Key Takeaways
- Instagram is testing a new design update that prioritizes Reels on the home screen.
- The prototype features a layout that opens directly into a Reels feed instead of the traditional timeline.
- A new ‘Your Feeds’ option allows users to switch between content streams like Following, Friends, and Latest.
- The redesign supports Instagram’s strategy to emphasize short-form video amid growing user activity on the platform.
- This update remains in the testing phase with no confirmed timeline for a full rollout.
Instagram is testing a new design update that places greater emphasis on Reels within the app interface. The proposed changes would make short-form video the central focus of the home screen experience. Screenshots shared by app researchers show a redesigned layout that opens directly into a Reels feed instead of the traditional Home timeline.
The update has not been officially rolled out. It remains in the testing phase. The changes were revealed through prototype images posted online.
Changes to Navigation and Feed Access
Under the new layout, Reels would become the primary viewing experience. A new “Your Feeds” option appears in the center of the bottom navigation bar in the test version. This section would allow users to switch between different content streams.
Feed categories shown in the prototype include Following, Friends, Latest, and Saved. Additional tabs such as Favorites and Suggested may also be available. Users would be able to swipe between these feeds while staying within the Reels interface.
The redesign reorganizes navigation around video discovery. Traditional content remains accessible but would no longer be the default opening screen in the test model.
Broader Platform Strategy Behind the Update
The test reflects Instagram’s ongoing shift toward short-form video. Reels has become a major driver of user activity on the platform. Previous interface tests have adjusted the placement of the Reels tab to increase visibility.
Instagram leadership has previously stated that video consumption continues to grow across the app. Reels competes directly with other short-video platforms. The company has repeatedly experimented with layout adjustments to support this focus.
The current design update remains experimental. There is no confirmed timeline for a full launch. Instagram frequently tests interface changes with limited groups before wider implementation.
Source: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/instagram-emphasizes-reels-in-new-design-update/812912/