Instagram's new layout prioritizes Reels and DMs: What's different in your navigation bar
We all know Instagram is prioritizing short-form video content via Reels, so it should come as no surprise that a redesign is on the horizon.
In a post on Instagram Reels (of course), Instagram head Adam Mosseri announced the app has reached three billion users, which prompted them to look at what fueled that growth. "And if you look at the last few years, almost all of that growth has been driven by DMs, Reels, and recommendations," Mosseri said in the post. Because of that, Mosseri said, they're redesigning the app.
Right now, if you swipe right on Instagram, you'll be brought to your DMs; if you swipe left, you'll be prompted to post a story; and the buttons on the bottom navigation menu are for the home page, the search/explore page, the button for creating your own post, the Reels page, and, of course, your own profile. Soon, that'll change.
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In the coming months, Instagram is going to change that selection you see at the bottom of your app to home page, Reels, DMs, search/explore, and your own profile. Say goodbye to the dedicated posting button. You'll still be able to post on the app, of course, but you'll just have to click at the top left instead.
Instagram has also begun testing a new "way for you to tune your algorithm by adding and removing topics based on your interests, starting with reels," Mosseri's post reads. Users will be able to navigate to a page in your settings that informs them what the algorithm thinks they're interested in, and then tailor it to their actual interests.
"Really excited for all that’s to come. Thank you for being on the journey with us and making Instagram so special. 🙏🏼," Mosseri wrote.
Topics Instagram Social Media
Christianna Silva is a senior culture reporter covering social platforms and the creator economy, with a focus on the intersection of social media, politics, and the economic systems that govern us. Since joining Mashable in 2021, they have reported extensively on meme creators, content moderation, and the nature of online creation under capitalism.
Before joining Mashable, they worked as an editor at NPR and MTV News, a reporter at Teen Vogue and VICE News, and as a stablehand at a mini-horse farm. You can follow her on Bluesky @christiannaj.bsky.social and Instagram @christianna_j.
