How to post Stories only to Close Friends

Want to post Stories only to close friends without all followers seeing? The "Close Friends" feature lets you set a list and add Stories only to that list. Here's how.

When it's useful

• Personal content – Updates or videos not meant for all followers.
• Testing – Try a Story on a small group before wider posting.
• Privacy control – Same account, but some Stories only for selected people.

How to post Stories only to Close Friends – step by step

1. Set up Close Friends list – Profile > Menu (three lines) > Close Friends / Close Friends. Add people from the list (followers). Saves automatically.

2. Create a Story – Record or upload photo/video as usual. Edit (text, stickers) if you want. Read How to make Stories on Instagram.

3. On the "Share to story" screen – Before tapping "Share," look for "Close Friends" or "Close Friends" (sometimes under your username or in a menu). Select it.

4. Share – Tap "Share." The Story appears only to people on the Close Friends list. Other followers won't see it.

5. Next Story – For each new Story you choose again: everyone or only Close Friends. No fixed default.

Common mistakes

• Assuming the list is up to date – Check the Close Friends list periodically and add/remove as needed.
• Not checking before publishing – Make sure "Close Friends" is selected on the share screen if that's what you want.
• Thinking they know – Viewers see the Story; Instagram doesn't tell them they're on a special list.

Summary

Set up "Close Friends" in Settings, create a Story and on the share screen choose "Close Friends." Only people on the list can see it. For each Story you choose again – everyone or only Close Friends.

Next steps

• How to make Stories on Instagram – Story basics
• Why people can't see your Story – visibility
• How to add a link to your Story – Story links