Instagram Revives “Activity” Feed with New Reels Tab

Instagram is reviving its “activity” feed, a feature that was scrapped in 2019, and reworking it for the short-form video era. The new tab will display videos liked or commented on by friends, allowing users to see which of their friends have engaged with their content.

The move aims to create a space where users can connect over shared interests through content consumption. However, some experts caution that this feature might not be ideal, as it could lead to over-sharing and loss of personal boundaries.

In contrast, other platforms like X are hiding liked posts due to issues related to private content sharing. Instagram’s decision has sparked debate among creators and users, who argue that the Reels atmosphere doesn’t compare favorably to TikTok’s environment.

The new feature may attract some users into the Reels feed but could also deter those who prefer a more low-key approach to content engagement. As Instagram looks to compete with TikTok, this move might be seen as an attempt to level the playing field and reclaim its position in the short-form video market.

Source: https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/17/24345840/instagram-reels-friends-liked-tab