Instagram has rolled out a new Explore tab layout designed to enhance how users discover content and interact with their interests. With over half of Instagram’s global user base engaging with the Explore tab monthly, the platform’s redesign is focused on improving navigation, personalization, and discoverability—making the Instagram experience more intuitive than ever.
At the core of this update lies Instagram’s commitment to elevating the Pinterest Personalized Shopping Hubs model, where content is no longer just chronological or follow-based but dynamically generated based on user preferences. This shift reflects a broader trend among social platforms to improve discovery through intelligent design and algorithmic assistance.
What’s New in the Explore Layout
The newly updated Explore tab showcases a redesigned navigation bar at the top of the screen, offering direct access to IGTV, Shop, and Reels. This Instagram layout update allows users to instantly jump to specific content formats, minimizing the number of taps it takes to discover relevant videos, products, and influencers.
Directly beneath the new bar, users will see personalized topic channels—ranging from Food, Art, and Travel to niche categories depending on individual behavior. These topic-based feeds are Instagram’s way of mirroring Pinterest Personalized Shopping Hubs, offering curated content collections that feel tailor-made.
Along with these changes, Instagram is blending Stories into the main grid. Users will now see personalized Stories recommendations based on their activity, appearing alongside regular photo and video content. This integration is a significant departure from previous versions and supports a more immersive, scroll-friendly experience.
Category-Based Content with Smarter Navigation
An earlier iteration of the Explore tab had started organizing content into clear categories like Fashion, People, Sports, and more. In this version, tapping on a category tile opens a horizontally scrollable stream of related posts, often bundled with relevant hashtags. These category enhancements make the new Explore page design a more organized and user-centric experience.
The change also aligns with Instagram’s broader UI changes, where rectangular tiles replace older circular Stories and Live Video icons, making the layout more accessible and content-focused.
But the real power lies in the use of Explore tab algorithms, which leverage advanced machine learning. Instead of solely relying on hashtags, the new algorithm analyzes user behavior, interaction history, and content type preferences to serve more personalized results. This makes it easier for users to find engaging content, and for brands to reach new audiences.
Discoverability for Brands and Users
The introduction of related hashtags under each topic channel means users can dig deeper into trending themes. It also supports marketers and content creators looking to tap into emerging interests without guessing which hashtags to include. This mirrors how Pinterest Personalized Shopping Hubs function—by guiding users organically toward new products or ideas based on nuanced behavior.
For social media marketers, this presents a great opportunity to boost engagement by appearing on relevant Explore feeds, even when users aren’t following your page. Whether you’re in fashion, food, travel, or wellness, your content can now surface more naturally within relevant categories, increasing visibility and driving conversions.
A Smarter, Personalized Discovery Engine
Instagram’s new Explore tab is clearly inspired by the success of Pinterest Personalized Shopping Hubs, emphasizing tailored user journeys and smart navigation. By integrating Stories, Reels, and Shopping with personalized topic categories, the platform enhances both user satisfaction and time spent exploring.
These updates not only reflect an Instagram layout update but also an evolution in how platforms view engagement—from passive scrolling to active discovery.
Next Steps for Your Digital Growth
At Digilogy, we specialize in helping brands adapt to evolving digital landscapes like Instagram’s new Explore tab layout. As a trusted digital marketing service provider in Chennai, we combine data-driven insights, visual storytelling, and strategic planning to place your brand right where your audience is looking. Ready to boost your visibility and engagement on Instagram? Connect with Digilogy today and explore limitless digital possibilities.
