Jan 6, 2025

TL;DR 🔹
Billie Eilish used Instagram’s “Close Friends” feature to engage her fans and create buzz around her album. This feature boosted her story views and highlighted her exclusive content. Gramlab automates this process, allowing you to replicate her success effortlessly. Try it now to save time and grow your Instagram engagement! 🚀
Introduction
Did you know that one of the world’s biggest music sensations, Billie Eilish, used Instagram’s “Close Friends” feature to create an even deeper connection with her fans? 🎤✨ This genius move didn’t just strengthen her bond with her community, but also highlighted the immense potential of this feature for entrepreneurs, brands, and creators.
In today’s saturated social media landscape, standing out and maintaining engagement is increasingly challenging. By leveraging a feature designed for exclusivity, Billie Eilish turned it into a powerful marketing tool, proving that creativity and innovation can drive exceptional results. Her success story shows how tools like Instagram’s “Close Friends” can be used to deepen audience connections and enhance visibility.
In this article, we’ll explore the story behind her brilliant marketing strategy, why it works so well, and how you can replicate it to boost your own Instagram performance. And of course, we’ll show you how Gramlab can make this strategy both simple and effective 🚀.
How Billie Eilish Revolutionized Engagement with “Close Friends”
How She Did It
In April 2024, Billie Eilish surprised the world by adding her 111 million Instagram followers to her “Close Friends” list. 👀🌐 This feature, typically reserved for small groups, allows you to share exclusive stories with a selected audience. But instead of sticking to a small circle, Billie decided to include everyone.
Why? She was preparing for the release of her album Hit Me Hard and Soft and wanted to create massive buzz. By sharing intriguing stories and teasers exclusively via the “Close Friends” circle, she created a sense of exclusivity that captivated her followers.
The campaign generated a wave of anticipation and excitement among her fans. This strategy not only increased her story views but also boosted interactions such as comments, direct messages, and shares. Fans felt personally connected to Billie, enhancing their loyalty and enthusiasm for her new music.

Why It Worked
Maximized Visibility 📺: Stories shared via “Close Friends” are prioritized on followers’ feeds. This means they appear at the top, grabbing attention faster and generating more views. 🔥
Exclusivity as a Psychological Lever 🌐: Simply being added to the “Close Friends” list creates a feeling of belonging and privilege. Followers feel chosen and are more likely to engage with the content. 😎❤️
Increased Anticipation 🎉: Billie used her stories to share exclusive content: behind-the-scenes footage, sneak peeks of new songs, and direct messages to her fans. This built palpable excitement around her album release. 🎶
By turning a standard Instagram feature into a personalized engagement tool, Billie Eilish demonstrated how simple tactics can lead to groundbreaking results.

Lessons for Brands and Creators
If Billie Eilish can turn a relatively simple feature into a powerful marketing tool, so can you, no matter your niche. Here’s how:
Use the “Close Friends” Feature Strategically 🔒
Add your most engaged followers to your “Close Friends” list. This will encourage them to keep a close eye on your content—whether for special announcements, promotions, or exclusive previews. 🌟
Focus on creating a balance between inclusivity and exclusivity. For example, reward loyal customers or highly engaged followers by granting them access to this exclusive circle. This fosters a deeper sense of loyalty and makes your audience feel valued.
Create Content That Engages 🎥
Polls & Questions ❓: Interact directly with your audience. This can spark valuable conversations and insights.
Behind-the-Scenes Footage 🎞️: Show aspects of your business or creativity that the public doesn’t usually see.
Exclusive Offers 🎁: Share discounts or early access to products only via “Close Friends” stories. These limited-time offers create urgency and drive conversions.
For example, imagine sharing a sneak peek of a product launch with your “Close Friends” list before it goes live to the general public. This tactic not only boosts excitement but also ensures higher engagement rates.
Automate the Process with Gramlab ⚙️
Manually adding thousands of followers to your “Close Friends” list is nearly impossible. It could take weeks of full-time work. Luckily, Gramlab automates this process, saving you valuable time while ensuring everything is 100% secure. 🛠️✨
Gramlab’s automation ensures you never miss an opportunity to engage with your audience. Plus, its advanced features allow you to target the most relevant followers, enhancing the quality of your interactions.

Expert Insights: Why “Close Friends” is a Game-Changer
“This strategy builds brand loyalty and raises followers’ perceived value. By leveraging the Close Friends feature, brands can go beyond traditional marketing. ” — 50 pound social
“This tactic increased the intimacy and connection between Billie and her fanbase, generating excitement ahead of her release. ” — Venice Music
Why Use Gramlab for This Strategy? 🌟
Simple and Effective Automation 🚀: Gramlab adds your followers to your “Close Friends” list in no time.
Multi-Account Management 🛣️: Manage multiple Instagram profiles directly from one platform.
Guaranteed Security ⛔️: No password sharing required, and Gramlab adheres to Instagram’s policies.
Real-Time Tracking 🔄: Monitor your performance with a sleek dashboard.
Whether you’re a small creator or a large brand, Gramlab simplifies the process, making it accessible for anyone to replicate strategies like Billie Eilish’s.
Conclusion: Be Like Billie Eilish… But Make It Easier 🌐
Billie Eilish used the “Close Friends” feature to create massive buzz and engage millions of fans. If she can turn this feature into a winning marketing strategy, imagine what you can do for your brand or business. 🚀
With Gramlab, you can replicate this strategy effortlessly. Add your followers to your “Close Friends” list with just a few clicks, create engaging content, and watch your engagement skyrocket. 🔥
So, are you ready to take action? Transform your Instagram strategy and wign up for Gramlab! 🌟
Theo R.
FAQ
1. How can I use “Close Friends” effectively?
2. Is Gramlab safe to use for automating this strategy?
3. What kind of results can I expect with Gramlab?