Instagram is testing a Reels-first UI in India and South Korea

Instagram has begun testing a Reels-first interface in India and South Korea, marking the first regions to experience the platform’s new layout that opens directly to the Reels page.

The redesigned interface resembles the one Instagram introduced with its first iPad app earlier this month. In this version, Stories remain at the top of the home screen as before, but the DM (Direct Message) button now appears on the centre navigation bar. The Reels tab has been moved to the second position, allowing users to swipe between tabs for more seamless navigation.

Redesigned Navigation and Feed Options

One of the most significant changes comes to the Following tab, now positioned next to Reels. It introduces three new feed categories:

• All – Recommended posts and Reels from accounts you follow.
• Friends – Posts and Reels shared by mutual connections.
• Latest – The most recent posts and Reels from followed accounts.

Instagram said the redesign is currently being tested with a limited number of users, but confirmed plans for a global rollout in the future.

Reels Drive Meta’s Growth

The move comes shortly after Instagram announced that it has surpassed 3 billion monthly users, with parent company Meta attributing much of that growth to short-form video content.

Image Credits: Meta

According to Meta, Reels are reshared across its platforms more than 4.5 billion times, underscoring the format’s importance in keeping users engaged. The company stated that this is why Reels and Direct Messages now occupy a more prominent position in the app’s layout.