The way we measure our popularity and connections on social media is about to undergo a significant transformation. For over a decade and the numbers at the top of an Instagram profile have been the gold standard for digital status. We have all become accustomed to seeing the “Followers” and “Following” counts as the primary indicators of a person’s reach. However and Meta has confirmed to Business Insider that it is currently running a small global test that could change everything. In this experimental version of the app and the traditional “Following” count is being replaced by a much more personal metric known simply as “Friends.”
This move signals a major shift in how the platform wants users to perceive their digital environment. Instead of focusing on how many strangers or celebrities you are tracking and the app is now highlighting the people you actually have a two way relationship with. It is a bold attempt to bring back the “social” aspect of social media and which many users feel has been lost in the sea of influencers and brands and algorithm driven advertisements.
Defining a ‘Friend’ in the Digital Age
So what exactly qualifies as a friend according to this new Instagram test? The definition is refreshingly simple and direct. A friend is anyone who follows you back. While the old “Following” count included every single account you ever hit a button for and the “Friends” count only tallies mutual followers. This means that if you follow five hundred people and but only two hundred of them follow you in return and your profile will now prominently display that you have two hundred friends.
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This change creates a very different psychological experience for the user. Seeing a smaller and more intimate number can make the platform feel like a closer community rather than a vast and impersonal broadcast network. Meta stated that the goal of this small global test is to understand how people respond to seeing these mutual connections emphasized more clearly. They want to make these relationships more visible and meaningful because and at its core and the platform believes that personal connections are what keep users coming back.
The Impact on Influencers and Brands
While this update might feel cozy for a casual user and it presents a unique challenge for influencers and brands. For years and professional creators have used the ratio of followers to following to establish their authority and influence. A high follower count paired with a very low following count was a sign of prestige. If the “Following” count disappears or is hidden behind a “Friends” tab and that traditional indicator of status might lose its power.
Furthermore and for brands looking to collaborate with creators and the “Friends” count could become a new metric for authenticity. Instead of just looking at raw reach and a brand might look at how many people an influencer actually interacts with mutually. This “community relevance” could become a more valuable indicator of how much trust a creator has built with their audience. It pushes the focus away from pure numbers and toward the quality of the interactions happening within the app.
A Return to the Roots of Social Media
Instagram head Adam Mosseri has been very open about the fact that most interaction on the app now happens in Direct Messages rather than on the public feed. People are sharing Reels and stories with their inner circle rather than posting to a massive audience. By introducing the “Friends” count and Meta is effectively aligning the profile interface with this current user behavior. It acknowledges that the people you care about are the ones who care about you back.
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This experiment is part of a broader strategy to differentiate Instagram from entertainment platforms like TikTok. While TikTok is great for discovering new content from strangers and Instagram wants to remain the place where you stay connected to your actual social circle. Whether this test becomes a permanent feature for everyone will depend on the data gathered during this small global test. If users feel more comfortable and less pressured by the new system and we might soon say goodbye to the “Following” count for good.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the difference between a friend and a follower on Instagram now?
Under the new test and a follower is someone who watches your content and while a friend is a mutual connection. You are only considered friends if you both follow each other.
Why is Meta changing the Following count to a Friends count?
Meta wants to emphasize personal connections and make the app feel more like a community. They are testing this to see if highlighting mutual relationships improves the user experience.
Will my current followers be able to see who my friends are?
Yes and just like they could see who you followed before and people visiting your profile will likely be able to click on the friends count to see the list of mutual connections.
Does this test affect every Instagram user right now?
No and Meta has confirmed that this is a small global test. This means only a small percentage of users across the world will see the change on their profiles for now.
