If you had asked me a few months ago about the green “Following” button and the “Close Friends” feature on Instagram, I probably would have shrugged them off as just another minor update that didn’t really matter.
I had been comfortably using Instagram’s regular follow and story functions, sticking to the basics: liking posts, sharing stories publicly, and occasionally DMing friends. But there was always this nagging feeling that the usual ways I interacted on Instagram were a bit too broad, too public, and honestly sometimes a little impersonal.
I wanted something that felt more selective, more like real social connection rather than broadcasting to the masses.
That’s when I stumbled upon discussions about the green “Following” button the one that appears on profiles of people you’ve added to your “Close Friends” list. At first, I thought it was just a cosmetic change, but as I dug deeper, I realized it was actually part of Instagram’s effort to help users build more meaningful interactions.
This feature was designed for people like me who crave a way to share more private, exclusive content with a trusted group of followers without completely shutting down the broader audience.
What pushed me over the edge to actually try it was the frustration of sharing stories that felt either too personal for everyone to see or too generic to be engaging. I was curious if using the green “Following” button and managing my “Close Friends” list could improve how I connect, both personally and as a creator.
Would it help me foster better relationships? Or would it just add another layer of complexity to my Instagram use? Spoiler alert the answer surprised me.
How I Use the Green “Following” Button and “Close Friends” List Every Day
Once I started, I quickly learned that the green “Following” button is more than just a status symbol on Instagram profiles.
It’s an indicator that I’ve added someone to my “Close Friends” list a private group for sharing stories and posts only with a select few. Using this tool means I can control exactly who sees certain updates, which is a game-changer for someone who values privacy but also wants to stay social.
Here’s how I manage my “Close Friends” list in practice:
- Adding People: I usually add people who I interact with often, close friends, family, or followers who engage deeply with my content. I do this by going to their profile, tapping the menu, and selecting “Close Friends.” This process is straightforward but feels powerful because it’s like curating a mini-community.
- Sharing Exclusive Stories: When I post stories, I choose between sharing them publicly or only with my close friends. The green ring around their stories makes it easy to spot which content is private and which is for everyone. It’s a small design detail, but it helps me quickly focus on stories that feel more personal.
- Receiving Content: On the flip side, when I see the green “Following” button on someone’s profile, it reminds me that I’m in their inner circle. It feels special knowing I’m getting content others won’t see, which makes the interaction feel more genuine and less performative.
What’s cool is how this setup helps me separate casual acquaintances from true connections without unfollowing or blocking anyone something I had to do before to avoid oversharing.
What I Loved About Using These Instagram Features
I’ll be honest, the green “Following” button and “Close Friends” feature changed how I think about Instagram. Here’s what stood out to me:
- More Authentic Connections: Sharing with a smaller, trusted group made my stories feel more honest and less curated. It’s easier to share behind-the-scenes moments or personal updates without worrying about judgment from a huge audience.
- Better Engagement: I noticed that my close friends and followers on the list engaged more actively with my stories more replies, DMs, and genuine conversations. It felt like I was building a community rather than just posting content.
- Privacy Control Without Drama: I’ve always hated the idea of unfollowing or muting people, especially friends or colleagues, because I didn’t want to hurt feelings. This feature lets me keep everyone in my feed but tailor what they see, which feels respectful and thoughtful.
- Great for Creators and Businesses: From what I’ve seen, many creators and small businesses use this to reward loyal followers or customers with exclusive promos and sneak peeks. It’s a subtle way to build brand loyalty and stand out in a crowded feed.
But Here’s What Annoyed Me About the Green “Following” Button and Close Friends
As much as I love these features, they aren’t perfect. Some things bug me:
- No Clear Transparency: You don’t get notified when someone adds you to their “Close Friends” list, so you might be sharing exclusive content without even knowing it. This lack of visibility sometimes makes me wonder where I stand in people’s social circles.
- Limited Interaction Options: I wish Instagram would add features like “request to join” or better ways to manage close friends in bulk. Right now, it’s a bit clunky if you want to frequently update the list or involve bigger groups.
- Confusion for Followers: Some people don’t understand what the green “Following” button means, which can cause confusion or curiosity that Instagram doesn’t really address in-app. This could be better explained or promoted.
- Risk of Overthinking Sharing: Because you’re controlling who sees what so closely, I found myself sometimes overthinking which stories go to whom. It’s great for privacy, but it can slow down the casual, spontaneous sharing that makes Instagram fun.
So, Should You Use Instagram’s Green “Following” Button and Close Friends Feature?
For me, making the switch to use the green “Following” button and “Close Friends” feature regularly was absolutely worth it. It helped me build a more authentic Instagram presence and deepen the connections I care about without cutting ties with anyone else. The boost in engagement and feeling of exclusivity is real.
That said, I’m still hoping for some improvements from Instagram, especially around transparency and easier management of close friends. These deal-breakers keep me cautious but don’t outweigh the benefits.
If you’re tired of your Instagram feeling too broad or impersonal, and you want a simple way to share private content or build closer communities, I recommend giving these features a try. Don’t expect magic overnight, but be open to the more human side of social media.
What About You? Have You Tried These Instagram Features?
I’m curious have you used the green “Following” button or “Close Friends” list on Instagram? Did it change how you use the app? Or did you find it confusing or limiting? Drop your thoughts if you want, or just keep scrolling knowing there’s a more personal way to connect on Instagram when you’re ready.
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