Instagram is experimenting with a major redesign of its mobile app in India, putting Reels at the centre of the experience, much like what’s already been introduced on iPads. As part of this new test layout, the Reels feed opens first when users click on the app.

According to the company, the redesign aims to simplify navigation and give more focus to features that are used the most, Reels and Direct Messages (DMs). The new interface is currently being tested with select users in India. There's no official word yet on when it will roll out to all users.

What’s new in the test layout?

  • Reels-first experience: Users are taken directly to Reels when they open the app.
  • Stories stay visible at the top of the screen.
  • DMs move to the centre of the navigation bar for quicker access.
  • Swipe-friendly navigation lets users easily switch between tabs like Reels, Stories, Feed, and DMs.

Introducing the ‘Following’ tab

Instagram is also testing a new ‘Following’ tab that allows users to customise how they view content from accounts they follow. This tab includes three filter options:

All: Reels and posts from all followed accounts (including recommended content).

Friends: Content from mutual followers (accounts you follow and who follow you back).

Latest: A chronological feed of the most recent posts from followed accounts.