Instagram tests opening right onto Reels, and it could completely change how millions of users interact with the app. Meta is experimenting with this update in India, giving Reels and DMs the spotlight as the first two tabs on the platform. According to Instagram head Adam Mosseri, both Reels and DMs have been key drivers of the app’s growth in recent years—making this test a strategic move.
What The Test Looks Like
The experiment places Reels front and center, reshaping the home tab into a video-first feed. At the top, users still see the familiar Stories bar, but scrolling up quickly transforms the layout into something resembling today’s Reels tab. Nearly the entire screen becomes filled with short videos designed to keep users engaged for longer.
How Photos Fit Into The New Layout
One big question is how photo posts will survive in this new design. Mosseri confirmed that images from accounts you follow won’t disappear—they’ll be integrated into the new feed. However, the preview video didn’t make it clear how often photos would appear compared to videos. This uncertainty may worry creators and photographers who rely on static posts.
Why Instagram Is Doubling Down On Reels
Instagram tests opening right onto Reels because short-form video is dominating social media. Platforms like TikTok have shown how sticky video-first feeds can be, and Meta is keen to keep users scrolling within its ecosystem. By pushing Reels to the front, Instagram is signaling that video—not photos—is its biggest bet for future growth.
What This Means For Users
For casual users, this change could feel familiar if they’re used to TikTok’s interface. It might also mean less effort to find entertaining content since the app drops you directly into a Reels feed. But longtime Instagram fans who prefer photos may find the shift overwhelming or even alienating.
India As A Testing Ground
India remains one of Instagram’s most important markets, especially after TikTok’s ban in the country. With millions of users hungry for short-form video, it makes sense that Instagram would test bold experiments there first. If the test performs well, the change could roll out globally.
Meta has consistently shifted Instagram toward video over the past few years. From Reels monetization to AI-driven recommendations, the platform is evolving into a direct TikTok competitor. Instagram tests opening right onto Reels isn’t just about convenience—it’s about keeping attention locked inside the app and ensuring creators stick with Meta instead of moving to rivals.
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