- Instagram is testing a Home experience that opens directly with Reels.
- Stories appear above the feed, while the regular feed moves one swipe away.
- Users can switch back to the previous Instagram experience through Settings.
Instagram new Home Reels is a test that puts Reels at the front when you open the app. Reels play in the first tab, while Stories appear just above them.
The Instagram new Home Reels experience moves the regular feed one swipe away. Users can swipe at the top to see content from everyone they follow or view it in chronological order, while sound is on by default.
Instagram New Home Reels Experience
The tested Home experience greets users with Reels as soon as Instagram opens. Reels are placed in the first tab, with Stories available just above them.
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The regular Instagram feed has not been removed in the test. Instead, it is one swipe away. Users can swipe at the top to see content from everyone they follow or view it in chronological order.
What Changes in Instagram Home
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Home | Reels appear first when Instagram opens. |
| Reels | Reels play in the first tab. |
| Stories | Stories are viewed just above Reels. |
| Regular feed | The regular feed is one swipe away at the top. |
| Following content | Users can swipe to see content from everyone they follow or view it chronologically. |
| Sound | Sound is on by default, with the preference adjustable in Settings. |
| Previous experience | Users can switch back to the previous Instagram experience through Settings. |
Instagram Reels Open Automatically in the Test
The prompt shown to some users reads “Reels to greet you when you open Instagram”. It includes “Try it” and “Not now” buttons.
Sound is also enabled by default in the tested experience. The sound preference can be adjusted through Instagram Settings.
Some users who received the prompt reported that nothing visibly changed after tapping “Try it”. This indicates that the experience may not appear in the same way for every user during testing.
How to Switch Back to the Previous Instagram Experience
Instagram provides an option to return to the previous experience for users who have access to the test.
- ⚙️ Open Instagram and go to Settings and activity.
- 📱 Under How you use Instagram, look for Switch to previous experience.
- ↩️ Select Switch to previous experience to return to the earlier Home layout.
Instagram New Home Reels Test Availability
The new Home experience is still being tested, so it may not be available to every Instagram user. Availability can differ by user and country.
No official India rollout date has been confirmed for the tested experience. Users who do not see the prompt or the new Home layout may simply not be included in the test.
Conclusion
Instagram new Home Reels remains a test that puts Reels first, places Stories above them and moves the regular feed one swipe away. Users can adjust the sound preference or switch back to the previous experience through Settings, while availability may differ by user and country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new Instagram Home Reels experience?
It is a test that opens Instagram with Reels in the first tab, with Stories above them and the regular feed one swipe away.
Can I switch back to the previous Instagram experience?
Yes. Under Settings and activity, go to How you use Instagram and select Switch to previous experience.
Is the new Instagram Home Reels experience available to everyone?
No. It is still a test, so availability may differ by user and country.
Is the new Instagram Home Reels experience confirmed for India?
No official India rollout date has been confirmed for the tested experience.
