Instagram’s Upcoming Reels-Centric Redesign Introduces Customizable ‘Your Feed’
Instagram is poised to undergo a significant transformation, placing Reels at the forefront of its user experience. This strategic shift aims to immerse users directly into a continuous stream of short-form videos upon launching the app. Accompanying this change is the introduction of a customizable Your Feed, designed to offer users greater control over their content consumption.
Embracing the Reels-First Approach
In September 2025, Meta announced plans to test a new Instagram interface that prioritizes Reels. Traditionally, Instagram’s home screen featured Stories at the top, followed by a mixed feed of photos and videos from both followed accounts and suggested content. This format has evolved significantly from the platform’s original chronological feed.
Recent leaks provide a closer look at this impending redesign. According to insights from leaker @howfxr on Twitter/X, the updated home tab will still display Stories at the top but will immediately transition into an endless-scroll feed of Reels. This design underscores Instagram’s commitment to the growing popularity of short-form video content.
Introducing the Customizable ‘Your Feed’
A notable addition in this redesign is the Your Feed tab, offering users a personalized content experience. Screenshots reveal that this feature will allow users to curate their feeds based on various categories:
– Following: Content exclusively from accounts the user follows.
– Friends: Posts from mutual followers, enhancing connections with close contacts.
– Latest: A chronological feed, reminiscent of Instagram’s original format.
– Saved: Access to posts that users have bookmarked for later viewing.
Additional feed options include Favorites, Suggested Content, and Posts Only, which filters out Reels to display only photo posts from followed accounts. Users will have the flexibility to rearrange these feed options, tailoring their Instagram experience to their preferences.
Contextualizing the Redesign
This move aligns with Meta’s broader strategy to enhance user engagement through personalized content delivery. Similar feed customization tools have been introduced on Threads, indicating a consistent approach across Meta’s platforms.
The emphasis on Reels reflects the industry’s shift towards short-form video content, a trend popularized by platforms like TikTok. By integrating a Reels-first experience, Instagram aims to capture and retain the attention of users who favor this content format.
User Reactions and Industry Implications
The proposed changes have elicited mixed reactions from the Instagram community. While some users appreciate the enhanced control over their feeds, others express concern over the platform’s departure from its photo-centric roots.
Industry analysts suggest that this redesign could set a precedent for other social media platforms, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Looking Ahead
As of now, there is no official timeline for the rollout of this redesign. Users and industry observers alike are keenly awaiting further announcements from Instagram regarding these developments.
