Instagram is about to implement changes in its design to make life easier for its users. It’ll throw away its product-minded approach to restore the app’s original vision as a result of users’ longstanding complaints about the platform.
Quick Facts
- The design overhaul will include a few changes to the navigation bar at the bottom of the app
- The Compose button at the center will be restored and the Shop tab will be removed from the navigation bar
- Users will enjoy a revamped version of Instagram starting February 2023
Other minor changes include shifting the Reels button to the right of the Compose option. The social media app resorted to its help page to make the announcement.
Why is Instagram bringing back the Compose feature?
Instagram intends to enhance its in-app navigation tool which was earlier designed to appease creators and buyers. It streamlined its focus on features like Instagram Shop and Reels which ultimately downgraded its overall user experience.
In 2020, the app transferred the Reels tab to the center of the navigation bar and replaced the Activity tab with the Shop tab. Activity and Compose (the plus sign “+”) were moved to the top right of the home screen.
Users couldn’t access it easily due to a lack of visibility and Instagram justified that they will instead be able to use Instagram’s “expanded suite of products.”
Prioritising Reels over Compose did not bode well for Instagram and the users felt as if they were being forced to use the platform’s new products. In recent months, the app has received more criticism than ever.
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In 2022, popular Instagram users like Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner spoke up in favor of user complaints. The owner of Kylie Cosmetics posted on Instagram asking the social media giant to “make Instagram Instagram again,” and “stop trying to be TikTok.”
Kim reiterated the message in her Stories followed by several celebrities who disapproved of the app’s excessive fixation on Reels. They complained about Instagram’s new look that promoted video content instead of allowing them the space to post personal photos.
The algorithm changes as a result showed them full-screen video feeds and recommended posts from accounts not followed by the users. When the outrage caught Instagram’s attention, head Adam Mosseri assured the users that photos were still a priority.
He addressed growing concerns over the increased number of Recommended posts on users’ feeds which was allegedly Instagram’s attempt at recreating their own brand of TikTok’s For You page.
Will Instagram’s new update enhance user experience?
The upcoming redesign of the app will not address or resolve all the complaints lodged by users. The relocation of a few buttons will not significantly affect the algorithm of the app but it will provide a simpler experience to its users who just want to post pictures.
By bringing the Compose button to the center, users may be subconsciously inclined towards posting photos. Instagram’s decision was seemingly influenced by a test conducted last fall where the Instagram Shop tab was relocated to Settings for some users.
The company said it was an experiment with a few users. Interestingly, The Information cited the reason for the change as the company switching up its priorities.
Instagram announced that the changes will be implemented in February. “As part of this change, the Instagram Shop tab will be removed.” However, users can still set up and run their shop on Instagram due to its continued interest in providing heightened shopping experiences to users.
These users include people and businesses who want to promote their content across the feed, reels, stories, ads, and more, the company stated.
