Introduction

Instagram stories are one of the most powerful tools for engaging your audience. But did you know you could increase your story views by 5x or more simply by leveraging Instagram’s Close Friends feature?

In our opinion, this Instagram feature is largely underestimated.

In this guide, we’ll break down how the Close Friends feature works, why it’s a game-changer for entrepreneurs, brands, and influencers, and how Gramlab makes it effortless to maximize your Instagram reach 🙌

Why Close Friends is a Secret Weapon

Boosted Story Visibility

Instagram prioritizes stories shared with Close Friends, displaying them at the top of followers' feeds. This means more people see your content faster, driving up your views significantly.

Exclusive Audience Engagement

Adding followers to your Close Friends list creates a sense of exclusivity. They feel like VIPs, which encourages them to watch your stories more attentively and engage with your content.

Oh cool, I’m part of her Close Friends list! I didn't know that 😊

Algorithm Advantage

Instagram’s algorithm rewards engagement. Higher story views and interactions signal to Instagram that your content is valuable, helping it reach even more of your audience organically.

And now you're starting to understand the potential and how Gramlab could help you right?

Steps to Increase Story Views by 5x with Close Friends

Add Followers to Your Close Friends List

Use Instagram’s Close Friends feature to create a targeted group. While this can be done manually, managing a large number of followers this way is time-consuming. That’s where Gramlab comes in!

It would take approximately 15 days of full-time work (16 hours/day) to manually add 125,000 followers to your Close Friends list. Doing only this, is not your real Business.

Leverage Gramlab’s Automation

With Gramlab, you can:

• Automatically add followers to your Close Friends list without lifting a finger.

• Focus on engaged users to ensure your stories reach the right audience.

• Save time while achieving 5x more views effortlessly (and sell more 🔥)

Create Engaging Story Content

Once your Close Friends list is set, focus on creating high-quality, engaging content:

• Use Polls & Questions: Boost interactions by asking your audience for their input.

• Behind-the-Scenes Content: Offer exclusive insights they won’t find anywhere else.

• Special Offers: Share discounts or early access to products for your Close Friends.

After adding all your followers to your Close Friends list, you can choose how to share your stories at any time — either in 'Normal Mode' for all followers or 'Close Friends Mode' for a more exclusive audience.

Track Your Performance

Use tools like Instagram Insights and Gramlab’s dashboard to monitor the impact. Track your story views, interactions, and overall engagement to refine your strategy.

The Gramlab Advantage

Gramlab takes the hassle out of growing your story views:

• Safe Automation: Add followers to Close Friends without passwords or risks.

• Multi-Account Management: Perfect for brands and influencers managing multiple accounts.

With Gramlab, you don’t just add followers—you maximize their engagement, driving meaningful growth for your brand. And by doing this, selling more to your audience!

Fun Fact: Billie Eilish’s Close Friends Strategy

Even celebrities like Billie Eilish understand the power of the Close Friends feature. In 2022, she used her Close Friends list strategically (article link), sharing exclusive behind-the-scenes content and sneak peeks of her projects. With more than 120m followers, imagine the business impact!

This clever move not only engaged her existing fans but also contributed to her skyrocketing 120 million followers.

If Billie can create exclusivity and deepen connections, imagine what you can do for your brand with Gramlab!

So how can I increase my Instagram story views by 5x?

Boost your Instagram story views by 5x by leveraging the Close Friends feature. Add your most engaged followers to your Close Friends list to increase visibility and exclusivity. Tools like Gramlab automate the process, saving time and ensuring safe growth. Start boosting your story views today with Gramlab!

Conclusion

Now you're part of those Smart entrepreneurs who know that leveraging Instagram's Close Friends feature isn’t just a strategy — it’s a competitive edge. By building exclusivity, you boost story views, deepen engagement, and drive real business growth. Gramlab takes the manual work off your plate, letting you focus on what matters: scaling your brand. Ready to unlock your Instagram’s full potential?

Get Started with Gramlab Now 🚀

François D.