Instagram is built with a simple interface that users can generally get accustomed to quite easily. However, there are some abbreviations that may seem a bit difficult to understand at first. For example, if you see CF on Instagram, you may be wondering what it means.

“CF” on Instagram stands for “Close Friends.” You can add users to your Close Friends list to share private stories with a select group of people, without all your followers viewing them.

If you prefer to keep certain posts away from watchful eyes, you can easily select a handful of people you would like to view your story. Keep reading to learn more about using Close Friends on Instagram!

What Does CF Mean on Instagram?

Instagram uses “CF” as an acronym for “Close Friends.”

Users can add other users to their Close Friends list, then create private stories to share with only this select group. Followers you do not select as “Close Friends” will not be able to view your private story, nor will they see it appear on their homepage.

You can easily update your Close Friends list whenever you want. You don’t have to worry about maintaining the same list of friends once it is set.

You can add or remove people for as long as you like.

How to Add Close Friends on Instagram

Close Friends is a plus for people who prefer to keep their Instagram life on the low.

Adding followers to your Close Friends list is easy. Here’s how you can do it:

  • Open Instagram on your smartphone.Go to your profile by clicking on the last icon on the bottom panel.Tap the three horizontal bars on the top left corner of your screen.Select “Close Friends.”Search for and select the people you would like on your Close Friends list.

These steps apply to both Android and iOS devices.

Rest assured, Instagram will maintain your privacy whenever you update your Close Friends.

Those selected and those removed will have no idea until they see the signature green Close Friends circle around your story!

How to Share Instagram Stories for Only Close Friends

Sharing Instagram stories with Close Friends is quite easy. Just follow these instructions to do so:

  • Launch the Instagram app.Press the Plus icon on the top of your screen.Select “Stories.”Pick the video or picture you would like to post.Just before you hit send, you will see “Close Friends” beside a green badge at the bottom of the screen. Press on this.Select your Close Friends or go with the list you made earlier.Press “Send.”

In the Instagram Stories section, your followers will see your profile picture with a glowing green ring around it, unlike the usual ring with the Instagram logo colors.

This indicates to your Close Friends that your story is exclusively for them, and only they and others on the list can see it.

Like all other Instagram Stories, the posts you share with your Close Friends will automatically disappear after 24 hours.

But, you still get to share personal moments with your friends in those short hours.

Why Can’t I Add Close Friends on Instagram?

If you tried adding close friends on Instagram, but it didn’t reflect the changes you made, or if you don’t see the “Close Friends” option on your profile, it means one of two things:

  • Your app is outdated.You haven’t verified your email address.

Luckily, both causes are easy to solve.

Updating Your Instagram App

When you’re using an outdated version, Instagram won’t function properly.

You may try to update your Close Friends list and see no changes.

If this happens more than once, update the Instagram app on the Google PlayStore or Apple App Store.

Verifying Your Email Address

If you have the latest version of Instagram but still can’t see the “Close Friends” option on your profile, it probably means you haven’t verified your email address yet.

This means your account doesn’t have a phone number or email registered with it, and some features, including Close Friends, will be limited until you do.

To verify your email address, follow these steps:

  • Click on your profile picture to open your profile.Click on the menu icon at the top right corner.Tap “Settings.”Select “Security.”Click on “Two-Factor Authentication.”Tap “Backup Codes.”Select “Get New Codes.”

The code will be sent to your email so you can complete the verification process.

Note that this process is different from requesting blue mark verification. No matter how many followers you have, you can still use the Close Friends feature.

If both methods prove unsuccessful, try logging out of your account and logging back in or reinstalling the app.

If all else fails, contact Instagram through the “Report a Problem” feature in the app settings.

In Conclusion

Instagram uses “CF” as an abbreviation for “Close Friends.”

With this privacy feature, you never have to worry about all your followers viewing your Instagram story.

By selecting only those you deem “close friends,” you give them express permission to view private Instagram stories.