What Does the Moon Mean on Instagram? (Explained)

Instagram’s moon icon signifies two distinct features, depending on its context within the app.

• Quiet Mode: If you see a crescent moon icon at the top right of your Instagram feed, it indicates Quiet Mode is active. This feature silences all incoming notifications for periods that you specify, allowing you to control the flow of interruptions from the app.Here’s how you can activate Quiet Mode:
  1. Tap your profile picture in the bottom right to go to your profile.
  2. Tap the three lines in the top right, then tap ‘Settings’.
  3. Go to ‘Notifications’ and then ‘Quiet Mode’.
  4. Toggle the feature on and set your preferred time range.

• Close Friends Story: A moon symbol beside someone’s Instagram Story denotes their Close Friends list. This feature allows users to share content with a select group rather than all followers.The icon adds a layer of privacy, and if you’re part of this list, it suggests a closer connection with the story poster. Here’s how to recognize this:
  1. When you see stories atop your feed, look for a green circle with a white moon.
  2. This symbol indicates a story shared with their Close Friends only.

Functionality of the Moon Symbol

The moon symbol on Instagram is associated with features designed to manage notification preferences and enhance user privacy.

Do Not Disturb Feature

When you enable the Do Not Disturb feature on Instagram by tapping the moon icon, you effectively pause all notifications from the app. This feature allows you to set a specific time period during which you won’t be disrupted by Instagram notifications.

• How to Enable:
  • Go to your profile
  • Tap the three lines in the top right
  • Select “Settings”
  • Choose “Notifications”
  • Toggle on “Quiet Mode“

While Quiet Mode is active, others will receive an auto-reply indicating that you are not receiving notifications at the moment.

Sleep Mode Settings

The Sleep Mode settings are part of Instagram’s commitment to promoting wellbeing by encouraging users to limit their app usage during late hours. This setting aligns with the functionality of the moon symbol which represents nighttime or sleep.

• How to Customize:
  • Open Instagram settings as outlined above
  • Look for “Your Activity”
  • Select “Set Daily Reminder”
  • Choose your preferred times to be reminded to log off

Accessing the Moon Feature on Instagram

When you wish to identify whether you are on someone’s Close Friends list or manage Quiet Mode settings, the moon icon on Instagram is your point of reference. To access and understand this feature:

1. Close Friends List:
   • Navigate to a friend’s profile.
   • If a moon icon appears next to their story, it indicates you are on their Close Friends list.
2. Quiet Mode:
   • Open Instagram and go to Your Profile.
   • Tap on the hamburger icon (☰) in the top right corner.
   • Select Settings.
   • Tap on Notifications.
   • Look for the Quiet Mode setting where you can:
   • Enable Quiet Mode by toggling it on.
   • Set the time period during which notifications will be paused.