Instagram is testing a redesigned interface that places greater emphasis on its most popular features — Reels and Direct Messages. CEO Adam Mosseri announced that a limited group of users will soon get to try out the new layout before it’s widely released.
In this updated design, a “Create” button now appears in the top-left corner of the screen. The bottom navigation bar has been rearranged: the Home tab remains on the far left, followed by Reels and then DMs as the third tab. The Search icon moves to the fourth position, while the Profile icon stays on the far right.
Another significant change is the ability to swipe between all tabs seamlessly — a feature that replaces the old system where users had to swipe from the sides to access messages or content creation tools.
Mosseri explained that the new interface was designed “around the features people use most,” signaling Instagram’s strategic shift toward reinforcing its short-form video and messaging experiences. The company plans to offer early access to select users before finalizing the broader rollout based on feedback.