Instagram is experimenting with a major redesign that would make Reels the first thing users see when opening the app. Instead of the traditional home feed of posts from accounts you follow, Instagram is testing a Reels-first experience, putting short-form video front and center.
This shift was hinted at by Instagram head Adam Mosseri, who remarked on Threads that redesigning an app used by billions always draws heavy backlash. While his statement was broad, the timing aligns with Instagram’s latest tests that prioritize video content over the standard feed. The company has made no secret of its strategy to push Reels as its answer to TikTok, and making it the app’s default view would be the strongest signal yet.
Alongside the Reels-first home screen, Instagram is also experimenting with changes to the bottom navigation bar. Early reports suggest that Reels and Direct Messages could take the first two positions, with the home feed and other sections pushed further back. This redesign would make opening the app feel more like TikTok, where video dominates the interface and user engagement.
For everyday users, this means the familiar photo feed may no longer be the central entry point into Instagram. While the feed would still exist, it would require an extra step to reach, reflecting the company’s decision to prioritize video-first discovery. This could fundamentally change the way people interact with the app, especially those who primarily use it for photos and updates from friends.
For creators and brands, the redesign reinforces the growing importance of Reels as the best way to reach audiences. With video positioned as the default, Reels are likely to gain even more visibility and algorithmic preference, while static posts risk being sidelined. Adapting to this shift will be essential for maintaining engagement as Instagram continues to evolve its identity around video.
Instagram’s Reels-first test shows how the platform is doubling down on its biggest growth area. If rolled out globally, it would mark one of the most significant changes to Instagram’s design since Stories were introduced, reshaping the app’s balance between photos, posts, and video.
