Instagram could be taking another step towards making Reels the app’s main focus, with a new test of an alternative UI experience that would let users choose to open to their Reels feed instead of the current post feed experience.
As shown in these images, posted by app researcher Radu Oncescu, Instagram is working on an option that would let users make Reels the main feed.
The in-app explainer said that Stories would be displayed at the top of the home screen, as normal, while users would be able to swipe across to the traditional feed. Users would also be able to revert to the regular feed experience whenever they wanted to, which could be an easy way for Instagram to lean more into Reels without upsetting the user applecart too much.
Instagram has been working to make Reels the main feed for some time.
Indeed, this exact format was tested in India last year.
As shown in this image, with this format, the Stories bar was still displayed above the main Reels feed. Users could access their traditional feed by tapping the icon at the top right.
The focus on Reels makes sense, considering that more than 50% of user time in the app is now spent on Reels consumption. In addition, all of the platform’s engagement gains have been driven by Reels, and as such, it could benefit at least some users to be able to open directly to Reels.
Though it would also be a shift away from the traditional Instagram of days past, which could prompt some backlash.
This is likely why Meta is looking to make this an option instead of a default. However, if more people switch over and Reels engagement rises IG will likely look to make this the standard for all users.
