Instagram is testing a new feature that makes your social connections more visible — the Friends count. Here’s everything you need to know.

🔢 1. What’s Changing?

A Friends count will now appear on profiles.

Users can see how many friends or mutual connections someone has.

Currently, this is rolling out as a test, so not everyone may see it yet.

👀 2. Why instagram is Doing This

Adds transparency to social connections

Helps users discover new friends through mutual connections

Encourages more social interaction and engagement on the platform

⚙️ 3. Where You’ll See the Friends Count

On the profile page, alongside followers and following numbers

Mutual friends may also be highlighted in certain sections

📱 4. Impact on Privacy

While friends count is visible, individual friend details may remain private

Users can still control who sees their posts and stories via privacy settings

For those concerned, check: Settings → Privacy → Connections

💡 5. How to Prepare Your Profile

Review your friends/following list

Clean up inactive or unwanted connections

Adjust privacy settings if you want to control who sees your friends

🧠 6. Bottom Line

Instagram’s Friends count feature is a small but impactful change that makes your social network more visible. It encourages connection discovery while still letting users maintain privacy over posts and stories.

 

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