Big Instagram update? Meta testing Reels as default tab on app

Instagram head Adam Mosseri revealed that, as part of a limited test, the app is trying a new experience where Reels will automatically appear when users open Instagram.

By: Tech Desk

New Delhi | Updated: October 4, 2025 10:52 AM IST

2 min read

Instagram expanded Reels to 3 minutes a few months ago. (Image Source: Instagram)

Meta-owned social media platform Instagram recently announced that it has more than three billion monthly active users, attributing the majority of its growth to Reels and DMs.

Now, the social media platform is testing what might be one of the biggest changes to the app. In a post on Threads, Instagram head Adam Mosseri said that as part of an opt-in test in India, Meta is considering making Reels the default tab when you open the app.

While Stories will remain at the top of the app, Instagram will show Reels instead of posts. This means when you scroll down from the home screen, it will transition to the familiar full-screen layout.

Also, people who have opted in to the experiment will now be able to quickly access DMs from the navigation bar. Instagram is also introducing a new “Following” tab, which it says will give you multiple ways to see the “latest and greatest from the accounts you follow.”

Also Read | Meta to use AI chats to personalise content and ads from December

View on Threads

The Meta owned social media platform added that it will soon bring another change to the navigation experience, allowing users to easily swipe between Reels, DMs and other tabs on the bottom bar.

When Meta launched its dedicated iPad app, users noticed it opened directly to the Reels section by default. The company’s new limited experiment appears to follow the same approach, aiming to make Reels more appealing and engaging.

Last month, Instagram addressed an issue which reduced the reach of accounts who posted multiple stories in a single day and was spotted testing a new YouTube like picture-in-picture mode for Reels, allowing users to watch short form videos in a floating window.

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