Existing feed moves to 'Following' tab
Users can choose to apply the change... Option to revert to original layout
On October 2, Instagram announced that it is conducting a test to redesign its mobile app home screen to prioritize 'Reels,' a short-form video service, instead of a photo-centered feed.
According to Instagram, users included in this test can choose whether to apply the new layout through an in-app notification. Even after applying it, they can revert to the previous home screen at any time through the settings menu.
Instagram is conducting a test to redesign its mobile app home screen to prioritize 'Reels,' a short-form video service, instead of a photo-centered feed. Photo by Instagram
Test participants will receive an in-app notification introducing the new home screen. After applying the new layout, users can return to the previous version at any time via the settings menu.
For users who agree to the change, the first screen they see on the Instagram mobile app will be Reels. The feed, which was previously shown on the home screen, will now be accessible through a newly introduced 'Following' tab. The Following tab consists of three sub-tabs: 'All,' 'Friends,' and 'Recent.' The 'All' tab displays feed posts and Reels from all accounts the user follows, the 'Friends' tab shows posts from accounts with mutual following, and the 'Recent' tab allows users to view the latest feed posts and Reels from the accounts they follow in chronological order.
Instagram explained that this test aims to make it easier for users to enjoy and share Reels. The user interface is also similar to what was recently introduced in the dedicated Instagram app for iPad.
An Instagram representative stated, "This test was designed to make it even easier to use Reels, which is one of the most popular features among our users. To minimize inconvenience, we have allowed users to opt in to the new home screen, and we hope users will be able to discover, share, and interact with a wider variety of content more easily."
Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, Instagram has surpassed 3 billion monthly active users worldwide. As of last year, global Instagram users spent half of their app usage time on Reels, and the total viewing time for Reels recently exceeded 1 billion hours.
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