The era of square photos on Instagram may be drawing to a close. Instagram Head Adam Mosseri recently hinted at a potential change in the platform’s profile grid layout, shifting from the traditional square format to a rectangular one.
Mosseri explained the current square layout is outdated, as most content uploaded to Instagram today is vertical. Cropping images so they fit the square leads to significant visual loss.
While some users curate their grids with specific colors and messages, he emphasized the need to prioritize the content itself. Mosseri expressed hope Instagram can find ways to manage this transition smoothly.
Currently, the rectangular grid is being tested with limited users. A glimpse of this change can be seen on the video tab of profiles, where previews are already displayed as rectangles.
This isn't the first time the idea of a rectangular grid has emerged. Reports dating back to 2022 indicated Instagram was working on allowing users to switch between 4:5 and square aspect ratios for their profile grids.
Almost two years later, it seems this change might finally be on the horizon. Users are eagerly waiting to see how Instagram implements these updates.
Fans of the platform have expressed mixed reactions, with many welcoming the change. Others, who have carefully curated their grids, worry about what this means for their aesthetic.
Instagram's shift could also reflect broader trends in social media, where vertical content has gained significant popularity thanks to platforms like TikTok. Such changes suggest Instagram is adapting to user preferences and the way visual content is created today.
Overall, it seems Instagram is trying to keep up with the evolution of digital media. With the potential introduction of rectangular formats, the platform is poised for yet another transformation.
Will this change revolutionize Instagram profiles? Only time will tell as the platform continues to evolve.