Instagram is planning a major design overhaul next month

Instagram announced that it will be simplifying its navigation by bringing a major design haul next month. It will be doing away with the Shop tab entirely and will remove Reels from the center of the navigation bar. Instead, the Compose button (which is a plus sign) will be back at the center of the bar. 

Instagram’s algorithm and UI changes have been pushing Reels over the Compose feature and this was seen as a controversial move as many users weren’t happy with the fact that the app was forcing its new products onto users. It’s no secret that every time Instagram introduces a new feature (such as adding status messages), and creators are encouraged to use them more frequently to gain better visibility. This was the case when the company first introduced Stories, and is also the case with Reels. 

Users don’t like the new Instagram

In an attempt to copy every hot app on the market and stay relevant, Instagram has become quite different from what it once was. Even high-profile Instagrammers such as Kylie Jenner and Kim Kardashian have voiced their displeasure over how different Instagram has become. Kylie Jenner famously said “make Instagram Instagram again,” and to “stop trying to be TikTok.” Kim also seconded these views via her Stories. The app is now constantly pushing Reels content as opposed to the beautiful images it used to once showcase. 

The algorithm will remain the same

Just moving the buttons won’t really change anything. The app will still be very Reels-centric as this is what keeps users hooked onto the platform. Moving the buttons is just a small move to show that they are listening to their users.

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Kajoli Anand Puri

Kajoli is a tech-enthusiast with a soft-spot for smart kitchen and home appliances. She loves exploring gadgets and gizmos that are designed to make life simpler, but also secretly fears a world run by AI. Oh wait, we’re already there. View Full Profile