Instagram Tests Reels-First Home Feed Option

Instagram Explores Reels-First Home Screen Experience

Instagram is testing a new interface option that could allow users to set Reels as their default home feed, shifting further toward short-form video as its primary content format. The experimental UI, spotted by app researcher Radu Oncescu, would display Stories at the top of the screen while making the Reels feed the central experience.

How the New Reels-Centric UI Works

Under the test configuration:

• The standard post feed remains accessible via a swipe or top-right icon
• Users can revert to the traditional feed at any time
• Stories maintain their placement above the main content

This follows a similar test conducted in India last year, confirming Meta’s ongoing strategy to prioritize Reels engagement.

Why Instagram Is Pushing Reels

Meta’s emphasis on Reels aligns with usage trends:

• Over 50% of user time in Instagram is now spent watching Reels
• All recent engagement growth on the platform has come from Reels

The optional approach allows Instagram to gradually shift user behavior while minimizing potential backlash from those preferring the traditional feed. If adoption proves successful, industry observers suggest Meta may eventually make the Reels-first interface the default experience.

like.tg will continue monitoring developments in Instagram’s ongoing platform evolution.