Instagram is changing curated profiles with multiple grids by adding vertical grids to its profiles. The platform will let users change the grid’s layout and post thumbnails, extend Reels’ runtime from 90 seconds to three minutes, and add Highlights to the grid.
Instagram’s vertical profile grids have replaced the 1:1 aspect ratio with a 4:3 ratio. Some people have criticised the change, while others have given it mixed reviews. While some users prefer the vertical aspect ratio, others contend that the new layout makes the space simpler and cleaner.
Users have, however, voiced their displeasure with the modification, with some claiming that it has wiped out millions of meticulously maintained 1:1 grids. In order to help customers better adapt to the new layout, the business is also focussing on enhancing the customisation options for post thumbnails.
Instagram head Adam Mosseri’s Instagram post said, “We launched a new tall grid on profile this week and I got a lot of feedback, both positive and quite negative. One of the mistakes I made was not giving people enough of a heads-up, so here are some details about how we plan to evolve the profile over the next few months. The goal is a simpler, cleaner place that maintains, and even increases, creator control. We started with the tall grid because most photos and videos that are uploaded to Instagram at this point are vertical and rectangles do a better job showing off those photos and videos, but I know some of you spend a lot of time tweaking your grids and this blew all of that up, so we’re going to improve the ability to customize those thumbnails, as you can see if you swipe.”
Instagram also intends to move Story Highlights to a separate grid tab. As of now story highlights are positioned between the bio and grid having circular icons.
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Mosseri’s post says, “We’re also looking to move highlights into the grid and add them as a tab. Highlights are a great way to showcase your favourite stories, but they are visually complicated and push your grid down. In order to maintain creator control we’re building a tool so you can re-order your entire grid and make it whatever you want.
And as a bonus, we’re adding the ability to post directly to your grid, in case you want to bypass feed entirely.
This plan might change as we iterate over the next couple of months, but I’m hoping sharing our intentions early will help avoid any more harsh surprises. More to come.”
