Highlights:
- Instagram trials new tab layout with Reels and Direct Messages (DMs) as the main focus
- Reels tab replaces Search, while DM takes the place of the Create Post button
- Users can swipe left or right to move between tabs
- Change reflects Instagram’s shift toward short videos and private chats
- Optional design, currently available only to selected users
Instagram is once again experimenting with the look of its app. In its latest trial, the platform is testing a new tab layout that puts Reels and Direct Messages (DMs) at the heart of the user experience. These two features have been the biggest growth drivers for Instagram in recent years, and Meta seems determined to make them even more prominent.
What’s Changing in the Layout
The new design was confirmed by Instagram head Adam Mosseri. In this trial:
- The Reels tab has taken over the position of the Search tab.
- The DM tab has replaced the Create Post button.
- Users can now swipe left or right to move between tabs, making navigation smoother.
This change is aimed at making Reels and DMs easier to access with just a thumb, reflecting how people actually use the app today.
Why Instagram is Doing This
Instagram has been steadily shifting its focus from being a photo-sharing app to becoming a hub for short-form video content and private conversations. Reels, in particular, have become Instagram’s answer to TikTok, while DMs are central to how users share content privately with friends.
Mosseri admitted that such changes take time for users to get used to. That’s why this new layout is optional and currently available only to a limited group of users.
Previous Tests in India
This isn’t the first time Instagram has tried such a design. Back in October, the company tested a similar layout in India, where the default tab opened directly to Reels, with DMs placed second. The move clearly shows Meta’s strategy: adapt Instagram to match the habits of today’s users, who prefer watching short videos and sharing them privately rather than posting photos.
The Big Question: Is Instagram Still a Photo App?
With Reels and DMs now taking center stage, many users are asking whether Instagram can still be called a photo-sharing app. Over the years, photo posts have become less frequent, while Reels dominate feeds. This shift highlights how user behavior has changed—and how Instagram is evolving to stay relevant.
Expert Note
“Instagram’s latest trial is a clear signal of where the platform is heading. By prioritizing Reels and DMs, Meta is aligning Instagram with modern user habits. While this may disappoint traditional photo lovers, it’s a smart move to keep the app competitive in the short-video era.”
Conclusion
Instagram’s new layout is still in testing, but it reflects a bold shift in strategy. Whether users embrace it or resist it, one thing is clear: Instagram is no longer just about photos—it’s about short videos and private connections.
