Instagram testing out a feature to let you share feed posts with Close Friends – Instagram users have long complained about the impersonal aspect of the social network, owing partly to its algorithmic feed. The corporation has been attempting to open up new channels for users to share material with their peers. Instagram is now testing a feature that allows you to share feed posts with only your ‘Close Friends’ group.
Many users, including ICYMI newsletter’s Lia Haberman, have noticed this function in the past few days.
The company confirmed to our source that it is currently testing this feature in a few countries, but didn’t go ahead to specify which ones.
“We’re testing the ability for people in select countries to share feed posts with their Close Friends. We’re always exploring new ways for our community to express themselves and connect on Instagram,” Said a Meta spokesperson in a statement.
If sharing feed posts with friends becomes more common, it may minimize the necessity for users to have a “finsta” account (a separate account that serves as an exclusive alternative for just friends).
In 2018, the social network added a feature that allowed users to share Stories with a private group of ‘Close Friends’. The following year, Instagram experimented with group chatting with Instagram’s ‘Close Friends’ circle via an app called Threads (no, not the one one your mind which was launched in July). However, the group chat app Threads was discontinued in 2021 in order to focus on a better direct message experience.
Instagram Notes, a tool to exchange text updates with pals, debuted in December. In recent months, the company has added capabilities like music sharing and translation.
Below are the tweets from some users, including ICYMI newsletter’s Lia Haberman on the new feature:
