessandro Paluzzi, a mobile developer and a source known for leaking information, back in May. Lia Haberman added, “A test of this feature was first noticed in May by @alex193a (Alessandro Paluzzi), and now it has become accessible to some accounts. Have you observed the ‘Audience’ option in your feed posting choices?”
If this new feature is eventually rolled out globally, it could potentially reduce the need for users to maintain separate accounts exclusively for their close friends.
In related news, Instagram is reportedly in the process of developing an extended version of Reels that would allow users to record videos up to 10 minutes in duration. Alessandro Paluzzi shared this information on a different social media platform, presenting screenshots of two side-by-side Reels pages—one permitting three minutes of recording and the other allowing up to 10 minutes of content creation. This move would bring Instagram’s video content closer in duration to that of YouTube videos, though it still falls short of the extended recording time offered by TikTok, a major competitor in short-form video content, which allows for longer video creation.