Archive · 29 Sep 2025
Instagram Tests Reels-First Experience, Redesigns Navigation
Instagram is trying a new way to use its app in India.
Instead of seeing your regular feed, it will open to Reels, which are short videos.
They are also changing the navigation bar, putting the messaging icon in the middle for easy access.
In addition, there is a new 'Following' tab for users to see posts by accounts they follow.
This update makes it simpler to use the features people like best.
Instagram is testing a Reels-first experience in India.
The app opens to Reels instead of the main feed for some users.
Stories are still at the top of the interface.
Direct messages will be accessible via the navigation bar.
A new 'Following' tab offers different feed viewing options.
- Who
- What
- Testing Reels-first experience and redesigning navigation
- When
- Testing currently, global navigation changes soon
- Where
- India (testing), globally for navigation
- Why
- To adapt to user behavior and enhance content access
- Test Location
- India
- New Feature
- Reels-first experience
- Navigation Update
- DM icon to center
- Reels Reshares
- 4.5 billion times daily
- Monthly Active Users
- 3 billion globally
Sources
Instagram to test new reels first layout for users in India: Here's what it means
Instagram hits 3 billion monthly users, tests reels-first experience in India
Instagram update 20205: Instagram tests reels-first mobile experience in India, here’s what’s changing
