What to know

  • Instagram is testing a new experience where the app opens directly to the Reels tab for some users.
  • This change reflects Instagram’s push to prioritize short-form video content over traditional photo feeds.
  • The test could significantly impact user habits and the visibility of other content types on Instagram.
  • Instagram has not confirmed if or when this change will roll out to all users.

Instagram is experimenting with a major shift in how you first experience the app. Instead of landing on the familiar home feed filled with photos and Stories, some users are now seeing the app open directly to the Reels tab, app, according to Instagram head Adam Mosseri. This test is part of Instagram’s ongoing effort to put short-form video front and center, following the explosive popularity of TikTok and the growing demand for quick, engaging content.

Adam Mosseri (@mosseri) on Threads
A great way to get a lot of heat is to redesign an app used by a few billion people, so I don’t take this idea lightly. Reels and DMs have driven most all our growth at Instagram over the last few years, so we are exploring making them the first two tabs. This is just an *option* available to a small group of people in India starting today. Photos from accounts you follow are still in the home tab. If you do opt-in, you can opt right out if you’re not into it. We’ll see if anyone is into it…
Threads

If you’re part of this test group, you’ll notice that as soon as you open Instagram, you’re dropped right into a stream of Reels. These are vertical, bite-sized videos that autoplay and encourage you to swipe up for more. The traditional home feed is still accessible, but you’ll need to tap over to it manually. This subtle change could have a big impact on how you use Instagram day-to-day.

Instagram’s focus on Reels isn’t new. Over the past few years, the platform has steadily promoted Reels by giving them prominent placement in the app, adding new creation tools, and even offering incentives for creators who post original video content. By making Reels the default landing spot, Instagram is signaling that short-form video is now its top priority.

For creators, this test could mean more exposure for Reels and potentially less visibility for static posts or Stories. If the change rolls out widely, you might find that your video content gets more engagement, while photos and carousel posts take a back seat. This could encourage more users to experiment with video, even if they’ve traditionally focused on photography or written captions.

From a user perspective, opening straight to Reels could make Instagram feel more like TikTok, where the main feed is an endless stream of algorithmically chosen videos. This might appeal to users who enjoy quick entertainment and discovery, but it could also frustrate those who prefer the classic Instagram experience of browsing photos from friends and favorite accounts.

Instagram hasn’t said whether this test will become permanent or expand to all users. The company often experiments with new layouts and features before making a final decision based on user feedback and engagement data. If you’re not seeing the change yet, you’re not alone—it’s only available to a small group for now.

Ultimately, this test highlights a broader trend in social media: platforms are racing to capture attention with short, addictive video content. Whether you love or hate the idea of Instagram opening to Reels, it’s clear that video is at the heart of the app’s future strategy. Keep an eye out for updates, and consider how this shift might affect the way you create and consume content on Instagram.