Instagram to Allow Users to Leave Close Friends Lists
Instagram, the popular social media platform, is reportedly developing a new feature that would allow users to remove themselves from others’ Close Friends lists. This means that users who do not wish to see private Stories or Reels shared by someone’s Close Friends group might soon have the option to opt out. Currently, users have been unable to leave these lists since the feature was first introduced in 2018.
According to reports, the new feature is still under development and has not yet been rolled out for testing. Reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi was the first to spot this unreleased option, sharing screenshots that illustrate how the removal feature is expected to function. If a user decides to leave a Close Friends list, they will receive a warning indicating that they will no longer be able to see any content shared by the person unless they are re-added.
This development could address a long-standing request from users who have sought more control over their social media interactions. However, it also raises potential social dynamics issues, as leaving someone’s Close Friends list might be interpreted as a rejection. This could lead to awkward situations, particularly among friends and acquaintances.
In comparison, Snapchat, a direct competitor of Instagram, already offers a similar feature that allows users to remove themselves from someone’s ‘Best Friends’ list. This highlights a growing trend among social media platforms to provide users with more autonomy over their online connections.
In addition to this feature, Meta, Instagram’s parent company, is also exploring subscription services across its various platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. These subscription plans aim to unlock exclusive tools aimed at enhancing creativity and productivity while keeping core services accessible for free.
Meta is expected to roll out these subscription options gradually over the coming months, allowing users to enjoy a more personalized experience. The company plans to test different bundles and features across each app, providing tailored offerings rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
A significant aspect of Meta’s subscription strategy involves the integration of Manus, an AI agent recently acquired by the company. This integration will enhance user experience across its apps, with early indications already being observed in the development of features such as a Manus shortcut on Instagram.
