Instagram has rolled out another way for users to interact with a smaller group of friends and followers. Close Friends on Instagram Live  lets you  limit the viewership of your livestreams to a group that you decide. Up to three other people will be able to join your broadcasts. That broadcast can then be released to a limited group of followers that you decide.

This is a lot like Clubhouse and X Spaces, now available on the Instgram platform.

According to Instagram, users are looking for ways to connect with friends and followers more privately. The popularity of features like DMs, Close Friends and Notes attests to that.

Alright, if you’re itching to give this a go, here’s what you do. Grab your phone, hit the "+" button to share something on Instagram, and then swipe over to "Live." Now, look up at the top of your screen. You’ll see something like "Share with Followers" with a little down arrow next to it. Tap that, select "Close Friends," and boom—you’re ready to start your exclusive live stream. Go ahead and hit record to go live!

Here are some creative ideas on how to use the new limited Instagram live streams:

1. Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Content

• Special Previews: Share sneak peeks of upcoming projects, products, or events exclusively with your Close Friends group.
  
  

• Behind-the-Scenes Tours: Give a behind-the-scenes tour of your workspace, studio, or event setup.
  
  

• Process Showcases: Show the process behind creating your content, whether it’s art, music, writing, or any other craft.

   

2. Interactive Workshops and Classes

• Skill-building Sessions: Conduct workshops or classes on topics your Close Friends are interested in.
  
  

• Feedback Sessions: Gather feedback on your work or products from a trusted group.

   

3. Private Q&A Sessions

• Fan Interaction: Host Q&A sessions where your most engaged followers can ask questions directly.
  
  

• Expert Advice: Offer professional advice or tips in your area of expertise, such as fitness, cooking, or photography.

   

4. Testing New Ideas

• Content Testing: Test new content ideas or formats with a trusted group before releasing them to your wider audience.
  
  

• Feedback Loops: Collect real-time feedback on new initiatives, products, or content.

   

5. Personalized Content

• Story Time: Share personal stories or experiences that you might not want to share with your entire follower base.
  
  

• Targeted Updates: Provide life or business updates to a smaller group of interested followers.

   

6. Exclusive Collaborations

• Guest Appearances: Invite up to three friends or collaborators to join your live stream for discussions, interviews, or joint projects.
  
  

• Panel Discussions: Host panel discussions on niche topics with a select group of followers or experts.

   

7. Event Planning and Coordination

• Private Planning Sessions: Use live streams to coordinate with friends or team members on upcoming events or projects.
  
  

• Exclusive Event Invites: Announce private events or gatherings to a select group of friends.

   

8. Gaming and Entertainment

• Gaming Sessions: Stream live gaming sessions with commentary for your Close Friends.

• Watch Parties: Watch and discuss movies, TV shows, or live events together.