Instagram Explores ‘Close Friends’ List Exit Option, Alongside New subscription Plans
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Meta is considering allowing Instagram users to remove themselves from other people’s “Close Friends” lists, a feature long requested by the platform’s user base. The company announced the potential change on January 30, alongside plans to test new subscription services across Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp.
Launched in 2018, Instagram’s Close Friends feature enables users to share content – including Stories, Reels, and posts – with a curated group, rather than their entire follower network.Until now,individuals have had no control over whether they appear on another user’s list. This lack of agency has prompted calls for a removal option, and Meta appears to be responding.
According to reports, Meta will notify users if they are removed from a Close Friends list, informing them that they will no longer have access to content shared exclusively with that group unless they are re-added. While some users may find being removed upsetting,the feature could offer a valuable level of privacy and control for those who prefer not to be included in certain individuals’ inner circles.
Snapchat, a key competitor to Instagram, already allows users to opt out of private Stories, demonstrating a precedent for this type of feature within the social media landscape.
Expanding Revenue Streams: Instagram Subscriptions on the Horizon
Beyond the Close friends update, Meta is actively exploring new ways to monetize its platforms.Earlier this week, the company announced plans to test subscription plans offering access to exclusive features. While specific details remain scarce, one analyst indicated that premium Instagram subscriptions could include the ability to create unlimited audience lists, identify followers who do not follow back, and view Stories anonymously.
Meta stated its intention is to provide users with enhanced features and greater control over their online experience, while preserving a free, core service. The company’s approach appears flexible, with plans to experiment with various subscription tiers, each offering a unique set of benefits.
This multi-pronged strategy suggests Meta is not relying on a single revenue model, but rather diversifying its offerings to cater to a wider range of user preferences and needs. The company’s willingness to experiment with both privacy controls and subscription services underscores its commitment to adapting to the evolving demands of the social media landscape.
Why: Users requested more control over their privacy on Instagram,specifically regarding the “Close Friends” list.Meta is also seeking to diversify its revenue streams beyond advertising.
Who: Meta,Instagram users,and Snapchat are the key players. meta is implementing the changes, Instagram users are the recipients, and Snapchat already offers a similar feature.
What: Meta is considering allowing users to remove themselves from others’ “Close Friends” lists and is testing subscription plans for Instagram with exclusive features.
how did it end?: The article doesn’t detail a final resolution. Meta is considering the removal option and testing subscription plans. The outcome of these tests and the final implementation of the removal feature remain to be seen. The article concludes by highlighting Meta’s adaptive strategy.
