Launching Instagram’s first iOS widget suite to bring Reels, Stories, and Messages to the home screen—democratizing access to the surfaces that matters most to each user.
Principal Designer • 2025 • InstagramThe Context.
iOS Widgets opened a new surface for Instagram: fast, glanceable access without opening the app. We shipped Instagram’s first widget suite to make the home screen genuinely useful and let people choose the entry point that matters most.
The strategy was simple: reduce time‑to‑value and create repeatable, purpose‑driven launches into Reels, Messages, Explore, Stories, and Create.
The Suite.
We launched a focused set of widgets designed around the top intents: watch, message, discover, and create. Each widget is a lightweight entry point with clear value at a glance and minimal cognitive load.
Over time, we expanded coverage with Stories, Updates, and people‑first Direct to reduce friction back into conversations and keep the suite relevant to different audiences.
Impact.
The suite drove strong organic adoption and repeat usage, with Reels and Messages emerging as the most common entry points. Widgets became a meaningful contributor to app launches and helped people return to Instagram with purpose.
The program set a durable foundation for personalization and future widget formats, proving that a well‑crafted home‑screen strategy can scale access without heavy in‑app education.
Special thanks to Fabio Milano, Esther Chen, Jaime Quinn, Leigh Katcher, Tiffany Wong, Brian Scios, and so many more.
