One of the most utilised social media platforms in the modern world is Instagram. Individuals post photos, reels, videos, and stories to reflect on their everyday existence. 

However, together with all these aspects, there are also a lot of short forms and slang words used by Instagram users. A common short form that you must have been familiar with is CFS.

People tend to write such phrases as:

• “Add me to your CFS.”
• “Only posting this on my CFS.”
• “This is for my CFS.”
• “Who wants to join my CFS list?”

In case you are new to Instagram or do not know the slang of social media, you may be confused:

What is the meaning of CFS on Instagram?

This article explains all of these things in a very simple and easy-to-understand way. By the end, you will be able to understand everything about CFS, how it works, why people use it, and how you can use it effectively.

What does CFS mean on Instagram?

The abbreviation CFS is used as a translation of Close Friend Story.

It is an Instagram private story feature. By sharing a story with your Close Friend, you only share the story with the individuals that you add to your Close Friend List.

In simple words:

• CFS is your private story
• It can only be viewed by selected people.;
• Your followers are unable to see what you have posted.

Instagram developed this provision to enable individuals to share personal or sensitive updates only with close ones.

Why Do People Use CFS?

CFS is used by people for numerous reasons. These are the primary ones described in extremely simple terms.

1. For Privacy

Not all should be offered to all. There are hundreds or thousands of followers of many people. Some of them may not desire everyone to witness their personal moments. CFS encourages them to divulge only to their confidants.

2. For Comfort

Human beings are more at ease when they are with close friends and sharing natural or unfiltered moments. At CFS, one will not be afraid of being judged by strangers.

3. For Personal Life Updates

CFS can also be used by people to do things such as:

• Relationship updates
• Mood or emotional thoughts
• Private photos
• Party moments
• Personal achievements
• Daily routine videos

They only disclose them to their close friends.

4. To Feel Safe

A lot of individuals do not post emotional content in public. CFS is a safer place, and they are sure that it will not be seen by untrusted people.

5. To exchange Funny Material and Jokes

CFS has groups of friends who make inside jokes or post some stupid videos that strangers do not comprehend.

How Does CFS Work?

CFS works in a very simple way.

Instagram enables you to create a list of people known as Close Friends. These are people with whom you have mutual trust.

Instagram presents two choices when uploading a story:

• Your Story (which goes to everyone)
• Close Friends (CFS only)

Choosing a Close Friend will allow only your Close Friend to see the story. There will be other people who will not even notice that you posted something.

Examples to Understand CFS

Some of the easiest examples that explain the concept so clearly are illustrated below.

Example 1: Party Moments

Riya parties with her best friends. She records funny videos, dance videos, and silly selfies.

She does not wish these clips to be viewed by her office team, relatives, and seniors. Therefore, she announces them on her CFS.

The story is only watched by her close circle of people.

Example 2 Relationship Update

Arjun is a new person who has begun dating. He is not prepared to tell all the people, yet he wants to share it with a few of his close friends.

Example 3: Emotional Thoughts

Kavya is in a bad mood and desires to say something significant. She does not wish that her entire list of followers witness it. She feels safer on CFS.

Close Friends only can see this emotional quote.

Example 4: Personal Decisions

People sometimes pose such questions on CFS as:

• Should I change my hairstyle?
• Should I apply for this job?
• Should I message this person?
• Does this outfit look good?

They do not hesitate to seek the advice of their close friends instead of the entire globe.

Example 5: Inside Jokes

Friend groups tend to share jokes, codes, and memes between themselves. They retain such things just on behalf of CFS.

How to Add Someone to Your CFS

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Instagram

Go to your profile.

Step 2: Click on the Menu (three lines).

There will be the Close Friend option.

Step 3: Select “Close Friends”

A list of your followers will be displayed on Instagram.

Step 4: Add people

Select the individuals that you can trust and who want to see personal stories.

Step 5: Save

The post to the Close Friends list is now available.

When Should You Use CFS?

The following are some of the instances in which CFS can be effective:

1. When posting the most personal pictures

Family, travelling, parties, or emotional pictures

2. When you just need responses from close people

Close friends will be honest in their responses.

3. When you don’t want judgment

CFS is less public and more comfortable.

4. When sharing sad or emotional thoughts

You do not want everybody to know what you feel.

5. When sharing a daily routine

Human beings do not necessarily pin what they are doing in their lives on the walls, but are happy to do so in CFS.

What Not to Share on CFS

Though CFS is not a public one, still, you should still be cautious.

Do not share:

• Passwords
• Sensitive family issues
• Personal fights
• Financial information
• Illegal content
• Very embarrassing content

Keep in mind, a person in your CFS has the opportunity to shoot a screen. So always share wisely.

Benefits of Using CFS

CFS has many advantages. We should get to know them one by one.

1. More Privacy

It is your choice as to who can see your story. You can avoid sharing with:

• Strangers
• Relatives
• Teachers
• Coworkers
• Acquaintances

2. Freedom to Be Yourself

In the main story, individuals attempt to appear flawless. On CFS, individuals act in a normal manner.

Examples:

• Sharing images of life without make-up.
• Funny videos
• Unedited photos
• Real-life moments
• Better Engagement

Those who are closest to you will respond more, react more, and stand by you. Makes the story more significant.

3. More Safety

You secure yourself by choosing the audience for your content instead of making it public.

4. Stronger Friendships

The fact that you are a part of somebody’s CFS implies that you are intimate with someone. It creates emotional attachment.

5.No Pressure of Being Judged

The individuals experience ease of posting on CFS. They are aware that only trusted individuals are on the lookout.

6. Helps Avoid Oversharing

You do not just share personal comments with those with whom you do not know well.

Common Myths About CFS

CFS has several misconceptions. Here are the truths.

Myth 1: They all know that they are in CFS.

False.

It is just up to you which people are in your CFS list.

Myth 2: Notifications to People.

False.

Instagram does not notify about the addition or removal of a person.

Myth 3: CFS Is Fully Safe

False.

People can take screenshots.

Myth 4: CFS Means That Somebody Likes You.

False.

In some cases, it simply means that they trust you and not that they romantically love you.

Myth 5: Influencers Do Not Use CFS.

False.

A lot of influencers post CFS to give exclusive content to their loyal followers.

What Does It Mean by: Add me to your CFS?

People say this because:

• They desire to view content that is unique.
• They desire to be closer to you.
• They desire to belong to your inner circle.
• They get to feel special when they are included.
• They desire to know what you write in private.

Getting added to a person’s CFS has been perceived as a form of friendship.

How to know that you’re being removed from the CFS list?

Instagram would not inform you whether you have been removed. But there are some signs:

• You are no longer green with stories.
• Their personal content no longer appears.

This is not necessarily the case, though they took you away. They might have ceased to post on CFS.

Is CFS Good or Bad?

CFS is good and bad depending on the manner of use.

Good Points

• Protects your privacy
• Assists you in getting out of yourself
• Makes relationships with close friends stronger
• Reduces unwanted viewers
• Makes social media safer

Bad Points

• Abuses are damaging the feelings of a person.
• People may feel excluded
• Sensitive information is screenshot-able.

However, generally speaking, CFS is a useful tool when it is not taken too seriously.

FAQs

How do I know if I am in someone’s CFS?

When a person has a green circle around their story, this is because you are their close friend.

Is there a notification statement by Instagram that someone has added me to their CFS?

No. Instagram does not provide any notification after being added to or removed from CFS.

Will somebody screenshot my CFS story?

Yes, any person in your Close friends list can screenshot. Instagram does not give you a notification.

Is CFS completely private?

It is not quite confidential, yet not completely secure. The capturing of your story by screenshots or recording can still be done by people.

How can I create a CFS list?

On your Instagram page, press the menu button, go to Close Friends, and add the individuals you trust.

Can I delete a member of my CFS list?

Yes. You can get rid of anyone any time. They will not know about it.

Why do people use CFS?

People use CSF to post personal, emotional, or entertaining content only to a small group of trusted people rather than the whole list of followers.

Conclusion

The name of CFS on Instagram is Close Friend Story. It is a privacy setting option that allows you to select the people who can see your story. CFS is used by people to share personal, emotional, funny, or intimate situations with people they can trust.

CFS provides greater control, greater safety, greater privacy, and greater comfort. It is among the greatest things about Instagram that allows individuals to share freely without fear of the entire world looking at them.

In short, you can use the CFS as you want; generally, people hide from their relatives, so if you think your relatives are toxic or anyone in your circle, then CFS is a great feature you can go for.