Yay or nay: Instagram is planning to roll out a full-screen TikTok-like home feed
Instagram is testing out a new feature that will have TikTok users looking twice.
With Meta focusing on video-centric content for users, their photo-sharing app is set to test a new full-screen 9:16 feed catering to vertical videos and photos.
Similar to TikTok's vertical scrolling platform, the proposed Instagram update will have users swipe down to reach the next full-screen content. To scroll through carousel photos, users will have to click on the screen a la Instagram Stories.
For photos that don't fit the 9:16 dimension, a background will be placed for the content to fit the entire screen, once again similar to the feature found in Stories.
Have you been selected to test the new Instagram update?
Instagram is testing a "new, immersive viewing experience" for the main feed with full-screen photos and videos. Their goal is to bring video front and center to the platform.
What do you think of the update?#Instagram pic.twitter.com/RPsIaTHfXF— Newfound Marketing (@Newfound_MKTG) May 16, 2022
Instagram head Adam Mosseri introduced the concept on May 4 as part of the app's changes for a "mobile-first" experience.
"We're moving Instagram to a place where video is a bigger part of the home experience, where the content is more immersive, takes up more of the screen," he said.
"We know the future of video and photos is mobile-first, they are 9 by 16, they are immersive. So what you'll see is us testing out taller photos and video in your feed."
In the video shared by Adam, the app's bottom navigation bar holding Discover, Reels, and Profile remains the same, but the content will be displayed in full view, similar to TikTok.
📣 Testing Feed Changes 📣
— Adam Mosseri (@mosseri) May 3, 2022
We’re testing a new, immersive viewing experience in the main Home feed.
If you’re in the test, check it out and let me know what you think. 👇🏼 pic.twitter.com/dmM5RzpicQ
Since his announcement, a number of users have already received the beta test. Showing photos of the new design, they took to social media to share their thoughts.
The new @instagram layout is so confusing b/w reels and feed. Worst update for #ios #instagramnewlayout #Instagram #newlayout pic.twitter.com/NgFQj2AEQJ
— one_man_css (@chandru_18) May 11, 2022
Wtfffffff why my feed look like tiktok, Hopefully it will return to normal and eliminate that horrible update. pic.twitter.com/AnWlzM5CdL
— 🫧🌫☁️🤍 (@Posiiiti0ns) May 19, 2022
ew why is my instagram feed lookin like this i hate the new update pic.twitter.com/8gjtet1VGu
— sam 🫐 (@soft4wan) May 19, 2022
Instagram has yet to announce if they will be rolling out the update for all users.
