Instagram has started testing a Reels-first experience for its mobile app in India, following the introduction of a similar design on iPads. The new layout places Reels at the centre of the app, opening directly to the Reels feed when users launch it. The company confirmed that the design is being tested with select users but has not announced a timeline for wider rollout.
Under the Reels-first format, users will land directly in the Reels section, while Stories remain visible at the top of the feed for easy access. Direct messages will now appear in the navigation bar for quicker communication. According to the company, the redesign aims to make navigation simpler while prioritising features such as Reels and DMs, which see the highest user engagement.
The test also introduces a new Following tab, giving users more control over their feeds. This tab includes three options:
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All: Displays posts and reels recommended from accounts a user follows.
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Friends: Shows content from accounts that both follow and follow back.
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Latest: Displays posts and reels in chronological order, with the newest appearing first.
In addition, Instagram is working on changes to streamline navigation globally. Direct messages will soon be positioned at the centre of the navigation bar, while Reels will move to the second tab. Users will also be able to swipe between tabs for smoother access to Reels, Stories, the feed, and messages.
The company clarified that no existing features are being removed. Instead, the updates change how users reach them. By placing Reels and messaging at the forefront, Instagram is reshaping the app to reflect evolving usage patterns where short videos and communication dominate user activity.
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