Subtle changes are coming to Instagram as the platform works on a feature that allows users to remove themselves from someone else’s “Close Friends” list without triggering awkward conversations or notifications. Meta confirmed the development of this update on January 30, 2026.
Introduced in 2018, the “Close Friends” feature lets users share Stories and Reels with a selected inner circle instead of their full follower list. The new option is aimed at giving users more personal control over what content they see and from whom.
Once a user removes themselves from another person’s Close Friends list, they will no longer be able to view that account’s exclusive Stories and Reels. Access will remain blocked unless the Instagram account owner manually adds them back to the list.
The feature was first spotted by reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi, who also identified early signs of possible subscription-based tools under testing. These include unlimited audience lists, insights into which followers do not follow back, and the ability to view Stories without alerting the creator.
Instagram is also experimenting with premium options targeted at power users. These tools are designed to offer deeper control and visibility while keeping core features available for free. According to Meta, the focus remains on flexibility and user choice rather than restricting access.
Other platforms have already moved in this direction. Snapchat, for instance, allows users to remove themselves from private Stories at any time. Instagram’s update could simplify social boundaries on the app and reduce the pressure around selective sharing.
While Meta has not shared a rollout timeline, the feature signals a broader shift toward quieter, user-driven controls across social platforms. If implemented widely, it may change how users manage digital relationships without direct confrontation.
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