Instagram launches new "Close Friends on Live" feature

Instagram is introducing a new feature that allows users to live stream to
a smaller group of close friends. This update may assist users in planning their trips, collaborating on their homework, or simply catching up with friends.

Additionally, the update provides influencers with the opportunity to host live streams for a selected audience, with up to three additional accounts joining the live stream. The feature is rolling out globally. 

Instagram launched live broadcasts in 2016, and these broadcasts were always open to all subscribers. This feature has been widely used by celebrities and influencers to connect with their fans. However, for ordinary users, the idea of sharing content with everyone who follows them may not be appealing. With the new feature, users now have the ability to decide who can view their live streams, which could encourage people who have not previously used this feature to give it a try.

The launch of the new feature shows that Instagram is moving towards more private and personalized connections on its platform. Last November, users were given the option to make posts on their feed visible only to close friends, as opposed to their entire list of followers. In May, Instagram added the ability to mute interactions from everyone but close friends, which means users will not see comments, direct messages, mentions, and more if they opt into stricter safety settings. These types of filters are intended to limit harassment that creators may face, but have since been expanded in usage and can be used by anyone who wants a more curated experience on Instagram.