A new tab makes it easier to discover and engage with Reels that your friends like, sparking new conversations.

What’s new in Reels?

Instagram has rolled out a new Reels feature designed to make your social experience more interactive. By showing which Reels your friends have liked or commented on, the platform aims to spark conversations and strengthen connections with friends.

Appearing in the top-right corner, a new tab displays the profile pictures of friends who have interacted with the Reels content. Icons like a heart or a conversation bubble indicate whether they liked or commented.

To encourage interaction, a “reply bar” appears at the bottom of Reels, letting you easily respond directly to content that your friends engage with- sent as a direct message.

Image credit: Meta.

What is Instagram trying to achieve?

Announcing the feature, Instagram Head Adam Mosseri made it clear: this update is part of Instagram’s push to increase social interactions on the platform. Moving beyond passive consumption, the feature aims to inspire active connections through shared content.

Instagram’s announcement comes as the app looks to attract users amid TikTok’s challenges. Despite TikTok now being in the process of being restored, the feature positioned Reels as a go-to alternative for short-form video content.

Mixed reactions

While the update is meant to foster connection, it’s drawing mixed reactions from users. The feature has been likened to Instagram’s old “Activity Feed” that was retired in 2019, with many users probably not wanting their liked videos being shared.

As one user commented:

“I’ve had this feature for a little while and in all honesty, it feels a little invasive. I don’t want my friends to see everything I like and I don’t need to see what they like.

If anything, imo, this will refrain people from liking posts, making engagement plummet even more.”

@evelongfield via Instagram.

Imagine liking an edgy or offensive meme that aligns with your sense of humour, only for a friend with different tastes to find it problematic. Instances like this may simply discourage users from engaging in the first place.

Potential impact on Reels

Instagram’s algorithm will presumably share only select content, but even this still seems risky. The new feature could reveal more than some users would like and may discourage engagement with Reels in the first place. Despite Instagram’s intention of giving users a chance to connect over shared interests, it remains to be seen whether this will provide that spark.

RouteNote partners with Meta to help independent artists and labels distribute music to Instagram, Facebook, and other major platforms for free. Upload your tracks to make them available in Reels, Stories, and more to connect with your audience.