How to Share Your Instagram Posts or Reels With “Close Friends”

Knowing who viewed your Instagram profile is just one way of ensuring you’re safe online. If you want to limit your digital footprint but still want to stay active on Instagram, consider limiting the visibility of your content. It is already possible to share your Instagram Stories with your close friends. But do you know you can also limit your Instagram Reels and posts to your Close Friends list? Follow this guide to learn how.

How to Share an Instagram Post With “Close Friends”

Changing the visibility settings on Instagram varies a little for posts, Stories, and Reels. Previously, you were limited to sharing Stories with your friends. But this is no longer the case, as Instagram now lets you limit who can view your posts and Reels. 

1. Open the Instagram app on your phone.
2. Tap the plus icon and select Post.
3. Select the videos or images you want to post and tap Next.
   
   
4. (Optional) Add filters or music in the next screen, then tap Next when done.
5. Tap Audience.
   
   
6. Select Add people.
7. Tap on people who you want to add to your “Close Friends” list and select Done.
   
   
8. Select Close Friends and tap Done.
   
   
9. Tap Share once you’re done adjusting other settings.

You can use the above method to share your post with your close friends even after switching back to a personal Instagram account.

How to Share an Instagram Story With “Close Friends”

Posting a Story on Instagram that’s only viewable by a selected group of friends who follow you is a lot easier.

1. Open the Instagram app.
2. Tap the plus icon and select Story.
3. Create your content.
4. At the bottom, you will see a Close Friends option. Tap on it.
   
5. Tap the arrow to post the Story.

You can customize your Close Friends list by tapping the down arrow next to the option.

How to Share an Instagram Reel With “Close Friends”

Lastly, you can also share Instagram Reels with close friends. 

1. Open the Instagram app.
2. Tap the plus icon and select Reel.
3. Select the content you want to post and tap Next.
4. Tap Audience.
   
   
5. Select Add friends if your  Close Friends list is empty. Otherwise, toggle Close Friends and tap Done.
   
   
6. Tap Next.
7. Select Share to post the Reel.

Any post or Reel shared with your close friends on Instagram will not be viewable by others who follow you, even if they visit your profile. 

Keep Your Instagram Content Within Your Circle

This is a great way to ensure that only those close to you can see your post, Story, or Reel. Hopefully, Instagram will introduce more privacy features like these in the future, as it can make you more comfortable when using the platform. If you want another useful Instagram trick, here’s how to tag people on an Instagram Story after posting it.

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