Instagram brings rectangular format to profile grid

Instagram is undergoing a significant change that could alter the way users’ profiles are presented.

The new feature being tested is the replacement of the traditional squares in the photo grid with vertical rectangles, a modification that promises to modernize the interface, but which may also cause discomfort for some users.

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The era of squares: a look into the past

Since Instagram launched, squares have become an iconic feature of the platform. Originally, users could only upload square-shaped photos, a limitation that was removed in 2015.

However, even after this change, the photo grid on profiles maintained the square aesthetic, a layout that has become familiar to millions of users around the world.

Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, commented on this change in a recent post on the platform itself, highlighting that “Squares are from a long time ago, when you could only upload square photos to Instagram.” While this aesthetic is nostalgic for many, Mosseri acknowledges that the square format is no longer compatible with the modern content that dominates the social network.

The new format: why rectangles?

According to Mosseri, Instagram is responding to a clear trend: the majority of content uploaded these days is vertical. He explained that photos often have a 4:3 aspect ratio, while videos are typically 9:16.

This content, when cropped to fit the square format, loses a significant portion of its original composition. “Cutting to square is pretty brutal”Mosseri said, suggesting that switching to rectangles would better preserve the integrity of images and videos.

This transition to a rectangular grid seems like a natural move given the rise of vertical content consumption on mobile devices. With the majority of users accessing Instagram via smartphones, the vertical format allows for a more immersive viewing experience that is consistent with how content is created and consumed today.

Despite the practical reasons behind this change, Mosseri acknowledged that the transition can be frustrating for those who have put in the time and effort to organize their profile grids.

Many users have invested hours of effort into ensuring that their photos align perfectly, creating a cohesive and visually pleasing aesthetic. Changing the format of the frames can throw these carefully planned compositions out of alignment, which is sure to generate mixed reactions from the community.

Can Instagram stop making the grid vertical?

Not everything has to be in the stupid reel format OMG… It’s cutting off my compositions…..

I hate Instagram SOOOO much pic.twitter.com/9bnDQ44bf3

— Kim 🌿 (@staarlxght) August 6, 2024

Some Instagram users are already noticing the change

In a statement to The Verge, Instagram spokesperson Christine Pai said that “This is a limited test, and we will listen to community feedback before moving forward with any changes.” This suggests that Instagram is aware of the potential repercussions and plans to consider user feedback before implementing the change on a large scale.

Remembering that the company had already started working on this new feature since 2022. Last year, in 2023, they started doing some limited testing and, apparently, they are now preparing to make a global launch. Some users have already noticed the changes.

Fonte: The Verge