How to Create a Blend on Instagram
2 billion people use Instagram Reels every month — they just got upgraded
Sharing videos on Instagram is simple — just tap share and pick a friend. But what if you didn’t have to send Reels one by one? What if Instagram could automatically create a shared feed that shows the same Reels to you and your friends? That’s exactly what the new Instagram Blend feature does.
In this article, we’ll explain what Instagram Blend is, how to create one, and what to do if the Blend option on Instagram isn’t available. We’ll also show you how to save videos from a Blend, even though the app doesn’t offer a built-in download tool.
Table of Contents
- What is Blend on Instagram?
- How to Create a Blend on Instagram
- How to Download Instagram Blend Reels
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is Blend on Instagram?
Instagram Blends is a personalized, shared Reels feed available within direct message (DM) conversations. When two or more users start a Blend, Instagram’s algorithm curates Reels based on the shared interests, viewing history, and engagement patterns of the group members. It creates a collaborative discovery space where users can watch, react to, and comment on Reels directly in the chat.
Meta describes Blends as a way to "make discovering Reels more fun and social by personalizing the experience for you and a friend." It's part of Instagram’s broader push to make content consumption more interactive and community-driven.
“Reels make up more than 50% of the time people spend on Instagram,” according to Meta. Blends taps into that by making Reels a shared experience rather than a solo scroll.
By turning algorithmic recommendations into something you enjoy with someone, Instagram is trying to turn passive viewing into a social moment.
How to Create a Blend on Instagram
To get started, open any direct message or group chat and look for the new Blend icon at the top of the screen.
If you’ve already created a Blend with someone, tapping this icon will take you straight to the shared video feed. Otherwise, it will send an invitation to the other person or people in the chat, asking them to join.
Once a Blend is created, a message will appear in the chat confirming it. To access it later, tap the Go to blend button in that message or select the Blend icon again at the top of the conversation.
How Instagram Blends Work
Instagram Blends create a joint video feed based on content suggested for all users in the chat. While the interface is similar to standard Reels, there are a few added elements unique to Blends.
Each video includes a name label showing who it was suggested for, along with a message bar that lets you instantly reply to the chat from the video.
Here’s how both features appear on a Reel within a Blend feed.
Despite these UI additions, the spacing remains mostly unchanged. This means Safe Zone templates still work as intended, helping creators avoid interference from Instagram’s interface.
All other buttons, including like, comment, and share, function the same as they do on regular Reels. Sharing a video from the Blend doesn’t notify the recipient that it came from a Blend; it will appear as a standard Instagram Reel.
How to Delete an Instagram Blend
If you're in a group chat and prefer not to participate in its Blend or want to stop sharing a feed with someone, leaving is simple.
- Open the Blend feed and tap the gear icon in the top-right corner.
- Select “Leave this blend” from the settings menu.
- Confirm your choice by tapping “Leave.”
In this same settings menu, you can also see a list of everyone currently in the Blend. This can be useful if you’re trying to avoid a Blend with a specific user or just want to see who’s included.
To view members of a Blend, tap the > icon at the top of the settings menu to open the full participant list.
How to Download Instagram Blend Reels
Unfortunately, Instagram still does not provide a built-in option to download Reels — and the same applies to Blend Reels. However, there is a simple workaround.
To download a Blend Reel, start by copying the link to the post.
Tap the share icon, then select the Copy link button at the bottom of the share menu.
Next, open the Kapwing editor in your browser and paste the copied link into the URL box of a new project.
This will automatically import the video into your project, where you can make edits such as adding text, trimming the clip, or using automatic subtitles.
If you prefer to download the video without changes, simply click the Export button in the top-right corner.
By default, Kapwing will export your project as an MP4 video file, the standard format for social media. You can also choose to convert the Reel into a GIF by selecting the GIF option in the export menu.
Once your file is ready, click the Download button to save it.
To post it directly to other platforms like YouTube, TikTok, or Facebook, select the Share icon instead.
Reminder: Always request permission before reposting someone else’s content. Sharing without credit or consent may violate community guidelines or copyright laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I create a Blend?
Some accounts can't access Instagram Blends due to having little or no posting history, while others simply haven’t received the update yet. Instagram often rolls out new features gradually to test for bugs, so check back soon — the Blend icon may appear in your chats in a future update.
Can other people see if I screenshot an Instagram Blend Reel?
No. As of now, Instagram does not notify users when someone screenshots a Reel in the Blend feed.
How do I blend Instagram Reels with a friend?
To start a Blend, open a direct message or group chat and tap the Blend icon at the top. This will either open an existing Blend or send an invitation to other users in the chat.
Can I leave an Instagram Blend without leaving the chat?
Yes. You can leave the Blend while remaining in the conversation. Just open the Blend, tap the gear icon, and select “Leave this blend.”
Can I create multiple Blends with the same person?
No. Only one active Blend can exist per chat. If you want to start fresh, both users must leave the existing Blend before a new one can be created.
Can I delete a Blend I created?
You can’t fully delete a Blend for everyone — leaving it will remove it from your view, but other members will still see it unless they leave as well.
