Instagram just can’t seem to get enough of playing around with the positions of its home screen buttons. After an update last year which brought the Reels button to the centre of the bottom tab, the social platform has changed its mind about the layout again.
The new post button is back at its original position at the center of the bottom tab and the notifications button has been replaced by the Reels button. It’s all rather confusing, and the tweaks have prompted a bunch of complaints from disgruntled users.
The move has left many users confused and annoyed, as they keep accidentally tapping the Reels button instead of the notifications button. The change has also sparked speculation that it’s a ploy to increase engagement on Instagram’s short-form videos.
Notifications are now located at the top of the home screen, next to the DMs button. While Instagram’s reasoning behind the change is unclear, the placement of DMs and notifications together makes sense since they are the only two buttons on the Instagram home screen that display red badges. But it’s still going to take some getting used to before misfires are put behind us.
This isn’t the first time that Instagram has made changes to its home screen layout. In a recent update, the shopping tab was removed and the live shopping feature is set to be discontinued on March 16. Shops will no longer be able to tag products during live streams from that day on.
According to Instagram, the discontinuation of the live shopping feature is a way to help the platform focus on its core features. This move may come as a disappointment to businesses and influencers who rely on live shopping to drive sales and engagement.
The Changes – What Do They Mean?
The changes to the Instagram home screen button layout may seem insignificant, but they actually hold a lot of significance for the platform’s users. Here’s what we think they mean:
- Reels Are Here to Stay
The placement of the Reels button in the center of the bottom tab suggests that Instagram is serious about promoting its short-form video feature. Reels has quickly become one of the most popular features on the platform, with more and more users creating and consuming Reels every day.
- Notifications Are Still Important
Despite being moved to the top of the home screen, notifications are still an important feature on Instagram. They allow users to stay updated on their activity and engagement on the platform, and are a key factor in driving user engagement.
- Instagram is Prioritizing its Core Features
With the removal of the shopping tab and the discontinuation of the live shopping feature, Instagram is sending a clear message that it wants to focus on its core features. This means that users can expect to see more improvements and updates to the platform’s key features, such as the feed, Stories, and Reels.
- Instagram is Listening to User Feedback
The changes to the home screen button layout have sparked a lot of complaints from users, and Instagram has clearly taken note. By moving the notifications button to the top of the home screen, Instagram has addressed one of the main user complaints.
What Can Users Expect in the Future?
It’s clear that Instagram is constantly evolving and changing, and users can expect to see more updates and changes in the future.
