Instagram lets users display up to five personal interests on their profile

Not Instagram’s first attempt at interest-based discovery

This isn’t the first time Instagram has explored this idea. Last year, the platform trialled a similar feature called “Picks,” which let users highlight interests through inbox Notes. Sister platform Threads has also tested an equivalent interests display on profiles, suggesting Meta is keen to make interest-based connection a consistent feature across its social apps.

The broader motivation appears to be maintaining Instagram’s identity as a social platform, not just a content delivery machine. As Reels consumption grows, Instagram risks becoming passive entertainment rather than a space for genuine interaction. By surfacing shared interests, the platform hopes to encourage users to follow, engage, and even post more — reinforcing the community side of the app that short-form video alone cannot fully replace.

There is no confirmed rollout date for the feature yet, but its appearance across multiple tests signals that a wider launch could be on the horizon.