Instagram Tests Reels-First UI in India and South Korea
Meta's Instagram has begun testing a new interface that prioritizes the app's Reels feature in India and South Korea, marking a significant shift in the platform's user experience. The redesign, which was first showcased in the company's iPad app earlier this month, places the Reels tab second on the navigation bar, alongside the Following tab.
According to Instagram, the new interface is designed to make it easier for users to access and engage with short-form videos, which have become a key driver of growth for the platform. "We're excited to test this new design with our users in India and South Korea," said an Instagram spokesperson. "Our goal is to provide a more intuitive and user-friendly experience that showcases the best of Reels."
The redesign features a swipe-based navigation system, allowing users to easily switch between the Stories tab at the top, followed by the Reels tab, and then the Following tab. The latter now includes three feed options: All, which displays recommended posts and reels from accounts users follow; Friends, which shows posts and reels from mutuals; and Latest, which highlights the newest posts and reels.
Instagram's decision to test this new interface comes as the platform continues to experience rapid growth, with Meta announcing last week that Instagram had surpassed 3 billion monthly active users. The company attributes much of its success to short-form videos, which are reshared across its platforms an estimated 4.5 billion times.
Industry experts say the move is a strategic effort by Instagram to compete with rival TikTok and other short-form video apps. "By prioritizing Reels, Instagram is acknowledging the importance of short-form content in today's social media landscape," said Sarah Perez, a tech analyst at TechCrunch. "This redesign will likely appeal to users who are looking for a more streamlined experience."
While the test is currently limited to India and South Korea, Instagram has expressed plans to roll out the new interface globally if successful. The company did not provide a specific timeline for the rollout.
The testing of this new interface marks another significant step in Instagram's efforts to revamp its user experience and stay ahead of the competition. As the platform continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how users respond to the changes and whether they ultimately lead to increased engagement and growth.
*Reporting by Techcrunch.*
