Instagram, a significant player in social media, is preparing to assimilate new features into its platform that may not resonate well with its user base. This overhaul involves a transition from the longstanding square grid layout to a more contemporary vertical grid system—initiated in August 2024 and now rolling out to all users. As Instagram embarks on this journey of aesthetic change, it simultaneously introduces new functionalities, sparking diverse reactions from its community.
The overhaul of Instagram’s profile layout aims to refresh the visual experience by adopting a 4:3 aspect ratio in place of the traditional 1:1 grid. While Instagram’s head, Adam Mosseri, justified the change by asserting that “most photos and videos uploaded to Instagram are vertical,” users are understandably concerned. The change stands to disrupt meticulously curated profiles that previously displayed a cohesive visual identity through square formats. As creators and influencers have invested significant time into designing their profiles, this sudden shift feels abrupt and unwelcome to many. User feedback on the announcement has been mixed; one creator, Punktmidi, lamented the loss of “millions of well-curated 1:1 grids,” echoing the sentiment that such drastic changes often overlook the hard work of dedicated users.
In response to the backlash, Instagram is endeavoring to enhance the customization options available to users. The introduction of personalized thumbnail options for posts may allow individuals to exercise greater control over how their profiles are displayed. Alongside this, the forthcoming feature which permits the reordering of posts within the grid serves as an attempt to help users reclaim some semblance of control over their aesthetic presentation. Furthermore, the addition of dedicated Story Highlights repositions circular icons between the grid and the bio, providing a more streamlined view. This is especially significant because Mosseri has characterized the existing highlight arrangement as “visually complicated,” potentially alienating users who prefer a cleaner interface.
In addition to reorganizing profile aesthetics, Instagram is also extending the maximum duration of Reels from 90 seconds to three minutes. This adjustment places Instagram in direct competition with other platforms focused on vertical video content like TikTok, which debuted three-minute videos back in July 2021, and YouTube Shorts, which expanded their duration in late 2024. As the social media landscape continues to evolve, such adaptations are critical for retaining users who might seek more diverse video offerings elsewhere. However, the longevity of the Reels format will hinge on whether users will embrace longer videos or maintain a preference for brevity.
Mosseri has acknowledged the potential for additional changes as user feedback continues to unfold. His commitment to transparency reflects an awareness that Instagram’s community desires to be heard and understood. “This plan might change as we iterate over the next couple of months,” he noted, indicating a willingness to revise strategies in response to user sentiment. However, the efficacy of this approach will depend on Instagram’s ability to strike a balance between innovation and preserving the unique identity that long-time users cherish.
As Instagram rolls out these changes, it stands at a pivotal crossroads between embracing technological advancements and addressing the concerns of its user base. This transformation encourages users to reconsider how they interact with the platform while balancing personal expression with functionality. While Instagram aims to create an appealing visual showcase that aligns with contemporary photographic styles, user discontent signals the importance of careful consideration in the rollout of significant changes.
Ultimately, Instagram’s journey into vertical grids and extended Reels provides a lens through which the broader dynamics of social media evolution can be examined. As users adapt to these updates, they will inevitably shape the platform’s future trajectory—offering insights into what aspects of Instagram they value most and how they wish to engage with its evolving features.