How 'Picks' Works, Instagram's Experimental Dating App-Inspired Feature

Instagram is testing a new feature called Picks , designed to help users discover common interests with their friends. It's currently in an internal prototype phase and isn't available to the general public, but it promises to transform the way we interact on the platform.

Picks allows users to select their favorite interests across categories like movies, music, books, TV shows, and video games. Once selected, Instagram shows which friends share similar interests, facilitating new conversations and connections.

The feature will appear at the top of the Instagram inbox, similar to other tools like Notes and Maps. From there, users can add their interests and see matches with nearby friends. This strategic placement aims to make Picks easy to use and integrate naturally into the app's daily experience.

According to Adam Mosseri, Instagram's CEO, the platform aims to connect users through the content they discover. With Picks , the idea is to encourage deeper, more meaningful interactions between friends, beyond the usual likes and comments.

The inspiration behind Picks is reminiscent of the interest-matching features found on dating apps like Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble. However, Instagram isn't looking for romantic relationships, but rather for strengthening friendships and social ties within the platform.

As with any feature that collects personal data, privacy concerns arise. While Instagram hasn't detailed how Picks data will be handled, it's important for users to be aware of the information they're sharing and how it might be used.

Picks represents a step toward a more personalized and connected experience on Instagram. Although still in development, this feature could change the way we interact with friends on the platform, facilitating richer and more meaningful conversations based on shared interests.