Instagram is working on a way for people to leave another person’s Close Friends list. The company confirmed the change is in early development and not yet public. This option would let users opt out of private story groups they do not want to be part of.

Feature in Development

The prototype was found by reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi and shared online. The screenshot shows a clear warning to users that leaving a Close Friends list will stop them from seeing that person’s Close Friends content unless the list owner adds them again. Meta told reporters the feature is still early and is not being widely tested.

How it Would Work

A user would access a person’s profile or story settings. They would then choose a new option to remove themselves from the Close Friends list. The app would display a warning about losing access to Close Friends stories and prompt the user to confirm the choice. After leaving, the person who created the list will not be notified by a visible alert. The screenshot suggests Instagram will keep the process simple and direct.

Data and Outcomes

This change would give users more control over what they view and over what private groups include them. Some people may welcome the option to step away from private circles without asking the list owner to remove them. Other people may feel slighted when a friend leaves a Close Friends list. Social apps often balance user control with social signals. Instagram is still trying out a few features that would allow people have greater control of their experience without changing the original app.

Story Visibility Options

Instagram is not the first app to offer ways to control private story access. Rival apps have added options that let people manage story visibility and group membership in different ways. Instagram is designing its own flow so it matches how people already use Close Friends on the platform.

Meta may update the prototype based on feedback and internal testing. The company often changes early designs before public release. There is no public test schedule right now, and no guarantee the feature will roll out exactly as shown in the early screenshot. Users who want this option should watch for app updates and official posts from Instagram about new controls.