Instagram is experimenting with a new layout for its app that gives Reels and Direct Messages (DMs) dedicated tabs on the main menu bar, according to an announcement by Instagram head Adam Mosseri.
The redesign — currently available to selected users as part of a test phase — rearranges the app’s existing tabs for feed, search, new post creation, Reels, and profile. In the new setup, search and Reels have swapped places, while the create post button has been replaced with a shortcut for DMs.
What’s changing in layout
In this experimental layout, users can swipe between tabs, offering a smoother navigation experience. Mosseri noted that while such changes “can take time to get used to,” they will remain optional during the test period.
The move signals Meta’s broader strategy to prioritize messaging and short-form video content, aligning Instagram with shifting user behavior.
Meta’s broader direction
Meta’s focus on Reels and messaging isn’t new. The company recently released an iPad version of Instagram where Reels appears as the default tab, underscoring its commitment to video-first engagement.
Earlier this month, Instagram also tested a similar tab redesign in India, featuring Reels as the default tab and DMs as the second tab — an arrangement reflecting the app’s most active user features.
Reels and DMs driving growth
“Reels and DMs have driven most all our growth at Instagram over the last few years,” Mosseri said, explaining the reasoning behind the new test.
The redesign highlights a continued shift away from traditional photo-sharing, as Instagram evolves into a platform focused more on video consumption and private interactions than public photo posts.
As social media becomes more professionalized and creator-driven, Instagram’s users are increasingly engaging through private group chats and short-form video content.
The platform’s redesign aims to capture this new user behavior, positioning Instagram as both a content consumption and conversation hub.
