Instagram Could Change Forever: Reels May Become the First Thing You See on the App!

Instagram is working on a new update and major change that will define how users interact within the app. The social media giant is testing an option where Reels will become the first tab on the home screen. The meta-owned platform will then shoft the DM’s section as the second tab. The test is currently available in India, highlights Meta’s focus on Reels and DM’s as primary engagement drivers.

The Reels-First Home Tab Experience

As per Wabetainfo report, an app responsible for tracking upcoming and new updates on WhatsApp, users will now notice a horizontal row of Stories at the top. This will be similar to the home feed, nevertheless, as soon as users will scroll up, the feed transitions into a Reels-style layout. In addition, it will also fill the entire screen with the video content.

While photos from accounts you follow will still appear, the emphasis is clearly on short-form video content. This approach could make Instagram feel more like a continuous video streaming platform rather than a traditional photo-sharing app.

Why Instagram Is Prioritizing Reels

Instagram is testing this new update to stay competitive with other video-streaming platforms. Short videos are now becoming a central part of social media consumption, and hence, Reels first home tab aligns with company’s strategy of focusing more on the Reels. Reels has always been a major contributor to Instagram’s growth, so by placing Reels front and center, Meta hopes to increase watch time and interaction.

Instagram Tested Reels First Home Tab on iPad

Reportedly, Instagram has already experimented with this concept on its iPad app, opening directly into Reels from the home screen. Meta says that the design caters to how users interact with larger screens. By this concept, the tech giant is offering a ‘lean back entertainment’ experience. The mobile test now suggests that Instagram may eventually expand this Reels-focused experience to smartphones, making video content the core of everyday app usage.