Instagram Reaches 3 Billion Users, Launches New UI

09/24/25
Source: Social Media Today – Latest News by Andrew Hutchinson. Read the original article

TL;DR Summary of Instagram Reaches 3 Billion Users and Launches New Features

Instagram has become Meta’s third app to surpass 3 billion users, highlighting its massive global reach. The platform introduced new Reels customization tools allowing users to tailor content topics and updated its user interface to make navigation simpler. These changes emphasize Instagram’s focus on enhancing user control and engagement amid its continued dominance in social media.

Optimixed’s Overview: Instagram’s Milestone Growth and Feature Enhancements Elevate User Experience

Meta’s Social Media Powerhouse Hits Unprecedented User Base

Instagram has joined Facebook and WhatsApp as Meta’s third app to exceed 3 billion users, a milestone that represents over a third of the world’s population actively engaging with the platform daily. This achievement underscores Meta’s unparalleled dominance in the global social media landscape despite geographical restrictions like China’s internet limitations.

Enhanced Reels Experience with Customizable Content Topics

  • Topic Control: Instagram is testing a new feature within Reels that allows users to view, add, or exclude topics based on their viewing preferences.
  • Algorithm Transparency: Users gain more direct input into the Reels algorithm by manually refining what content they prefer to see more or less of.
  • In-stream Tags: Preferred topics are highlighted with new tags, improving content discovery and personalization.

Streamlined User Interface for Easier Navigation

  • Bottom Bar Updates: The Direct Message (DM) icon has been relocated to the bottom bar alongside Home and Reels, centralizing core app functions.
  • Icon Repositioning: The Create icon moves to the top left, and the Search icon shifts slightly right, aligning with modern usage habits.
  • Focus on Reels: Although Instagram still opens to the Home feed, the interface changes reflect Reels’ status as the app’s primary content driver.

These developments highlight Instagram’s strategy to enhance content personalization and streamline navigation, reinforcing its position as a leading social media platform in an increasingly competitive market.