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Instagram's latest redesign has stirred up a storm among its user base. The classic square grid, a hallmark of the platform’s aesthetic appeal, has been replaced with a vertical profile layout, leaving many users scrambling to adjust.
The update, which began rolling out widely in January 2025, introduces a rectangular aspect ratio for profile grids. This isn’t an entirely new concept — Instagram has been hinting at the change since 2022, with tests starting in 2024.
According to Adam Mosseri, Instagram’s Head, the move reflects the platform’s evolution. “Squares are from way back in the day when you could only upload square photos,” Mosseri explained. “The vast majority of what is uploaded to Instagram today is vertical. Cropping it down to square is pretty brutal. This update is about adapting to how content is created now.”
The change aligns with Instagram’s shift toward video and short-form vertical content, seen prominently in its Reels feature.
On Sunday, Instagram also unveiled a new video editing app called "Edits," coinciding with service disruptions experienced by TikTok in the US. In a video announcement, Instagram head Adam Mosseri highlighted that the app aims to offer advanced creative tools for video creators, designed to be used across various platforms.
For those who painstakingly curated their profiles for a seamless look, the update has been a hard pill to swallow. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) are flooded with complaints: "Why is Instagram trying so hard to be TikTok? These new grids ruin the layout!"
While some users see the change as a necessary evolution to accommodate modern content trends, others feel it’s another example of platforms ignoring user preferences.
How to Adapt to Instagram’s Vertical Grid
You can click on three dots above on the post and choose adjust options to bring back the placement. For those struggling with the update, here are a few tips to adjust and reclaim your feed’s aesthetic:
• Revamp Your Content Strategy
Switch to creating vertical content in 4:3 or 9:16 ratios. This ensures your posts display optimally within the new grid format.
• Use Collage Tools
Experiment with tools like Canva or Adobe Express to create rectangular collages that fit the updated grid. This can bring back a sense of cohesiveness.
• Plan Your Layout with Previews
• Apps like Planoly or Preview can help you design your profile layout before posting. Adjusting your aesthetic for the new format can maintain a polished look.
However, these changes can alienate users. Snapchat’s 2018 redesign is a cautionary tale: backlash cost the platform millions of users and dented its reputation.
The question is whether Instagram’s new vertical grid will stick or face rollback under pressure.
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