- Allows live streaming to a curated list of three Close Friends.
- Ensures a more private and intimate broadcasting experience.
- Reduces fear of judgment or unwanted comments during live streams.
In a new development, the Meta-owned social media platform Instagram has announced a new privacy-related feature for users. Until now, live streams on the platform were visible to all of a user’s followers. However, going forward, users will have the option to broadcast the live stream for their Close Friends.
Instagram’s New Live Streaming Feature: Close Friends
Close Friends On Live
Starting June 20, 2024, Instagram users will be able to livestream for up to three Close Friends. This will turn the broadcast into a private session that can only be attended by four people, including the user. Yes, the ability to stream live to a closed group of people feels more like a video call, but the app provides some examples of scenarios where the feature could be useful.
The platform says that Close Friends on Live will allow users to share what is on their minds, catch up with their near and dear ones, share memes, or just help users plan trips with a more intimate set of people. However, the feature doesn’t seem as useful for influencers or content creators who are used to connecting with the masses. They can still host trial sessions with a group of three close friends, though.
The Close Friends on Live feature could also attract more people to use the feature on the platform without any fear of judgment or unwanted comments. It is clear that Instagram is pushing more private conversations on the platform. For instance, the platform released the ability to make posts visible to close friends in November last year.
How To Live Stream To Your Close Friends On Instagram?
Here’s a simple guide to start a live stream with your Close Friends on Instagram:
- Launch Instagram.
- Tap the plus icon located at the bottom of the screen.
- Choose “Live” from the options at the bottom right.
- On the preview screen, tap “Share with Everyone” at the top.
- Select “Close Friends” as your audience.
- Once your setup is complete, tap the live button at the bottom of the screen.
This feature notifies only those on your close friends list instead of all your followers. Reportedly, only three people from your close friends list can join the live stream.
The Impact of Instagram’s New Feature
Instagram is introducing a way to livestream to a smaller, more private audience. Beginning today, Instagram users will be able to host Live broadcasts only available to their curated list of Close Friends. Up to three other accounts can join the Live broadcast and stream with the original user. The feature rolls out globally.
Until this point, beginning a Live broadcast meant that anyone could tune in and watch it if your account was public, and all followers could watch the stream if you had a private account. Live videos are a popular feature for influencers and celebrities chatting with followers or fan accounts streaming live footage from concerts in other words, content that’s more geared toward wide audiences and for public consumption.
The ability to go live only to a small group of people feels closer to a giant FaceTime call than to a public livestream and, indeed, use case examples offered by the company are decidedly more intimate. A user could start sharing influencer content like haul or “get ready with me” videos without judgment from certain followers, for example, or host a study session with a handful of friends.
Instagram has emphasized more private modes of using the platform, attributing significant growth to features like direct messaging. In November, users got the option to make posts on their grid visible only to close friends as opposed to their full follower list. In May, Instagram added the ability to mute interactions from everyone but your close friends, meaning users wouldn’t see comments, DMs, mentions, and more if they opt in to stricter safety settings. This kind of filtering was intended to limit harassment content creators might face but has since expanded in use and can be deployed by anyone who wants a smaller, more curated Instagram experience.
Instagram’s new privacy feature for live streams is a significant step towards creating a more intimate and secure environment for its users. By allowing live broadcasts to be shared only with Close Friends, the platform is fostering private interactions and reducing the risk of unwanted comments or judgment. This new feature is expected to enhance user experience and encourage more people to engage with live streaming on Instagram.
