Is Instagram more private than Facebook? Instagram, in certain areas, has exhibited better privacy elements than its “parent.” In September, Instagram rolled out an option for users to share their content with only their ‘Close Friends.’ The app is now taking the next step by introducing new Instagram ‘Close Friends’ only sharing options. If you find yourself on someone’s ‘Close Friend’ list, then you might enjoy these new options soon.
Aren’t We Close?
Official examples show that the new Instagram ‘Close Friends’ only sharing options allow users to set their audience sharing preferences. That facilitates a more intimate in-app connection and engagement. Instagram ‘Close Friends’ for Stories goes back to 2018, allowing users to create a list of up to 100 people.
Since then, Instagram has added Notes and Reels to its content mix, providing more private group engagement options. However, not all users seem to have the capacity to utilize these sharing options within their private groups. Instagram says users can begin posting to their ‘Close Friends’ starting November 14th.
That marks Instagram’s latest evolving efforts to lean more into private group sharing. Instagram Chief Adam Mosseri once said:
“Friends now post a lot more to stories, and send a lot more DMs, than they post to Feed.”
A short but sweet statement. That shift, which is also evident in other social apps, emphasizes messaging and group engagement options. With that said, each platform now looks to facilitate more private and intimate interactions to keep people sharing. It is such an odd paradox, if you think about it. Focus on private options to get people to share more. What is the point of building towards more engagement if people are after more online privacy? Why go online in the first place if privacy is your primary concern? That is just one of the many obscurities of Social Media. Oh well, things, and sometimes people, are just weird.
Moving on, the rise of generative AI, and AI-powered tools in general has exacerbated content suggestions. Many people dislike suggested content because it leaves them with less room for updates from connections they actually like. Given how Facebook and Instagram have seen higher usage by showing people more video content, it makes sense for them to move in this direction.
The Wrap
These new Instagram ‘Close Friends’ only sharing options are another step towards the broader engagement shift. It will be interesting to see if Instagram teams adopt these new updates. Hopefully, Instagram groups will start seeing more activity as a result of these additions.
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