Meta Ads · Status at source date: Newsletter archive
Instagram Explore ad placement is being removed as Reels expands
Meta is removing the Instagram Explore ad placement starting January 2026. When users tap tiles in the Instagram Explore grid, a new immersive Reels viewer opens instead of the Explore feed.
What changed
Ads targeting Instagram Reels will now show in what was previously the Explore feed. Ad sets targeting Instagram Explore will automatically deliver to other selected placements. You can still select Instagram Explore Home as a placement.
Why it matters for advertisers
For you, this means reviewing campaigns with Explore-specific targeting and understanding that Reels inventory is expanding.
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Original newsletter text and archive evidence
Instagram Explore ad placement is being removed as Reels expands
Meta is removing the Instagram Explore ad placement starting January 2026. When users tap tiles in the Instagram Explore grid, a new immersive Reels viewer opens instead of the Explore feed. Ads targeting Instagram Reels will now show in what was previously the Explore feed. Ad sets targeting Instagram Explore will automatically deliver to other selected placements. You can still select Instagram Explore Home as a placement. For you, this means reviewing campaigns with Explore-specific targeting and understanding that Reels inventory is expanding.
Source captured . No explicit first-contributor label was provided for this update.
