Instagram has begun testing a bold new redesign that gives Reels and Direct Messages (DMs) prime placement on the app’s main navigation bar — a change that has left users divided.
The new layout, announced by Instagram head Adam Mosseri, introduces dedicated tabs for Reels and DMs, reflecting Meta’s growing focus on short-form video and private messaging. The redesign, currently available to a limited group of users, aims to create a faster and more intuitive experience.
Under the experimental setup, Instagram’s main tabs — Feed, Search, Create, Reels, and Profile — have been rearranged. The search and Reels icons have swapped positions, while the traditional “plus” button for new post creation has been replaced by a shortcut to messages. Users can now swipe seamlessly between sections, a move designed to simplify navigation and mimic the fluidity of other social apps.
Mosseri acknowledged that design updates often require adjustment periods but emphasized that the test is optional during its initial rollout. “We’re experimenting with ways to make Instagram feel faster and more personal,” he stated.
Industry analysts see the redesign as part of Meta’s long-term strategy to make Instagram more competitive against TikTok and Snapchat, which have both capitalized on short-form video and private social interaction. The change also aligns with Meta’s new “video-first” approach across its platforms.
Earlier this year, Instagram introduced an iPad version of the app where Reels automatically opens as the default tab — a sign of Meta’s deeper investment in video engagement. The company also ran similar tests in India, featuring Reels and DMs as the two leading tabs on the app’s interface.
According to Mosseri, Reels and DMs have been the driving forces behind Instagram’s growth over the past few years. “These two areas are where people are spending the most time and forming real connections,” he said.
The redesign also underscores a cultural shift in how users engage online. Traditional photo-sharing is being gradually replaced by video creation and private community interaction, marking a new era for Instagram as both a content hub and a messaging platform.
While many creators welcome the change as a step toward modern usability, some longtime users argue that Instagram is losing its original identity as a photo-sharing app. Meta, however, appears committed to evolving the platform in line with user behavior and engagement trends.
