Instagram has begun testing a new version of the profile grid, shifting from the traditional square format to a rectangular layout. Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, announced that this new format is currently being tested with a select group of users.
The Rationale Behind the Change
Mosseri explained the motivation for this potential update: “Squares are a holdover from the days when you could only upload square photos to Instagram… The vast majority of what is uploaded to Instagram today is vertical. It’s either 4 by 3 in the photo or 9 by 16 in the video, and cropping them to square is pretty brutal.”
This move towards a vertical format aligns with the existing layout of the Videos/Reels tab in user profiles. Based on an image shared on Threads, the test profile appears to closely mimic the vertical orientation of video content. It’s worth noting that Instagram has been developing this update since 2022 but has only recently begun rolling it out to a broader user base.
User Feedback and Future Implementation
The future of this new update hinges on user reception, notes NIX Solutions. Instagram spokesperson Christine Pye stated: “We are testing the vertical profile grid with a small number of people. This is a limited test and we will listen to the community’s feedback before implementing anything further.”
As Instagram continues to evolve its platform to better accommodate user preferences and content trends, we’ll keep you updated on any developments regarding this potential profile grid redesign. The platform’s commitment to user feedback suggests that the final implementation, if any, will be shaped by the community’s response to this test phase.
The shift towards a vertical profile grid represents Instagram’s ongoing efforts to adapt to changing user behaviors and content creation trends. By potentially aligning the profile grid with the predominant vertical format of photos and videos shared on the platform, Instagram aims to provide a more seamless and visually appealing experience for its users.
As this test progresses, users may notice changes to their profile layouts or see others with the new vertical grid format. Instagram encourages users to provide feedback on this potential update, as it will play a crucial role in determining whether the platform moves forward with a wider implementation of the rectangular profile grid.