Instagram is reportedly working on a feature that would let users remove themselves from someone else’s Close Friends list. Currently, the Close Friends tool lets users share Stories, Reels, and posts with a select group of followers, but only the list creator could add or remove people. Meta has confirmed the new “leave list” option is in early development and not yet publicly available. In practice, this means a follower could choose to quietly opt out of seeing another user’s private content.
How Instagram’s Close Friends Feature Works?
Instagram’s Close Friends feature lets creators share content with a private audience instead of everyone following them. For example, an influencer might post behind-the-scenes Stories or early previews just to close friends on Instagram. Since its 2018 launch, however, users added to a Close Friends list had no way to remove themselves. The new update aims to change that by giving followers control over whether they remain in someone’s private sharing circle.
The New “Leave Close Friends List” Option
According to reports in TechCrunch and other outlets, the upcoming feature will allow users to remove themselves from another person’s Close Friends list. An internal prototype shows that when a user opts to leave, Instagram will present a warning dialogue. The warning explains that leaving the list means they will no longer see the person’s Close Friends content unless re-added later. Importantly, this will be a quiet opt-out the person who created the list will not receive a notification that someone left. Meta has made clear this feature is still under development and not testing on the public app yet.
- Opt-out control: Users will be able to leave any Close Friends list they’ve been added to.
- Warning message: A prompt will alert users that leaving a list will stop them from viewing that user’s private stories and posts unless they are added back.
- Silent removal: The list owner won’t be notified when someone leaves their Close Friends group.
- Early testing: Meta confirmed this tool is still in early development and not available to the general public.
- Snapchat comparison: Notably, Snapchat already lets users quietly exit someone’s private story list, a concept Instagram is now mirroring.
Why This Change Matters?
Giving followers the ability to leave Close Friends lists has several implications. On one hand, it empowers users to control what content they see. Famups notes that followers who aren’t interested in a creator’s exclusive content won’t be forced to see it anymore. On the other hand, it could create social awkwardness: leaving someone’s Close Friends list might feel like a personal rejection to the person who added you. The Indian Express points out that while users have long asked for this option, it “could awkwardly signal rejection” to the list owner.
Overall, the change reflects a broader trend of giving people more privacy and control on social media. Meta says these kinds of updates are meant to put user choice first, allowing people to manage their social boundaries better. For influencers and brands, this means they may see fewer followers passively watching their private content, but it can also prevent misunderstandings by avoiding unwanted viewers.
Meta’s Upcoming Subscription Features
In related news, Meta is also testing paid subscription plans across Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp. These subscriptions will unlock exclusive features for users who opt in, while keeping the core apps free. Early reports suggest a premium Instagram tier might include benefits such as:
- Unlimited audience lists: Users could create an unrestricted number of custom follower lists for targeting content.
- Follower insights: Premium members might see which followers don’t follow them back, or get more detail about their audience.
- Anonymous Stories: The ability to view others’ Stories without letting the poster know.
- Additional tools: Each app (Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp) will have its own set of exclusive features under these subscription bundles.
Meta emphasizes these are experimental and will roll out gradually. The goal is to give users “additional tools and more control” over sharing and engagement.
As Instagram evolves, updates like the “leave Close Friends list” feature and new subscription tools are aimed at giving users more control over their experience. Famups will continue to monitor these changes, advising creators and brands on how to adapt their content strategy. In the meantime, influencers should be aware that their followers may soon have an easy way to quietly opt out of exclusive content, a reminder that audience consent and engagement remain as important as ever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Instagram’s new “Leave Close Friends” feature?
Instagram is developing a feature that will allow users to remove themselves from someone else’s Close Friends list. This gives users more control over whose private Stories, Reels, and posts they want to see.
2. Will the other person know if I leave their Close Friends list?
No. According to early prototypes, Instagram will not notify the list owner when someone removes themselves. The action is expected to be private and discreet.
3. Can I rejoin a Close Friends list after leaving?
Only if the list owner adds you back manually. Once you leave, you will no longer see their Close Friends content unless they choose to include you again.
4. When will this feature be available?
There is no confirmed release date. Meta has stated that the feature is still in early development and may or may not be released publicly.
5. How does this impact influencers and creators?
For creators, this means Close Friends content will likely reach a more intentional and engaged audience. While some users may opt out, those who stay are more likely to value exclusive content leading to higher-quality engagement.
6. Is this feature available on other platforms?
Yes. Snapchat already allows users to remove themselves from someone’s private story, making Instagram’s move a step toward feature parity with competitors.
7. What are Meta’s upcoming Instagram subscription features?
Meta is testing paid subscriptions that may include:
- Unlimited audience lists
- Insights into followers who don’t follow back
- Anonymous Story viewing
- Advanced audience and privacy controls
These features are designed to give users more control while keeping Instagram’s core features free.
8. How can brands benefit from these updates?
Brands can use these changes to:
- Build more targeted and consent-based audiences
- Improve engagement rates by sharing exclusive content with genuinely interested followers
- Combine premium tools with growth strategies for better analytics and visibility
9. Should businesses still use Close Friends for marketing?
Absolutely. Close Friends remains a powerful tool for VIP offers, early launches, behind-the-scenes content, and loyalty building. The new feature simply ensures the audience is more aligned and receptive.
10. How does Famups help creators adapt to these changes?
Famups helps creators and brands grow real, engaged audiences across Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube—ensuring your content reaches people who actually want to see it. As platforms evolve, smart growth strategies matter more than ever.
