Top 3 Key Points:
- Instagram tests vertical profile grids.
- Changes could disrupt current layouts.
- Feedback-driven rollout plan.
Instagram is experimenting with a significant update to its profile pages: switching the traditional square grid to vertical rectangles. This move could disrupt the carefully curated layouts that many users have spent time perfecting. The shift has been noted by some users recently, though hints of this change have been around since at least 2022.
According to Instagram’s head, Adam Mosseri, the majority of content on the platform is now vertical—either 4:3 photos or 9:16 videos. He acknowledges that cropping such content into squares can be harsh, as the platform originally only supported square images—a limitation removed back in 2015. While he recognizes that the potential change might be frustrating for those who have meticulously arranged their profiles, Mosseri emphasizes the need to adapt to how content is created and consumed today.
Christine Pai, an Instagram spokesperson, confirmed that the vertical grid is being tested with a small group of users. She emphasized that this is a limited trial, and Instagram will be gathering feedback from the community before making any widespread changes.
For those who have meticulously crafted their profile grids, it might be time to prepare for a possible switch from squares to rectangles. The company is aware of the potential disruption and is working to find the best way to manage the transition.
