Instagram Tests Reels-First UI in India & South Korea

Instagram Tests Reels-Focused Interface in India and South Korea

Instagram is currently evaluating a redesigned interface with users in India and South Korea, prioritizing the app’s Reels page.

This new layout was initially previewed with the release of Instagram’s iPad application earlier in the month. The placement of Stories remains consistent at the top of the screen.

Changes to Navigation

A key alteration involves the positioning of the Direct Message (DM) button. It has been relocated to the central position within the navigation bar.

Consequently, the Reels tab is now situated as the second option, allowing for easy access via swiping between tabs.

Refreshed 'Following' Feed

The ‘Following’ tab has also undergone modifications. It now offers users a choice of three distinct feed views:

• “All”: Displays a combination of recommended posts and Reels from followed accounts.
• “Friends”: Showcases content from accounts with mutual connections.
• “Latest”: Presents posts and Reels in chronological order.

These options provide greater control over the content displayed within the ‘Following’ feed.

Instagram has communicated that, despite being in a limited testing phase, the intention is to implement this redesign on a worldwide scale.

Growth Driven by Short-Form Video

Following the announcement of surpassing 3 billion monthly active users, Meta highlighted the significant role of short-form video content in driving this growth.

Reels and other short videos are being reshared across Meta’s platforms an impressive 4.5 billion times. This substantial engagement is the primary reason for the increased prominence of Reels and Direct Messages within the app’s user interface.