Instagram is testing a major redesign that introduces dedicated tabs for Reels and Direct Messages (DMs) on the app’s main navigation bar, the platform’s head Adam Mosseri confirmed on Friday.
The experimental layout, currently available to select users, rearranges Instagram’s familiar tabs — Feed, Search, Create, Reels, and Profile — to better reflect how people use the app today. Under the new setup, Search and Reels have swapped positions, and the create post (+) button has been replaced by a shortcut for DMs.
A smoother, video-first experience
According to Mosseri, the redesign allows users to swipe more seamlessly between tabs, offering faster navigation and emphasizing short-form video and private messaging — two of Instagram’s most-used features.
“Reels and DMs have driven most of our growth at Instagram over the last few years,” Mosseri said, noting that the test will remain optional for now.
Meta’s shift toward Reels and messaging
The change aligns with Meta’s broader strategy to prioritize video-first content and messaging across its platforms. Earlier this month, Instagram introduced an iPad version where Reels appears as the default tab, and a similar tab redesign was tested in India, placing Reels first and DMs second.
With user behavior increasingly focused on short videos and private group chats, Instagram is positioning itself as both a content hub and a conversation platform — evolving beyond its photo-sharing roots.
