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Instagram is finally addressing a long-standing user complaint. The platform is developing a feature that allows users to remove themselves from someone else’s “Close Friends” list. Meta confirmed this development on Friday. Currently, the feature is in the early stages and is not yet available for public testing.
Since Instagram launched the Close Friends feature in 2018, users have lacked control. Once someone adds you to their list, you see their private Stories, Reels, and Posts. Until now, you could not remove yourself. This upcoming update aims to change that dynamic.
How The New Instagram Feature Works
Reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi first spotted this internal prototype. He specialises in discovering unreleased features. According to a screenshot shared by Paluzzi, the process includes a specific warning.
If you choose to leave a Close Friends list, Instagram will notify you that you will lose access to that person’s exclusive content. Furthermore, you cannot undo this action yourself. You will only see that content again if the original user decides to add you back to their list.
#Instagram is working on a feature that lets users remove themselves from another user’s Close Friends list 👀 pic.twitter.com/ftgDSfxE7p
— Alessandro Paluzzi (@alex193a) January 29, 2026
This move brings Instagram closer to its competitors. For instance, Snapchat already allows users to remove themselves from private stories. While some users might find this offensive, it offers a welcome escape for those who prefer less digital clutter.
New Premium Subscriptions
Beyond the Close Friends update, Meta is exploring new revenue streams. The company plans to test subscription bundles that offer exclusive features across Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp.
Meta aims to give users more control while keeping core experiences free. Although Meta has not officially detailed these features, Paluzzi has leaked potential perks. A premium Instagram subscription might allow users to:
- Create unlimited audience lists.
- See which followers do not follow them back.
- View Stories anonymously without the poster knowing.
Meta plans to test various bundles, so the final offering may change. However, it is clear that more user control is coming to the platform soon.
