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Instagram is working on a new feature that may soon allow users to remove themselves from another person’s “Close Friends” list, according to Meta.
The company confirmed to TechCrunch on Friday that the tool is still in early development and is not yet being tested publicly. If released, it would mark a major change to how Instagram’s Close Friends feature works.
Close Friends, first introduced in 2018, allows users to share Stories, Reels, and posts with a limited audience instead of their full follower list. Until now, people added to someone’s Close Friends group have had no option to leave it on their own.
The feature was first discovered by reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi, who is known for uncovering Instagram updates before they are officially announced. A screenshot shared by Paluzzi suggests Instagram will notify users that leaving a Close Friends list means they will no longer be able to view that person’s private content unless they are added back.
While some users may take offense if someone chooses to leave their Close Friends circle, the option could be welcomed by others who prefer not to be included in certain private groups.
Instagram’s main competitor Snapchat already offers a similar option, allowing users to remove themselves from someone’s private story list. This could indicate Instagram is trying to match or improve upon privacy tools offered by rival platforms.
It remains unclear when — or if — Instagram plans to release the Close Friends removal feature to the public, as many internal prototypes never make it into final updates.
At the same time, Meta is also exploring other major changes across its apps. The company recently revealed plans to test new subscription services that may unlock exclusive features on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp.
Although Meta has not confirmed which tools will be included, early reports suggest premium users could gain access to options such as unlimited audience lists, the ability to see who doesn’t follow them back, and viewing Stories anonymously.
Meta says its goal is to offer users more control and customization while keeping the main social media experience free for everyone.
As Instagram continues to evolve, these upcoming features could reshape how users manage privacy, friendships, and online connections in the future.
