- Facebook is testing a Reels-first experience in India for selected people who want more video.
- The test puts full-screen video first while keeping the classic Feed one click away.
- People in the test can opt out and return to the traditional Feed-first experience.
Facebook Reels-first experience has started testing in India, putting full-screen video at the centre when some people open the Facebook app. The test is aimed at people Facebook believes want more video in their experience.
The new experience is designed to offer a more visual way to discover content, creators and conversations on Facebook. It is currently a test rather than a full rollout, with Facebook also keeping the classic Feed available. The move follows other changes to how social platforms present video, including Instagram‘s Instagram new home Reels experience.
Facebook Reels-First Experience Starts Testing in India
Facebook is testing the new experience with selected people in India. Instead of opening directly to the traditional Feed-first view, some users will see full-screen video when they open the app.
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The change is aimed at people Facebook believes want more video. The company describes the experience as a more visual, video-first way to discover content, creators and conversations on Facebook.
What Changes With the New Facebook Experience?
The test changes what selected people see when they open the Facebook app, while still providing access to the traditional Feed. The main changes include:
- Full-screen video appears when selected people open the app.
- People can opt out and return to a Feed-first experience.
- The classic Feed remains available as the second tab, one click away.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Current status | Testing in India |
| Opening experience | Full-screen video for selected people |
| Opt-out | Users can return to a Feed-first experience |
| Classic Feed | Available as the second tab |
| Purpose | More visual, video-first discovery of content, creators and conversations |
Facebook Wants Video at the Centre
Facebook said video is becoming a space for entertainment and connection. The company also highlighted conversations, communities and commerce as activities taking place around video.
The new experience is intended to reflect how people use the app and what they indicate they want through their usage. Facebook said its product changes are informed by these signals. Updates from Meta can also be followed through the Meta newsroom.
Classic Feed Will Remain Available
The test does not remove the traditional Feed. People included in the test can opt out of the new experience and return to a Feed-first setup.
The classic Feed will also be available as the second tab in the app, keeping the traditional experience one click away for people who want it.
Tom Alison Explained Facebook’s Video Plans
Tom Alison, Head of Facebook at Meta, outlined the plans in a “Connecting Real People on Facebook” post published in July 2026. The post described the direction towards a more video-focused Facebook experience.
Facebook has now started testing the reimagined experience in India. The company said it will start testing the experience internationally later this year, beginning with video-heavy countries. The platform’s wider social product changes also include the Instagram Plus rollout covered by MobileTelco.
Facebook Reels-First Experience: International Testing
Facebook said international testing of the reimagined experience will begin later this year, starting with countries where video is particularly prominent. The company is also exploring bringing the experience to the US next year.
For now, the new opening experience remains a test in India rather than a full Facebook rollout.
Conclusion
Facebook has started testing a Reels-first experience in India that places full-screen video at the centre for selected people. Users can opt out and return to Feed-first, while the classic Feed remains available as the second tab. Facebook plans to expand testing internationally later this year.
What is the Facebook Reels-first experience?
It is a test that opens Facebook with full-screen video for selected people instead of the traditional Feed-first experience.
Is Facebook’s Reels-first experience available to everyone in India?
No. Facebook has started testing the experience with selected people in India, so it is not a full rollout.
Can users return to the normal Facebook Feed?
Yes. People included in the test can opt out and return to a Feed-first experience.
Is the classic Facebook Feed being removed?
No. The classic Feed remains available as the second tab in the app.
When will Facebook test the experience internationally?
Facebook said it will start testing the reimagined experience internationally later this year, beginning with video-heavy countries.
Could the Reels-first experience come to the US?
Facebook is exploring bringing the experience to the US next year.
