On Instagram, a green highlight appearing next to a follower count or username signifies that the user is included in one of your close friends lists. This visual cue allows for quick identification of individuals with whom content is selectively shared, facilitating focused interaction.
The implementation of close friends lists enhances user experience by offering greater control over content visibility. This feature helps curate specific audiences for more personal or exclusive posts and stories, leading to potentially more authentic and engaged interactions. Its origin lies in the increasing demand for nuanced sharing options within large social networks.