Instagram has started testing a new Reels-first interface for mobile users in India. This comes after the platform recently crossed 3 billion monthly active users worldwide.
Reels-First Experience
With this test, Instagram is focusing on making Reels and messaging easier to access.
- When users open Instagram, they land directly on Reels.
- Stories are still available at the top for quick access.
- Direct Messages (DMs) are now just one swipe away, making chatting faster.
- A new “Following” tab is being tested with three views:
- All: Recommended posts and Reels from people you follow.
- Friends: Content from accounts that follow you back.
- Latest: Posts and Reels in chronological order.
Instagram highlighted that messaging is now the most popular way people share photos and videos, and Reels are reshared over 4.5 billion times per day across Meta apps.
Why India?
India was chosen as the key testing market because of the huge amount of culturally rich Reels content created here that has global appeal.
Global Navigation Update
Apart from the Reels-first mode, Instagram is also planning a simplified navigation for users worldwide:
- DMs will move to the center of the bottom navigation bar.
- Reels tab will shift to the second position, making it easier to swipe between Reels, chats, and other sections.
Instagram said it wants to keep the app centered on creativity and connection, making it simpler to share, discover, and connect with others.