Instagram is reportedly experimenting with a significant change to its profile layout by introducing a vertical grid format. This new design is currently available in beta to a limited number of users, marking a departure from the traditional square grid that has been a hallmark of the platform since its inception.
The vertical profile layout is expected to feature vertical rectangles instead of the usual square thumbnails. This shift aims to better align with the type of content users frequently upload, which often comes in vertical formats such as 4:3 photos and 9:16 videos. Instagram head Adam Mosseri noted that this change would address the limitations of the current square grid, which often requires cropping content to fit the format, potentially compromising its appearance.
Christine Pai, an Instagram spokesperson, mentioned that user feedback will be crucial in determining whether the vertical grid will be adopted more widely. The platform recognizes that many users have designed their profiles around the existing square grid, so any major changes will be approached cautiously.
The new vertical grid could benefit content creators who primarily work with vertical content, allowing them to display their posts and reels without the need for cropping, thus preserving the original aspect ratio and enhancing the visual appeal.
In addition to the vertical grid, Instagram has recently increased the number of media pieces you can upload in a single post from 10 to 20. This change aims to provide more flexibility for users, especially those who use Instagram for storytelling or content creation.
The combination of the vertical grid and expanded media upload limits could potentially transform the Instagram experience, making it more accommodating for diverse content formats and enabling users to share and interact with a richer array of posts. The impact of these updates will depend on how users adapt to and utilize these new features, but they promise to bring a fresh dynamic to the platform.
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