Instagram is quietly developing a new feature called Instagram Picks that could restore a sense of personalization to user accounts. This in-house prototype, still in its early stages, aims to help users highlight their favorite films, books, TV series, music, and games, making it easier to connect with people who share similar interests.
The Meta-owned platform told TechCrunch that Picks remains an internal initiative and has not entered external testing. App researcher Alessandro Paluzzi—renowned for spotting unreleased products during development—first revealed hints of this feature. His screenshots show that users can select their “Picks” from various categories, and Instagram will then connect them with friends who made similar selections.
Although Instagram has not announced a rollout plan, the company appears to see Picks as a tool to spark conversations and strengthen personal bonds online. By giving people a way to express themselves beyond photos and Reels, Instagram Picks could bring more authenticity to the app. For example, scrolling through a friend’s profile and discovering you both enjoy the same book series or band could easily lead to a conversation.
Earlier this year, Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri stated that 2025 would center on “creativity and connection.” In a January update, he outlined plans to “double down on messaging, make content consumption more interactive and social, and explore new ways for friends to connect over the things they discover on Instagram.” The new Picks feature aligns perfectly with this vision, fostering connections rooted in shared interests instead of solely chasing trending content.
However, challenges will likely arise. Instagram has rolled out features like Reposts, the Friends tab, and the controversial Instagram Map so quickly that some users feel the app is becoming cluttered. Critics argue that every new feature risks distracting from Instagram’s core purpose. The backlash against Instagram Map, driven largely by privacy concerns, illustrates how quickly new additions can face resistance. To succeed, Picks will need to prove its worth and avoid being dismissed as another unnecessary update.
Practical considerations will also shape the feature’s fate. Instagram must introduce privacy controls that allow users to decide who can view their Picks. Some may want to share specific lists only with close friends, while others may not want their personal preferences exposed to the public at all.
Like any prototype, Picks comes with no guarantee of a public release. Instagram could refine it further, shelve it indefinitely, or test it in select markets before a wider rollout. Still, the idea holds potential. In an online environment dominated by algorithm-driven feeds and fleeting trends, a platform that nurtures genuine connections through shared interests could feel refreshing.
If it moves forward, Instagram Picks may soon let you showcase the things you love – while helping you discover people who share your passions, whether you’re a music lover, movie buff, or avid reader. For now, we can only watch and see whether this promising experiment evolves into a full-fledged feature.
