### Instagram Trials ‘Blend’ Feature for Recommended Shared Reels

Have you ever browsed through your Instagram Reels and thought, *”This could be even more enjoyable if I shared it with a friend—and let them see what The Algorithm suggests for me?”*

If that sounds like you, you’re in luck. Instagram is presently testing a fresh feature named **”Blend,”** which generates a private feed of suggested Reels for you and a companion. Comparable to **Spotify Blend**—which combines the music preferences of two users into a joint playlist—this feature curates a merged Reels feed based on the activities of both users.

### Instagram’s ‘Blend’ Feature is Currently in Trials

This functionality has been in the works for a while and was initially **identified in March 2024** by reverse engineer **Alessandro Paluzzi**. At that moment, Meta verified to *TechCrunch* that it wasn’t being tested outside the company. However, that status has now shifted.

A **Meta spokesperson** informed *Mashable* through email that Instagram is “evaluating the capability to opt-in to a new Reels experience where users can blend suggested Reels among friends in DM conversations.” Although no definitive timeline was shared, Meta confirmed that the test is presently confined to a **limited number of users**.

### How ‘Blend’ Functions

Instagram user **@uw.3 on Threads** posted screenshots of the feature, which were subsequently reported by *Social Media Today*. The screenshots display a pop-up prompting users to **invite friends via DMs** to create a Blend. The pop-up emphasizes three main features:

– **View each other’s suggested Reels** – Users can see the Reels that are recommended for each individual based on their Instagram interactions, including the videos they view and engage with.
– **Innovative Reels based on the conversation** – Any Reels shared within the chat will affect future recommendations in the Blend.
– **Exclusive access by invitation** – Each Blend is tailored to the participants, and users can opt out at any moment.

### A Clever Strategy for Instagram

From a commercial standpoint, this feature could represent a **tactical advantage for Instagram**. By motivating users to interact with Reels together, Instagram may enhance the duration of time spent on the platform and further endorse its short-form video offerings.

Interestingly, in contrast to many previous updates from Instagram, **this feature does not seem to directly replicate TikTok**—a notable rarity for Meta. While some users may find the concept of a shared algorithm disconcerting, others might appreciate the chance to uncover new content alongside their friends.

Would you be interested in trying Instagram’s Blend feature? Share your thoughts with us!