Instagram is testing a small but noticeable change to how profiles are displayed.

Some users have spotted an update where the usual “Following” count is replaced with “Friends”, which refers to the number of people you mutually follow on the platform. In other words, accounts where both sides have chosen to follow each other.

The test was first shared by app researcher Radu Oncescu, and Instagram has since confirmed to Business Insider that it is a limited experiment designed to see how people respond to highlighting mutual connections.

According to Instagram:

“Friends are central to the Instagram experience, so we’re exploring ways to make these connections more visible and meaningful.”

What Does “Friends” Mean on Instagram?

This aligns with how Instagram has been evolving. As Adam Mosseri has shared previously, most interactions now happen through DMs rather than public posts. Fewer users are posting regularly to the main feed, and more sharing happens within smaller, familiar circles.

From that perspective, showing mutual follows could be a more accurate reflection of how people actually engage on Instagram. It highlights two-way relationships rather than one-sided interests.

What This Changes for Profiles and Discovery

Where it becomes more interesting is how this change affects profiles and discovery.

The “Following” list has often served as a subtle signal. People browse it to understand your interests, your niche, or the space you operate in. For creators, it can also act as a discovery surface, helping others find related accounts through shared interests.

Switching that to “Friends” changes the context. Mutual follows could include personal connections, private accounts, or people outside a creator’s content niche, which may make the list less useful for discovery at a glance.

There is also the broader impact on how follower and following ratios are interpreted. These numbers have long shaped perceptions of relevance, influence, and reach. A shift towards highlighting mutual connections may move the focus away from scale and towards community, though it remains to be seen how people will read into these numbers over time.

What Creators Should Take Away

For creators, this test is worth noting, but not over-analysing.

Instagram continues to adjust how relationships, engagement, and visibility are represented in the app. While labels and metrics may change, the fundamentals remain the same. Content quality, consistency, and genuine connection still matter most.

Whether this feature becomes permanent or not, it reflects a wider shift in how Instagram wants people to think about connection on the platform.