Highlights
- Instagram is testing a new layout where Reels becomes the default tab for select users in India.
- Adam Mosseri clarified that Instagram does not secretly access microphones for ad targeting, calling it a privacy myth and explaining how precise algorithms work.
- Meta’s updated privacy policy will allow data collection from AI interactions, enhancing ad targeting based on user behaviour and shared interests.
Instagram is experimenting with a major change that could make its app look even more like TikTok. The company has confirmed that it’s testing a new layout with “a small group of people,” where Reels becomes the default view when users open the app. Here’s more on that.
Instagram Testing Reels as the First Tab
Instagram’s Head Adam Mosseri announced a new app test via Threads and said, “A great way to get a lot of heat is to redesign an app used by a few billion people, so I don’t take this idea lightly. Reels and DMs have driven most all our growth at Instagram over the last few years, so we are exploring making them the first two tabs. This is just an *option* available to a small group of people in India starting today. Photos from accounts you follow are still in the home tab. If you do opt-in, you can opt right out if you’re not into it. We’ll see if anyone is into it…”
At present, the Reels tab sits in the fourth position within the Instagram app. With this test, Reels moves to the very first spot, meaning users would land directly on short-form videos instead of the traditional Home feed.
Instagram head Adam Mosseri emphasised that this is currently a limited test. Still, several signs suggest the company could expand it globally.
Caption – Instagram is testing a Reels-first layout. (Image credit – Instagram)
One key reason Mosseri highlighted is clear, “Reels and DMs have driven most all our growth at Instagram over the last few years.” This indicates that Meta sees short videos as the core of Instagram’s future.
Interestingly, TikTok’s app already defaults to a similar short-video feed and has become wildly popular worldwide. Instagram adopting a similar format could help it stay competitive.
Additionally, Instagram’s iPad app already uses a Reels-first design, putting short videos front and centre. This was an early signal that a wider rollout could eventually hit iPhones and Android devices.
Mosseri Dismisses Microphone “Listening” Conspiracy
In a separate post on Instagram, Mosseri also addressed one of Instagram’s longest-running rumours. The idea that the app secretly listens to user conversations through their phone microphones to deliver eerily accurate ads.
View this post on Instagram
He denied it, saying such behaviour would be a “gross violation of privacy.” This is not the first time Meta has disputed the claim. Back in 2016, the company (then Facebook) published a blog post stating it does not use microphones to decide what ads to show. Mark Zuckerberg himself repeated this under oath in Congress.
Mosseri added that users would know if Instagram was accessing their microphones since the phone would show a light indicator and drain battery much faster.
Instead, he explained that Meta’s ad system is so precise because of how it works with advertisers. Companies share data with Meta about people who visit their websites, and the platform also relies on algorithms that predict what users may like based on people with similar interests.
Now, Meta plans to go a step further by using AI interactions to refine ad targeting. Beginning December 16, its updated privacy policy will let Meta collect data from user interactions with AI products across most markets. Since people often discuss highly personal topics with chatbots, this could make Meta’s targeting even more effective than before.
Mosseri acknowledged that part of the perception that Instagram “listens” to conversations is psychological. “You might have actually seen that ad before you had the conversation and not realized it,” he said. “We scroll quickly. We scroll by ads quickly. And sometimes you internalize some of that, and that actually affects what you talk about later.”
In short, Mosseri assures that Instagram isn’t turning on your mic but its algorithms, advertiser partnerships, and now AI-driven signals are powerful enough to make it feel like the app knows exactly what you’re thinking.
FAQs
Q1. What change is Instagram testing with the Reels tab?
Answer. Instagram is testing a layout where Reels becomes the default tab when users open the app, starting with a small group in India. Users can opt in or out of the test.
Q2. Is Instagram secretly listening to users through their microphones for ad targeting?
Answer. No. Adam Mosseri clarified that Instagram does not access microphones for ads. Instead, Meta uses advertiser data, algorithms, and AI interactions for targeting.
Q3. Why does Instagram’s ad system feel so accurate?
Answer. Mosseri explained that it’s due to psychological factors and Meta’s predictive algorithms, which use shared data and user behaviour to deliver relevant ads.
Also Read –
https://www.mymobileindia.com/instagram-rolls-out-dedicated-ipad-app-with-reels-centric-design/
https://www.mymobileindia.com/instagram-dm-management-tools-picture-in-picture-reels/