Instagram trials new design focusing on Reels and DMs

Instagram Tests New Layout That Puts the Spotlight on Reels and DMs

Instagram head Adam Mosseri recently announced that some users will be invited to test a new app layout aimed at highlighting two of its most popular features: Reels and Direct Messages (DMs). This change reflects Instagram’s ongoing strategy to boost user engagement through messaging and short-form video content.

The new menu bar will replace the traditional tabs for your feed and search with a layout that emphasizes Reels and DMs. Users who participate in this test will notice their usual navigation replaced by a layout where Reels takes a primary position, and DMs are given a dedicated tab for easier access. Meta aims to make the app more user-friendly by allowing easy swiping between these key features.

Mosseri acknowledged that adjusting to significant changes can take time, which is why this new configuration is currently optional. However, it’s clear that Meta is leaning heavily towards prioritizing messaging and video content, evident in the recent design experiments that previously surfaced in markets like India.

“Reels and DMs have driven most of our growth at Instagram over the last few years,” Mosseri stated, highlighting the shift away from its original photo-sharing focus. This transition accommodates modern social media trends where private conversations have surged in popularity.

As Instagram evolves, it becomes an app not just for sharing artistic photography but also for engaging with unfamiliar content while communicating privately. This new test signifies a more accurate reflection of users’ current expectations and interactions on social media.

What are your thoughts on Instagram’s new layout? Share your opinions in the comments!