Instagram Launches 'Blend' Feature for Reels With Personalized Feed for Friends: Here's How It Works

Meta-owned Instagram has officially launched its much-anticipated Blend feature—a new way for users to co-curate and enjoy Reels together in a private feed. Rolled out globally on Thursday, the feature aims to enhance user engagement through a shared, personalized content experience between friends. After a year of testing and teaser appearances, Blend is now widely available for Instagram users.

What Is Instagram’s Blend Feature?

Instagram’s Blend is an invite-only collaborative Reels feed between two users. Functioning similarly to a DM chat, it allows users to share and discover Reels that are recommended based on both participants’ individual viewing activity and preferences.

Once both users accept a Blend invite, Instagram’s algorithm begins populating the private feed with Reels tailored to their shared tastes. It’s a new twist on algorithmic discovery, made social and interactive in a more personal setting.

How to Use Instagram Blend

To start a Blend:

Go to your Instagram DM and select a friend.

Tap the Blend icon, located at the top of the chat next to the video/audio call buttons.

Send a Blend invite to the selected friend.

Once they tap “Join”, a shared Blend feed will appear in the DM thread.

Users will then start seeing a customized list of Reels, with each Reel tagged to show who it’s recommended for. Instagram also allows quick emoji reactions and message replies directly from the Blend interface, making interactions more fluid and engaging.

Key Features of Instagram Blend

• Exclusive & Private: Only the invited users can view and interact within a Blend.

• AI-Powered Suggestions: Reels are recommended based on both users’ interaction history and preferences.

• DM Integration: Blend operates entirely within the chat window, reinforcing Instagram’s focus on making DMs a more interactive hub.

• Live Notifications: Reels added to the Blend will trigger a notification, keeping both users engaged in real-time.

• One-Tap Exit: Either user can leave the Blend at any time by tapping the “Leave Blend” option.

Blend: A TikTok-Style Innovation With a Personal Twist

While TikTok has popularized algorithm-based discovery feeds, Instagram Blend takes it a step further by personalizing content not just for individuals, but for pairs of users. The shared experience element taps into a growing demand for co-viewing and social content sharing, making Blend a timely addition to Instagram’s feature set.

Whether you’re discovering funny Reels, new trends, or favorite creators, Blend offers a curated space for shared entertainment with close friends—all within the comfort of your DMs.