Instagram Tests ‘Picks’ to Help Users Find Friends with Shared Interests

Instagram’s upcoming “Picks” feature will connect users by highlighting shared interests in books, movies, music, and more.

Instagram is developing a new feature called “Picks” that aims to help users discover common interests with friends. The feature, currently in internal testing, allows users to add their favourite books, movies, music, TV shows, games, and other interests to their profile.

First revealed by reverse engineer Alessandro Pauzzi, the feature compares your selected Picks with those of your followers, highlighting friends who share similar tastes. For instance, if you list a particular movie or music genre, Instagram will identify and display friends who enjoy the same.

The move reflects Meta’s push to make Instagram more interactive and interest-driven, encouraging connections beyond just photos and videos. While the feature is still in testing, it could roll out more broadly if user feedback is positive, offering a new way to engage with friends based on shared passions.