Instagram has begun testing a redesigned layout that reflects Meta’s strategic focus on private messaging and short-form video content. The new interface gives greater prominence to Reels and Direct Messages, which have become key drivers of engagement and growth on the platform.
The main updates in this test include:
Dedicated Tabs: A new navigation bar now includes separate tabs for Reels and Direct Messages, allowing faster and easier access to these features.
Rearranged Icons: Instagram has modified the order of existing tabs — Feed, Search, Create, Reels, and Profile — by swapping the positions of “Search” and “Reels,” and replacing the “Create Post” button with one dedicated to DMs.
Smoother Navigation: Users can now swipe seamlessly between different tabs, offering a more intuitive and fluid browsing experience.
This update aligns with Meta’s broader vision to strengthen Instagram’s position as a platform centered around connection and short video content — two features that have fueled its growth in recent years.
