Instagram users have expressed concerns about the impersonal aspect of the social network, mainly because of its algorithmic feed. In response, Instagram is currently experimenting with a new feature aimed at enhancing post sharing among users and their close friends. This feature allows users to share their feed posts exclusively with their selected ‘Close Friends’ group. While Instagram has not disclosed the specific countries involved, the company confirmed this testing phase. “We’re testing the ability for people in specific countries to share feed posts with their Close Friends,” a Meta spokesperson said. “We’re always exploring new ways for our community to express themselves and connect on Instagram.”
In 2018, the social network introduced a global feature for sharing Stories exclusively with a private list of ‘Close Friends.’ In the following year, the company ventured into group chatting through an application called Threads (no it’s not the social network that was released in July) under Instagram’s ‘Close Friends’ circle. However, the group chat app Threads was discontinued in 2021 to refocus on enhancing the direct messaging experience.
Last December, Instagram unveiled ‘Notes,’ a tool for sharing text updates with friends. In recent months, the platform has rolled out additional features for Notes, including music sharing, reels, photo carousels and location sharing.
Over the past few days, numerous users, including Lia Haberman, have come across this feature. She shared her thoughts on this development, suggesting that it could be a way to encourage users to shift their focus away from Stories and direct messages, offering them a dedicated Close Friends feed experience.
