Instagram

Each of the new looks is a little bit different, but all three give Instagram Reels and shopping prominent placement while moving around an existing section (or two). In one of the new layouts, Reels replaces the Explore tab while shopping replaces the “activity” section (both Explore and activity are moved to the top right corner of the app, next to the inbox).  

In another variation, Instagram crams all six shortcuts — home, Explore, Reels, Shop, activity, and profile — into the bottom row while the shortcut for creating a new post moves to the top right.

If it sounds like all this is just making Instagram more confusing… you’re not wrong. As Instagram As Facebook’s influence over Instagram has grown, the app’s navigation is starting to look a lot more like Facebook’s famously bloated app. 

These kinds of updates have also been unpopular in the past. When Instagram added an IGTV shortcut next to the inbox, users freaked out and then promptly ignored it. Instagram dropped the shortcut earlier this year — perhaps to make room for Reels and shopping.

Facebook is making its newest TikTok rival even more prominent in India. Instagram’s app in India now has a dedicated tab for Reels, according to Instagram head Adam Mosseri. 

With the change, the Reels section appears where “Explore” used to be, and the Explore section has moved to the top right corner of the app next to the inbox. An Instagram spokesperson told Engadget the change is also being tested in Germany, France and Brazil.