Have you ever seen a green “following” label next to some Instagram profiles and wondered what it means?
Typically, the “following” label on Instagram is gray and neutral, but when it turns green, it signifies something specific.
This small, but significant change is part of Instagram’s features aimed at enhancing user experience and transparency.
What Does the Green Following Mean on Instagram?
The green “following” label on Instagram indicates that the user has added you to their Close Friends list.
Normally, when you follow someone on Instagram, their “following” status is gray. However, when the label turns green, it’s a sign that you are on their Close Friends list.
The Close Friends feature on Instagram allows users to share posts and Stories exclusively with a select group of people, and the green status is a way of showing that you’re a part of that group.
What is the Close Friends List?
The Close Friends list on Instagram is a feature that enables users to share more personal or exclusive content with a small group of people.
When you add someone to your Close Friends list, they will be able to see your private posts and Stories that you share only with that list.
Unlike regular followers who see everything you post publicly, Close Friends have access to more selective content.
The only way to know if someone has added you to their Close Friends list is through the green following label and the green ring around their Instagram stories.
Want to know about Close Friend List in detail Read out this blog: What Does CF Mean on Instagram?
How Does the Green Following Work?
If you notice the green following label next to someone’s profile, it means you are on their Close Friends list.
It doesn’t indicate anything about your interactions beyond this exclusive group, so it’s important to note that the green following status is purely related to the Close Friends feature.
Here’s how it works: when you add someone to your Close Friends list, their profile will show the green following status, and you’ll have the ability to share content with them specifically.
This feature only works if you are already following the person, so you can’t add someone to your Close Friends list unless they follow you first.
How to Add Someone to Your Close Friends List?
Adding someone to your Close Friends list on Instagram is simple. Follow the steps below to add people to your list and make their following label turn green:
- Go to Your Profile: Tap your profile picture in the bottom right corner of Instagram to open your profile.
- Access the Menu: Tap the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner of your profile.
- Select “Close Friends”: From the menu, select “Close Friends.”
- Add People to Your List: Tap “Add” next to the accounts you want to add to your Close Friends list.
Once you’ve added them, the “following” status next to their profile will turn green, indicating that you are now part of their Close Friends circle.
Important note: You can only add someone to your Close Friends list if you already follow them.
If their account is private, you’ll need to wait until they approve your follow-up request before you can add them to your Close Friends list.
How to Know If You Are Close Friends with Someone on Instagram
Wondering if someone has added you to their Close Friends list? There’s no direct notification to tell you that you’ve been added, but there are clues.
Here’s how to know:
- Look for the Green Following Status: If you see a green “following” label on their profile, it means you are on their Close Friends list.
- Check Their Stories: The best way to confirm is by watching their Instagram stories. If you see a green circle around their stories, it means they have shared that post with their Close Friends group, and you are included.
If you don’t see the green circle, it could mean either they haven’t added you to their Close Friends list or they haven’t posted any exclusive content for Close Friends.
Why Can’t You Follow Someone on Instagram?
Sometimes, you might encounter issues when trying to follow someone on Instagram. This can happen due to several reasons:
Instagram has a limit on how many accounts you can follow per day. If you hit this limit, you’ll have to wait until the next day to follow more accounts.
Another reason could be that the person has blocked you. If they block you, you won’t be able to follow them or see their content.
If you’re having trouble following someone and don’t believe it’s due to these reasons, try the following steps to fix the issue:
- Restart Instagram and check your following list again.
- Reboot your device and your internet connection, then try following the account.
- Log out and log back in to refresh your connection.
What Does a Green Dot Indicate on Instagram?
You might have seen a green dot next to someone’s name when chatting on Instagram. This green dot indicates that the person is currently online and available for direct messages.
However, it will only appear if both you and the other user are following each other, and you’ve interacted through direct messages before.
If you see the green dot, it means the person is active on Instagram at that moment. If they aren’t replying despite the green dot showing, maybe they’re just busy — but you’ve got a chance to catch them while they’re online!
Read More: What Happens When You Restrict Someone on Instagram?
What Does Following Mean on Instagram?
The term “following” on Instagram refers to subscribing to another user’s content. When you follow someone, their posts, stories, and updates appear in your Instagram feed. It’s like signing up to see their latest photos and videos. The “following” status simply means you’ve chosen to keep up with their activity on the platform.
Being a follower doesn’t necessarily indicate a personal connection; it just means you’re interested in their content. In turn, people can follow you to see what you’re posting and engage with your content.
Followers are important for users who want to build an audience or grow their presence on Instagram, but following someone doesn’t imply anything about the relationship beyond content consumption.
FAQs
1. What Does It Mean When Someone’s “Following” Button is Green?
The green “Following” text means that the user has added you to their Close Friends list on Instagram. This gives you access to their exclusive content shared only with that group.
2. Can I See Who Added Me to Their Close Friends List?
No, Instagram does not notify you when someone adds you to their Close Friends list. The only way to know is if they share content with their Close Friends and you see a green ring around their Story.
3. How Do I Know If I’m On Someone’s Close Friends List?
If you see a green ring around their Instagram Story, it means you are on their Close Friends list and can see the content shared exclusively with that group.
4. What Happens When I Add Someone to My Close Friends List?
When you add someone to your Close Friends list, their “Following” button will turn green. This allows them to view any Stories you share specifically with your Close Friends group.
5. Can You Add Someone to Your Close Friends List if Their Account is Private?
Yes, you can add someone to your Close Friends list even if their account is private, but only after they approve your follow request. Once approved, you can add them to your Close Friends list.
6. Why Is the “Following” Button Green but Not the Story Ring?
If the “Following” button is green, but you don’t see a green ring around their Story, it could mean they haven’t posted any content exclusive to their Close Friends yet.
7. Can I Remove Someone from My Close Friends List?
Yes, you can remove someone from your Close Friends list at any time by going to their profile, tapping the “Following” button, and selecting “Remove from Close Friends List.”
Final Thoughts
Instagram’s Close Friends feature offers a more intimate way to share content with a select group of people. The green following label is a clear indicator of who’s in your Close Friends circle.
If you want to share more exclusive content, you can easily add people to your Close Friends list, and the green following status will appear next to their name. This creates a more personalized experience, allowing you to control who sees what you share.
If you’re wondering whether someone has added you to their Close Friends list, look for the green following label and the green ring around their Instagram stories.
Keep in mind that the feature is only visible to the person who owns the profile, so you won’t be able to see anyone else’s Close Friends unless you’re included.
Ultimately, Instagram’s Close Friends and green following status give users more control over who sees their content, making it easier to share more personal moments with just the people you care about.
