Instagram “Following” Becomes “Friends”: Major Profile Change

Instagram is testing something new and interesting. The classic Instagram following becomes friends display on user profiles, which might soon change. Instead of showing how many people you follow, Instagram may show how many friends you have. It will be specifically mutual connections who follow each other back. This shift has sparked curiosity, debate, and even some confusion among Instagram users and creators.

Keep reading to know more about this Instagram update.

Why is Instagram changing the “Following” label?

The custom of displaying the number of people an individual follows on the Instagram account has been experienced over the years. Instagram is, however, experimenting with a new version where such a number is marked friends. It will also emphasize on mutual followers instead. In this new design, the friends list will only show users a person who follows them.

Instagram has verified this as a small and experimental test that will experiment with how people will react to a graph of friends compared to a simple list of who you follow.

Instagram is built around friends. According to the company, it might be worth emphasizing such mutual relationships to make your Instagram profile change look closer and truer. This is part of a larger trend in which the app is attempting to focus on real relationships rather than on passive following.

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What does it mean for users and creators?

So what does it mean if Instagram following becomes friends on profiles? First, it could change how people view influence and engagement on the platform. Right now, a big following often signals influence. However, when Instagram begins displaying friends rather than this, it may hurt the profiles based on the number of people that the profile actually engages with. This might change the habits of users to have more intimate and meaningful relationships as opposed to pursuing the number of followers.

Creators and brands, particularly those that emphasize reach and visibility, might have to re-examine their approaches. They do not need to be only focused on followers or the number of people they follow; they may begin to focus on engagement and mutual connections.

How could it affect discovery and engagement?

At the moment, the “Following” section in Instagram feeds also serves as a discovery tool. People sometimes browse through “Following” lists to find new profiles to explore. Assuming Instagram takes the place of friends, the discovery experience would be less rich. It will be where you primarily see people related to friends you have, as opposed to a wider set of interests.

Nevertheless, it is also argued that displaying friends may make the application friendlier. Making it not a popularity contest as much. With the emphasis on actual relationships, Instagram will be able to stimulate more true engagement in chats, direct messages, and joint Stories. These will bring real friendships.

What users are saying?

This change has already been noted by many users in their own apps and has been responded to. Other people would love the idea that the Instagram following would become friends, as this is more real and less competitive. Others fear the loss of the possibility to read new materials or express all their interests. As with any large-scale change, there are two sides.

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Will Instagram make this change permanent?

Instagram is currently in the testing process of the feature. IT has not yet officially announced whether and when this Instagram update will be released internationally.

Nonetheless, the test reflects one major objective. Instagram is seeking to make the relationships more meaningful and bring the user closer to the individuals they actually interact with.

You may like it or doubt it, but this is the test where Instagram following becomes friends and may define the way in which we interact online.