Instagram Testing New Privacy Feature to Leave Close Friends Lists Silently

Instagram is reportedly developing a new privacy feature that would allow users to remove themselves from someone else’s Close Friends list, offering greater control over who can share private content with them. According to a report by TechCrunch, the feature would let users opt out of seeing private Stories, Reels, and posts shared with a limited audience — without notifying the other person.

The Meta-owned platform is said to be working on this tool to help users better manage their social boundaries and avoid uncomfortable situations related to private content sharing.

Instagram’s Close Friends Feature: What Could Change

How Close Friends Works Today

Instagram’s Close Friends feature allows users to share Stories and posts with a selected group of followers rather than their entire audience. Since the feature was introduced, only the content creator has been able to manage the list.

Currently:

• Added users cannot remove themselves

• They automatically see private Stories and posts

• There is no opt-out option

New Opt-Out Feature Explained

The reported update could change this dynamic by allowing users to decide whether they want to continue seeing someone’s private content.

According to TechCrunch:

• Users may be shown a warning message before leaving a Close Friends list

• Once removed, they will no longer see that person’s Close Friends Stories or posts

• They would need to be added again manually by the creator to regain access

Meta Confirms Early Development Stage

Meta confirmed to TechCrunch that the feature is still in early development and is not being publicly tested yet.

The report noted that:

• An internal prototype of the feature was first spotted by a user on X

• Screenshots of the feature were shared publicly

• The company has not announced a release timeline

Why This Feature Could Matter to Users

TechCrunch observed that while some users may find it awkward or even offensive if someone leaves their Close Friends list, the feature could be valuable for users who prefer not to be part of certain private sharing groups.

This move aligns with a broader trend across social platforms toward user-controlled privacy, helping people manage digital relationships more comfortably.

Snapchat Already Offers Similar Control

The report also pointed out that Snapchat already allows users to opt out of someone’s private Story, giving them greater control over the content they see — a model Instagram may be looking to adopt.

Meta’s Subscription Plans: What’s Coming Next

New Paid Features Across Meta Apps

Beyond privacy updates, Meta is reportedly planning to test new subscription options across:

• Instagram

• Facebook

• WhatsApp

While details remain limited, TechCrunch reported that a premium Instagram subscription could include features such as:

• Creating unlimited audience lists

• Seeing which followers do not follow you back

• Viewing Stories without notifying the poster

Meta’s Strategy: More Control, Core Experience Free

Meta stated that these upcoming subscriptions aim to offer users additional tools and greater control over how they share and connect on its platforms, while keeping the core experience free.

TechCrunch added that:

• Meta is not committed to a single subscription model

• The company plans to experiment with different features and bundles

• Each app may offer its own exclusive tools