Instagram has rolled out a new feature that allows users to see the Instagram Reels their friends have liked and engaged with. this update, announced on Friday, introduces a dedicated “friends tab” that displays a curated feed of videos your friends have interacted with, separate from the existing Reels feed that shows content posted by accounts you follow. The feature is currently rolling out to US users, with a pill-shaped widget in the top right corner of the Reels interface serving as the gateway to this new feed.
The new friends tab is reminiscent of TikTok’s algorithm, which integrates videos your friends have shared into your “For You” page. Users can tap the widget, which displays profile pictures of a few friends, to access the dedicated feed. From there, they can reply to videos or start direct messages (DMs) with friends. However, the rollout may take time, so not all users will see the option instantly.
This update comes amid a turbulent period for Meta, Instagram’s parent company. CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently announced the end of Meta’s third-party fact-checking program across its platforms, alongside an overhaul of content moderation policies. These changes include loosening restrictions on discussions around gender identity and immigration, which Zuckerberg described as a return to the company’s “roots around free expression.” However, fact-checking groups and LGBTQ+ advocates have expressed concerns about the potential impact on information quality and user safety.The timing of Instagram’s update coincides with a significant growth in the social media landscape. On the same day, the US Supreme Court upheld a law that could effectively ban TikTok if it fails to sell its US business by January 19 to a buyer approved by US officials. While President Joe Biden has indicated he won’t enforce the ban during the final hours of his presidency,the decision has created uncertainty for TikTok’s 170 million active US users. Some may consider migrating to option platforms, including Instagram Reels.### Key Features of Instagram’s New Reels Update
| Feature | Description |
|———|————-|
| Friends Tab | Displays Reels liked and engaged with by friends. |
| Pill-Shaped Widget | Located in the top right corner; opens the dedicated friends feed. |
| Interaction Options | Reply to videos or start DMs directly from the feed. |
| Rollout | Currently available to US users; gradual implementation expected. |
This update underscores Instagram’s efforts to enhance user engagement and compete with TikTok’s dominance in short-form video content. As the social media landscape continues to evolve, features like the friends tab could play a pivotal role in shaping how users discover and interact with content. What are your thoughts on this new feature? Share your opinions in the comments below!
