Last Updated on July 6, 2023 by Val Razo
Ever found yourself unexpectedly part of someone’s Close Friends list on Instagram? Suddenly, you’re privy to their private Instagram stories, seeing posts marked by that distinctive green circle, and perhaps feeling a tad uncomfortable. You’re not alone. It’s a common predicament in the Insta-world, and it can leave you feeling trapped, unsure of how to gracefully exit the situation. But fret not, we’re here to help.
This article will guide you through the process and show you how to leave Close Friends on Instagram, navigating the new feature with tact and discretion. Whether you want to view a story without being part of the close friends stories, or you’re looking to unfriend, mute, or even remove yourself from someone’s list, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and regain control of your Instagram experience.
Understanding the Close Friends List Feature
Instagram’s Close Friends feature, launched as a new way to communicate with a select group of people, allows users to share specific content, like a story on Instagram, with a chosen few. This feature is a fantastic way to share personal moments and posts with those you trust the most, symbolized by a green circle around their profile picture. However, being added to someone’s Close Friends list can sometimes feel intrusive, especially if it’s without your consent.
When you’re added to someone’s Close Friends list, you’ll see a green icon on their story, indicating that you’re able to view their private story. These stories, which disappear after 24 hours, are only visible to members of that list. While this feature can be a great way to stay connected with close friends and see their posts, it can also lead to uncomfortable situations if you’re added by someone you’re not particularly close with.
For instance, you might find yourself viewing a story without wanting to, or you might be notified when you’re added to a list of people you don’t know well. This can lead to a feeling of intrusion, especially if you’re unable to remove yourself from their list.
However, Instagram offers several ways to manage this. You can mute their stories, unfollow the user, or even communicate with the account owner to remove you from the list. It’s also possible to adjust your settings so that you no longer see their posts, or even create a new account if necessary.
Remember, Instagram’s Close Friends feature is designed to enhance your social media experience, not to cause discomfort. So, the control is in your hands whether you want to see someone’s posts or prefer to keep your feed more general.
How to Remove Yourself from Close Friends on Instagram
Mute Their Stories
You have options if you’re uncomfortable with the content shared in a close friend’s story on Instagram. You can choose to mute their stories, which means you won’t see their story in your feed, but you’ll still be on their Close Friends list.
Muting their stories is a subtle way to avoid seeing someone’s private stories without leaving their Close Friends list. When you mute someone’s stories, their posts will no longer appear in your story feed, but you’ll still remain on their Close Friends list. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to the person’s profile.
- Tap on their profile picture to view their story.
- At the bottom-right of the screen, tap on mute.
Remember, this action is reversible. You can unmute their stories anytime you want if you want to see their posts again.
Unfollow Them
Unfollowing the person is another way to stop seeing their private stories. However, this action is more noticeable and might lead to awkward conversations. Here’s how to unfollow someone:
- Go to the person’s profile.
- Tap on the following button.
- From the drop-down menu, select unfollow.
Block the Account
You can block the account if you’re looking for a more drastic measure. This will remove you from their Close Friends list and they won’t be able to add you back unless you unblock them. Here’s how to block someone:
- Go to the person’s profile.
- Tap on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner.
- Select block from the menu.
Ask the Account Owner to Remove You
If you’re comfortable with it, you can ask the account owner to remove you from their Close Friends list. This can be a delicate conversation, but it’s the most straightforward way to leave the list. A suggested conversation starter is: “Hey, I noticed I’m on your Close Friends list. I appreciate the thought, but I’d prefer not to be included. Could you please remove me? Thanks!”
Create a New Account
In some cases, creating a new account might be the best option, especially if you want to start fresh or if you’re dealing with multiple accounts that have added you to their Close Friends list. Here’s how to create a new account:
- Log out of your current Instagram account.
- On the login screen, tap on create new account.
- Follow the prompts to set up your new account.
How to Know if Someone Added You as a Close Friend
If you’re curious about who has added you to their Close Friends list, there’s a simple way to check. Here’s how:
- Go to your profile page.
- Tap on the hamburger menu (the three horizontal lines) in the top right corner.
- Tap on Close Friends.
- If someone has added you to their Close Friends list, you’ll see a green badge next to their name.
Remember, social media should be a place for positive interactions. If you ever feel uncomfortable with the content you’re seeing, don’t hesitate to take action. Whether it’s muting stories, unfollowing, blocking, or even creating a new account, plenty of options are available to ensure your Instagram experience is pleasant.
I once had to block an account that kept adding me to their Close Friends list without my consent. It was a tough decision, but in the end, it helped me regain control over my Instagram experience.
According to a 2023 Statista report, Instagram has over 1 billion active users worldwide. With such a vast user base, it’s crucial to understand how to navigate the platform’s features to ensure a positive and comfortable social media experience.
The Role of Social Media in Friendships
Social media platforms, particularly Instagram, have become instrumental in shaping and maintaining friendships in the digital age. They provide a vibrant platform for sharing life’s moments, connecting with friends near and far, and even forming new friendships. However, like any tool, it’s not without its drawbacks.
The Impact of Social Media on Friendships
Social media can enhance friendships by allowing us to stay connected, share experiences, and communicate effortlessly. You can view a friend’s story, see their post, or even engage in a group chat. However, features like Instagram’s Close Friends can sometimes complicate these relationships.
Being added to a Close Friends list, signified by a green circle around the profile picture icon, means you’re able to see their stories that are more personal and intimate. While this can bring you closer to your friends, it can sometimes feel intrusive, especially if it’s without your consent.
You might find yourself viewing a story you’d rather not see or being notified when you’re added to a list that you didn’t ask to be part of. It’s a stark reminder that while social media can bring us closer, it can also blur the lines of privacy.
The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media
Social media is indeed a double-edged sword. On one hand, it allows us to connect with friends and share our lives in ways that weren’t possible before. On the other hand, it can sometimes lead to awkward situations, like being added to a Close Friends list without your consent. It’s important to remember that you have control over your social media experience and can take steps to ensure it remains a positive one.
I’ve had my fair share of awkward social media encounters. Once, I was added to a Close Friends list by someone I barely knew. I felt uncomfortable and decided to unfollow them. It was a tough decision, but it helped me regain control over my social media experience.
The Impact of Instagram on Our Social Lives
Social media, particularly Instagram, has dramatically reshaped how we interact with our friends and peers. It’s a platform that allows us to share our lives, connect with others, and even build a personal brand. But like any tool, it can be a double-edged sword.
On one hand, Instagram has made it easier than ever to stay in touch with friends, share experiences, and discover new interests. It’s a space where we can express ourselves creatively, find communities of like-minded individuals, and even learn from others.
On the other hand, the constant stream of updates, stories, and posts can sometimes feel overwhelming. It’s easy to get caught up in the comparison game, feeling like our lives don’t measure up to the carefully curated feeds of others. And with features like the Close Friends list, there’s an added layer of social pressure to navigate.
Remember the time when you were added to someone’s Close Friends list without your consent? It felt invasive, didn’t it? You were suddenly privy to a more intimate layer of their digital life, whether you wanted to be or not. It’s a clear example of how social media can blur personal boundaries.
Additional Tips for Navigating Instagram
While we’ve covered the main ways to remove yourself from someone’s Close Friends list, there are a few more tips that might come in handy as you navigate Instagram:
- Check Your Privacy Settings: Instagram has a range of privacy settings that can help you control who sees your content and how people can interact with you. Make sure to review these settings regularly to ensure they align with your comfort level.
- Use the ‘Restrict’ Feature: If you’re dealing with unwanted interactions from a specific user, consider using Instagram’s ‘Restrict’ feature. This allows you to limit their interactions with you without them knowing.
- Take Breaks: Social media can be overwhelming. Don’t be afraid to take breaks from the app when you need to. Remember, it’s okay to prioritize your mental health over staying up-to-date with your Instagram feed.
Remember, Instagram is a tool for you to use as you see fit. Don’t let it dictate your social life or your self-worth. You’re in control.
Wrapping Up
Mastering Instagram’s Close Friends feature may seem daunting, but it’s important to remember that you hold the reins of your social media experience. Whether it’s opting to mute stories, unfollow accounts, or even initiating a direct conversation with the person involved, there are numerous steps you can take to customize your Instagram feed to your comfort level.
Social media, including Instagram, is just one facet of our social lives. It’s a tool intended to bolster our connections with others, but it should not govern them. So, take a breather the next time you feel swamped by your Instagram feed. Remember that it’s perfectly acceptable to prioritize your digital wellbeing, even if that means deciding to leave someone’s Close Friends list.
Furthermore, Instagram’s Close Friends isn’t a one-way street. You have the power to add or remove people from your own list, enabling you to curate a select group of followers who you want to see your private story on Insta. This feature, launched by Instagram, is a testament to the platform’s dedication to user privacy and control.
And don’t forget, if all else fails, there’s always the option to create a new account. A fresh start might be just what you need to regain control of your Instagram experience. After all, Instagram is about sharing and enjoying life’s moments, and you should feel at ease and joyful while doing so. So, here’s to regaining control, viewing the stories you want to see, and happy scrolling!
A 2023 report found that 60% of Instagram users have used the Close Friends, highlighting its popularity and widespread use. However, it’s crucial to use this feature responsibly and respect others’ privacy.
A 2023 case study highlighted the impact of Instagram’s Close Friends feature on user interactions. It found that while the feature was designed to enhance privacy and control, it sometimes led to awkward situations when users were added without their consent. The study emphasized the importance of understanding Instagram’s features and using them responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I view a story on Instagram?
To view a story on Instagram, tap on the profile picture of the user whose story you want to see. The story will appear in full-screen mode and you can swipe left or right to view other stories.
How do I add someone to my close friends on IG?
To add someone to your close friends on Insta, go to their profile and tap on the three lines in the top-right corner. Then, select “Close Friends” from the menu and tap on “Add” next to the person you want to add as your close friend.
How do I remove someone from my close friends on Instagram?
To remove someone from your close friends on IG, go to your profile and tap on the three lines in the top-right corner. Then, select “Close Friends” from the menu and tap on “Remove” next to the person you want to remove from your close friends list. They will no longer be able to see your close friends’ stories.
Can the account owner see if I have added or removed them from my close friends on Instagram?
No, the account owner cannot see if you have added or removed them from your close friends on Insta. This feature on Instagram is private and only you can manage your own list.
How do I mute someone’s stories on Instagram?
To mute someone’s stories on Instagram, go to their profile and tap on the three dots in the top-right corner. Then, select “Mute” and choose whether you want to mute their stories, posts, or both. Once muted, their stories will no longer appear in your feed.
How do I unfollow someone on Instagram?
To unfollow someone on Instagram, go to their profile and tap on the “Following” button. This will unfollow them and their posts will no longer appear in your feed. However, you can still view their profile and stories if they are public.
Can I see a message or be notified when someone adds me to their close friends on Instagram?
No, Instagram does not notify you or show a message when someone adds you to their close friends. The close friends feature is private; you will only see their stories if you are added to their list.
Author Bio
Val Razo
Val Razo is a skilled professional in the field of Instagram Marketing. With over five years of experience as a freelance Social Media Marketing consultant, Val has assisted numerous small and medium-sized businesses in achieving their goals.
