Instagram is testing a new interface that puts Reels and Direct Messages (DMs) front and center. This experiment has been tested in India in earlier October and now, it's optional for users. This development was announced by the social media head Adam Mosseri on his Threads page.
He explained that Instagram is running a trial where selected users can explore a redesigned menu bar featuring a new layout of tabs. In this test version, the navigation bar highlights two of Instagram’s most frequently used sections—Reels and DM—each getting its own dedicated tab for quicker access.
Under the new layout, launching the app takes users directly into a Reels-style view. The tabs for Reels and DMs are placed first in the navigation bar. That's to say, if you opt-in to the test, the search and Reels tabs will exchange positions, while the create post button will be replaced with a DMs tab. Meta's test also makes it possible to swipe between tabs.
However, it's important to note that photos from accounts you follow will still appear, but their arrangement and prominence relative to Reels isn’t yet clearly defined. This change echoes Instagram’s approach on iPad, where the app already opens to Reels by default.
Notably, Meta has wanted to steer toward this direction for some time. Beyond the long-anticipated iPad version of Instagram, which now opens directly to Reels, the company has also stated that its future focus will center on messaging and short-form video content.
The Instagram’s head Mosseri says Reels and DMs have been major drivers of growth for the platform. He also acknowledges that these kinds of changes "can take time to get used to," which is why the new layout is optional for now.
How Instagram’s Reels-First Test Compares to Other Apps
Instagram’s decision to prioritize Reels and DMs mirror a shift that other social platforms are adopting toward their short-form video and private messaging. TikTok—the pioneer of vertical short videos—has been experimenting with photo posts and DMs, but its home feed remains video-centric.
So, we can say Instagram’s move essentially leans further into TikTok’s model by making video the app’s starting point.
Relatably, YouTube recently boosted the visibility of Shorts, adding a dedicated tab and integrating Shorts more deeply into its main feed. Snapchat is also doing the same thing; the social media platform is built around messaging and short-video feature.
Facebook—which is the Meta’s flagship app—also redesigned its home screen to surface Reels and recommended content over friends’ posts, signaling the same algorithm-driven, entertainment-first direction that's being implemented on Instagram.
In essence, Instagram’s test fits a clear industry trend: making short-form video and private communication the twin pillars of user engagement. Instagram’s head—Adam Mosseri—said that Reels and DMs have been major drivers of growth for social media platforms.
