Instagram Looks at Reels as a Landing Page

We cannot ignore the growing popularity of reels as a form of content, both on Instagram and other social media platforms. The often short, highly engaging videos are being used by businesses, creators, and regular users as a way to communicate highlights, make announcements, and share news – often to the backing track of a popular or trending song. 

And it seems as thought Instagram has picked up on the vibe and ever-increasing popularity of reels – now exploring the possibility of Instagram Reels becoming the new landing page when a user first opens the app.

What About My Notifications and Messages?

The change in Instagram layout, currently being trialled across India, opens Instagram on a reel window – with users able to either click on that reel to watch it and open the Reels feed, or scroll past it and access their regular homepage.

This means that opening on a reel does not automatically hide the notifications tab and DM messages icon. Rather, it gives users a first glance opportunity to dive straight into reels or ignore the opening reel and interact as they normally would with Instagram.

Of course, this creates an incredible opportunity to build a powerful new algorithm, controlling what that initial reel looks like and what it includes. With reels gaining evermore focus on Instagram and other apps, we are sure to see businesses and content creators putting more into their reels content – tailoring it to different users.

Businesses will inevitably want their content to be pitches as that first visible reel, especially those looking to build their following and gain more exposure through organic reach as well as follower packages. 

For content creators, having that homepage presence is a great tool for exposure and reach, with the use of trending audio proving especially powerful.

Would you be open to an Instagram app that opens to reels? Or do you prefer more sta