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Sharing With Your Closest Friends Instagram Only Vs. Public Feed

close friends instagram

Today on social media, Instagram has become a go-to platform for sharing our lives with others. But when it comes to sharing moments and memories, should we be more selective? Is it better to limit our audience to a chosen few, our close friends on Instagram?

Or should we embrace the public feed and let our content be visible to all? In this blog post, I’ll explore the popular debate between Closest Friends Instagram Only and the Public Feed.

This informative blog post will help you to decide which approach suits you best for Instagram.

Let’s explore the pros and cons of each. Then, discover the ideal way to curate your Instagram experience to match your preferences and privacy needs.

Instagram Only

When it comes to sharing your moments on Instagram, you have the option to choose between sharing with your entire audience or a select group of close friends. The latter is possible through Instagram’s Close Friends feature.

It allows you to create a list of people who will be the exclusive recipients of your private posts.

Creating lists on Instagram is similar to creating lists over on Twitter X.

In this section, I’ll explore the benefits of sharing with close friends only, how to create a Close Friends list, and how to share with them on Instagram.

Learn about the new feature for closest friends list on Instagram.

Creating A Close Friends List

To begin sharing exclusively with your closest friends on Instagram, you need to create a Close Friends list. This feature gives you control over who sees your private posts. It ensures that only those you trust can view and engage with them.

To create a Close Friends list, follow these simple steps:

  1. Open the Instagram app on your mobile device.
  2. Go to your profile and tap on the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner.
  3. From the menu that appears, select “Close Friends.”
  4. You’ll be presented with a list of suggested accounts to add to your Close Friends list. You can either select them or manually search for and add specific friends.
  5. Once you’ve added all the desired accounts, tap on “Done.”
Where to find your close friends list in your settings.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully created a Close Friends list on Instagram. Now, let’s explore some of the benefits of sharing exclusively with this select group of Instagram friends.

Why Make A Close Friends List?

Posting too much on Instagram often leads to post fatigue. Your audience gets tired, engagement rates slip, and your reach drops. If you notice likes and comments slowing down, you’re not alone.

Instagram’s algorithm picks up on this shift and might even show your posts to fewer people. Or you may even be shadowbanned on IG.

Sending posts or stories to close friends instead can help you avoid this slump. Sharing with a smaller circle keeps things personal and fresh. You’re more likely to get real feedback and spark actual conversation.

It’s also a great way to test new ideas without losing momentum on your main profile. Give your core followers (and yourself) a break from the feed pressure by focusing on quality over quantity in your private shares.

Benefits of Sharing With Close Friends Only

Sharing with close friends on Instagram offers a host of benefits that can enhance your overall social media experience. Here are some reasons why you should consider utilizing the Close Friends feature:

  1. Privacy and intimacy: By sharing only with your closest friends, you create a more intimate and private space to share personal moments, thoughts, and experiences. This allows for a deeper level of connection and trust within your inner circle.
  2. Selective audience: Sharing with close friends means that your content will be seen and appreciated by a smaller, more engaged audience. This can lead to more meaningful interactions, as your friends are likely to provide genuine support, compliments, and feedback.
  3. Filtered content: The Close Friends feature allows you to curate and tailor content specifically for your chosen audience. This means you can share more personal moments without worrying about judgment.
  4. Enhanced engagement: Sharing exclusively with close friends fosters a sense of exclusivity and importance. Your friends will feel privileged to be part of your inner circle. Thus leading to increased engagement through likes, comments, and conversations.

Now that we understand the benefits, let’s learn how to share with your Close Friends on Instagram.

See how the close friends list work on Instagram.

How To Share With Close Friends On Instagram

Sharing with your Close Friends on Instagram is a straightforward process. Once you’ve created your Close Friends list, follow these steps to start sharing exclusive content:

  1. Open the Instagram app on your mobile device.
  2. Before creating a new post, tap on the “+” icon to begin composing.
  3. Choose or capture a photo or video that you want to share with your Close Friends.
  4. Before adding filters or editing, tap on the “Close Friends” button located on the bottom right corner of the screen.
  5. Select the “Close Friends” option to ensure that your post will only be visible to this specific audience.
  6. Proceed with editing your post or adding captions and hashtags as usual.
  7. Once you’re satisfied with your post, tap on “Share” to publish it exclusively for your Close Friends.

That’s it! You’ve successfully shared a post with your Close Friends on Instagram. Now you can enjoy the benefits of having a more private and intimate space for sharing memorable moments with your inner circle.

I sent a test to The Goat Farm for you to see how it look in messages.

The Public Feed

When it comes to sharing on Instagram, the public feed plays a significant role in expanding your reach. As well as gaining engagement, and receiving valuable feedback.

Unlike sharing exclusively with your closest friends, sharing publicly allows you to connect with a larger audience. Thus opening the door to exciting possibilities.

Expanding Your Reach To A Larger Audience

One of the primary advantages of sharing publicly on Instagram is the opportunity to expand your reach to a larger audience. And now public posts may be seen when users are searching on Google!

By making your posts or stories visible to anyone who comes across your profile or uses relevant hashtags, you increase your chances of attracting new followers.

Not only that but connecting with like-minded individuals, and potentially gaining the attention of brands or influential accounts within your niche.

The public feed serves as a gateway to reaching a broader demographic and building a strong online presence.

Gaining Engagement and Feedback

Engagement is a vital aspect of any social media platform, and Instagram is no exception. When you share publicly, you open the doors to receiving valuable feedback from your followers and the wider Instagram community.

Whether it’s through likes, comments, or direct messages, engagement allows you to connect with your audience on a deeper level. Therefore, fostering meaningful conversations, and gather insights about your content.

By sharing publicly, you give others the opportunity to engage with your posts, provide feedback, and make your Instagram experience more interactive and rewarding.

Tips For Sharing Publicly On Instagram

To make the most out of sharing publicly on Instagram, here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind:

Conclusion: Closest Friends on Instagram Option

In conclusion, when it comes to sharing on Instagram, the choice between your closest friends and the public feed depends on your individual preferences and goals.

Sharing with your closest friends allows for a more intimate and personal experience. It creates a tight-knit space where you can freely express yourself without the fear of judgment from a wider audience.

This option is perfect for moments that you want to keep within your inner circle, like family gatherings or inside jokes between friends.

On the other hand, sharing on the public feed opens up the opportunity to connect with a larger audience and gain more exposure. (Even from Google now!) It allows you to showcase your creativity, build a personal brand, and potentially attract new followers who share similar interests.

This option is ideal if you want to reach a wider range of people and share your content with the world.

If you need more Instagram tips, check out the resources and guides on Inspire to Thrive for practical strategies that deliver results.

FAQ: Sharing With Your Closest Friends Instagram Only Vs. Public Feed

What’s the difference between “Close Friends” and the public feed?

“Close Friends” lets you share stories with a select group. The public feed shares posts with all your followers.

How do I add people to my “Close Friends” list?

Go to your profile, tap the menu icon, and select “Close Friends.” Add people from there.

Can people see if they’re on my “Close Friends” list?

No, they won’t know unless you share a story with that group.

Can you now share Feed posts or Reels to Close Friends, not just Stories?

Yes you can share to all of these features of Instagram today.

Can I remove someone from my “Close Friends” list?

Yes, simply go to the “Close Friends” section and remove them.

Will someone know if I remove them from my “Close Friends” list?

No, they won’t be notified if you remove them.

Is there a limit to how many “Close Friends” I can have?

No, there’s no cap on how many people you can add.

Can I have a “Close Friends” list on a private account?

Yes, both private and public accounts can use the “Close Friends” feature.

Will my “Close Friends” see ads in my stories or posts?

Yes, Instagram may show ads in stories or posts, even to your “Close Friends.”

Can I customize my “Close Friends” list for each story, reel or post?

No, the list remains the same unless you manually change it.

What happens if I block someone who was on my “Close Friends” list?

They won’t have access to your stories, posts or profile anymore.

How do changes in Instagram’s algorithm and user habits relate to the increase in Close Friends–only content?

You can bypass a shadowban or algorithm change by sharing to a close friends list vs. your regular feed.

Are there ways for brands and creators to use Close Friends Feed posts to build loyalty and reward their best followers?

Yes, a brand can offer discounts to close friends and private sales.

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