As Instagram continues rolling out new tools to drive deeper user engagement, it’s now testing a fresh feature called “Picks”—a new way to share your interests with friends directly through the Inbox Notes section.
What Is “Picks”?
“Picks” is designed to let users highlight their interests in their Notes, helping to spark new conversations and find common ground with friends. According to screenshots shared by app researcher Alessandro Paluzzi, the feature is currently in early testing, but shows promising potential.
If rolled out, users would see a dedicated Picks icon at the top of their Instagram inbox. Tapping this icon will open a curated list where users can search for topics and select those that reflect what they’re currently into—whether it’s photography, K-pop, hiking, vintage fashion, or tech gadgets.
Instagram describes the feature as a way to “find overlap with friends who are all about it too,” essentially transforming shared interests into the foundation for deeper digital connections.
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Part of Instagram’s New Connection Strategy
“Picks” aligns with Instagram’s broader effort to reignite user interaction by making content more social and collaborative, rather than passive and algorithm-driven.
Earlier this year, Instagram head Adam Mosseri emphasized that the platform’s new direction would center around creativity and connection. In his words:
“We’re going to look for more ways to make recommendations and consuming content more interactive and social. We’re also exploring new ways to connect with your friends on Instagram.”
With this in mind, Picks joins a suite of recent features aimed at increasing social discovery, including:
- Reposts for resharing others’ content
- Friends Map for real-time location sharing
- Friends Feed in Reels to showcase what your friends are watching
- Avatar enhancements to reflect identity and expression
Why Picks Might Matter
Social platforms are evolving. As fewer users post original content, the emphasis has shifted from self-expression to shared interests. People now engage more with what they enjoy viewing rather than what they create.
Instagram’s algorithm already does a decent job of surfacing content you might like, but because it’s mostly passive (based on watch behavior), it’s harder for Meta to accurately map interests for social engagement or targeted advertising.
This is where Picks could play a vital role. By manually selecting topics, users offer a more transparent signal of what they care about—making it easier for:
- Friends to connect around mutual interests
- Instagram to personalize recommendations
- Advertisers to deliver more relevant ads
- The platform to build interest-based communities
So, while it may seem like a small tweak, Picks could become a central social driver within the app, especially for younger users who are drawn to interest-led interactions rather than old-school posting and commenting.
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FAQs About Instagram’s New “Picks” Feature
1. What is the Instagram Picks feature?
Instagram Picks is a new tool (currently in testing) that allows users to highlight specific topics they’re interested in. These Picks appear in your Inbox Notes, helping friends discover what you’re into and fostering shared conversations.
2. How do I access Picks on Instagram?
Once available, you’ll see a Picks icon at the top of your inbox. Tap the icon to search and select topics that reflect your current interests. These will be visible to your friends within your Notes.
3. Can other people see what topics I’ve picked?
Yes, your Picks will appear in your Notes, which are visible to friends. This visibility is what enables others to find shared interests and spark conversations. Privacy settings may be added once the feature is officially rolled out.
4. Are picks available to everyone right now?
No, Picks is still in the testing phase and not yet available to all users. Instagram is currently experimenting with the feature among a limited group before deciding on a full-scale rollout.
5. Why is Instagram adding Picks now?
As users post less frequently, Instagram is shifting towards interest-based engagement. Picks is part of that evolution, offering a simple and fun way to express your personality, connect with friends, and help Instagram refine what it shows you.
