Did You Get the New Instagram UI Yet? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
Instagram is rolling out a major redesign — and this time, it’s not just aesthetic.
The new Instagram UI update marks a shift in how the platform wants users to browse, share, and connect. Whether you’ve already noticed your Reels and DMs look different or you’re wondering why Instagram changed its layout, this guide covers everything you need to know about the 2025 interface update.
Here’s what to look for, and why it matters.
What’s Changing in the New Instagram Interface
Instagram has begun testing a new navigation bar and feed experience that places Reels and DMs front and center — signaling the platform’s renewed focus on short-form video and direct messaging.
As reported by Social Media Today, more users are now being prompted to try the updated layout, which emphasizes “your favorite spaces” inside the app.
As you can see in this example, posted by creator-economy expert Lia Haberman, the test prompt asks users whether they want to prioritise sections like Reels, DMs, or their profile — effectively allowing them to personalise Instagram’s core navigation for the first time.
About the Instagram new UI: Instagram chief Adam Mosseri confirmed that this feature will roll out to all users soon, writing on Threads:
“We’re experimenting with ways to make Instagram feel more personal — giving you quick access to the parts of the app you use most, whether that’s DMs, Reels, or your profile.”
This test follows Meta’s broader strategy to make Instagram feel more like a messaging-first and interest-based platform, rather than a static feed.
The New Instagram Layout — At a Glance
Based on the current rollout of the new Instagram UI:
👉 Bottom navigation order: Home → Reels → DMs → Search → Profile
👉 Swipe navigation: Users can now swipe horizontally between tabs, improving in-app flow
👉 Reels-first experience: In some regions, including India and South Korea, the app opens directly to the Reels tab
👉 Algorithm control: Users can customize what Reels they want to see with the new “Your Algorithm” feature — giving audiences more control and creators less guaranteed exposure
👉 Feed deprioritized: The “traditional” feed is now several taps away, making Reels and DMs the new discovery and interaction hubs
New Feature: “Your Algorithm” Controls
One of the most significant additions to the new Instagram interface is the “Your Algorithm” feature. This update lets you customize your Reels experience based on your content preferences.
To access it:
- Head to the Reels tab
- Tap the “2 hearts icon” in the upper-right corner
- Choose what you want to see more or less of
- Add custom tags to reflect your interests
This feature gives users unprecedented control over what content appears in their feed, which fundamentally changes how the Instagram algorithm works within the new UI.
Why Did Instagram Change Its Layout?
The Instagram UI update is meant to mirror how people actually use the app.
Internal data reportedly shows that more than 50% of total time on Instagram is spent in Reels or DMs — so it’s no surprise the platform is adapting to make those features more accessible.
Here’s what the numbers tell us:
- Overall video watch time on Instagram is up 20% year-over-year
- Reels now make up 50% of all time spent in the app
- Instagram recently crossed 3 billion monthly users, with much of that growth driven by short-form video
It’s a move toward behavioral design: surfacing the areas users visit most, while nudging them to stay longer through interaction.
How to Get the New Instagram UI
If you haven’t seen the new interface yet, here’s what you can do:
- Update your app: Make sure you’re running the latest version of Instagram from the App Store or Google Play
- Check for the prompt: Instagram is gradually rolling out a notification asking if you want to try the new layout
- Wait for the rollout: The update is reaching users in phases, so if you don’t have it yet, you’ll likely get it soon
- Try the iPad app: Instagram’s native iPad app, launched in September 2025, already features the new UI
Currently, users in India and South Korea are testing a Reels-first version where the app opens directly to the Reels tab rather than the home feed.
What the UI Change Means for Creators and Brands
DMs Become the New Feed
By making DMs a primary tab, Instagram is shifting social engagement from public to private. For creators and brands, this means broadcast channels, private communities, and one-to-one communication will drive loyalty far more than likes or comments.
If you don’t have a broadcast channel yet, this is your sign to start one.
Reels for Reach, Carousels for Connection
Reels still dominate discovery, particularly for accounts under 50K followers. But carousels and Stories are quietly outperforming Reels for retention and repeat engagement.
Each format serves a purpose:
- 🎥 Reels → reach
- 🖼 Carousels → connection
- 📩 Broadcasts → loyalty
(KEEP existing image: A chart showing that reels drive the highest reach across most follower counts, with brands preferring reels (57-61%) over images (39%) and carousels.)
Algorithm Control Changes Everything
With users now able to fine-tune what they see through the “Your Algorithm” feature, creators can’t rely on randomness anymore.
Your content will need a clear topic, aesthetic consistency, and strong hooks to stay visible in customised feeds.
What Marketers Should Do Next
- Audit your content mix — 60% Reels, 25% Carousels, 15% Stories
- Invest in broadcast channels to build loyal audiences in DMs
- Optimise for repeat interactions — comments, saves, shares
- Use new Reels prompts to learn what your audience chooses to watch
- Monitor analytics weekly — expect performance swings as the new UI rolls out globally
- Test the “Your Algorithm” feature to understand how users might customize their experience
Frequently Asked Questions About the Instagram UI Update
Why did my Instagram layout change?
Instagram is gradually rolling out a new interface that prioritizes Reels and DMs based on user behavior data. The platform found that users spend most of their time in these areas, so they’ve reorganized the navigation to make them more accessible.
How do I get the new Instagram UI?
Make sure your app is updated to the latest version. Instagram is rolling out the new UI in phases, so you may receive a prompt to try it soon. Some users can access it through the settings menu.
Can I go back to the old Instagram interface?
Currently, once you’ve switched to the new UI, Instagram doesn’t offer an option to permanently revert. The platform is designed around the new navigation going forward.
Why does my Instagram look different than my friend’s?
Instagram tests features with different user groups before rolling them out globally. Your friend may be in a different test group or geographic region that received the update earlier or later.
What is the “Your Algorithm” feature?
This is a new customization tool that lets you control what types of Reels appear in your feed. You can specify topics you want to see more or less of, giving you greater control over your content experience.
The Takeaway
Instagram’s new UI marks the start of a new creator economy phase — one where conversation replaces feed-scrolling, and personalisation replaces passive discovery.
As Adam Mosseri said, this is about “making Instagram feel more personal.”
For creators and brands, it’s also about making strategy more intentional.
Those who adapt fastest — balancing Reels for reach, Carousels for connection, and DMs for loyalty — will stay ahead of the algorithm, no matter how often the UI changes.
