Instagram Crosses 3 Billion Users: Meta Prepares Major Redesign to Make Reels the Default Feed

Instagram has reached a new milestone, surpassing 3 billion monthly active users, according to Bloomberg, marking a dramatic leap from 2 billion reported in 2022. Meta says the redesign will spotlight Reels more prominently, with a redesigned navigation bar adding enhanced entry points for direct messaging and Reels to boost engagement. The company is testing in South Korea and India the option for users to set Reels as their default content feed, so opening Instagram would immediately show short-form video.

The move follows the earlier note that the iPad version of Instagram already defaults to Reels, reflecting user behaviour on larger screens. Meta’s broader strategy appears aimed at deepening Reels’ central role amid competition from TikTok and YouTube Shorts, while its family of apps, including Facebook, now commands over 3.48 billion daily active users. 25 September 2025.