Instagram is testing a new feature that allows users to open the app directly to the Reels tab, according to a report from Social Media Today dated October 5, 2026. This experiment reflects the platform’s ongoing effort to prioritize short-form video content over other sections of the app, including the traditional home feed and Stories.

The move builds on Instagram’s multi-year shift toward Reels as a central pillar of its user experience, driven by competition from TikTok and evolving viewer habits. By testing a Reels-first launch, Instagram is signaling where it wants user attention to land immediately upon opening the app—bypassing both the algorithmic feed and the Stories bar at the top.

For creators, this test could mean increased visibility for Reels content, especially among users who opt into or are defaulted into the new launch behavior. While Stories have long been a tool for authentic, time-sensitive engagement, this shift suggests Instagram is doubling down on discoverability and entertainment-driven video as primary growth levers.

The test does not indicate the removal of Stories or the feed, but rather a reordering of access points. Creators should monitor how this change affects reach and audience behavior, particularly if the Reels-first option becomes widely rolled out. As of now, the feature remains in testing with no public announcement on a broader release date. Creators are advised to continue diversifying content formats while adapting to platform priorities that favor Reels for algorithmic distribution.