Instagram launches native iPad app centered on Reels

Instagram has released a native iPad app, rolling out globally beginning Sept. 3 and now available on the Apple App Store for iPads running iPadOS 15.1 or later, the company said. The long-awaited tablet version places short-form video at the center of the experience and redesigns the interface to take advantage of larger screens, Instagram said in its announcement.

Unlike the iPhone app, the iPad version opens directly into Reels, reflecting Meta's emphasis on short-form video. Stories appear across the top of the screen, messaging is a single tap away, and a new Following tab offers three ways to view posts from accounts a user follows. The All feed mixes recommended posts and Reels, Friends shows content from mutual followers, and Latest presents posts and Reels in strict chronological order. Users can also customize the order in which feeds appear, Instagram said.

The app uses a multicolumn layout for messages, notifications, and other sections so users can view more content with fewer taps. Instagram noted that comments on Reels can be expanded beside full-size videos and that the design supports multitasking, such as watching a Reel while interacting with comments. Direct...