<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Reading Time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes</span></span>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="960" height="540" src="https://octet-gatsby.in2.cdn-alpha.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Instagram-News-20-01-25.webp" alt="Instagram grid layout" class="wp-image-14133" srcset="https://octet-gatsby.in2.cdn-alpha.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Instagram-News-20-01-25.webp 960w, https://octet-gatsby.in2.cdn-alpha.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Instagram-News-20-01-25-300x169.webp 300w, https://octet-gatsby.in2.cdn-alpha.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Instagram-News-20-01-25-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></figure>



<p>Instagram’s new grid layout shifts from square to vertical rectangles, sparking mixed reactions among users.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Key takeaways</h4>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Instagram’s profile grids now use vertical rectangle formats instead of squares.</li>



<li>The change disrupts pre-aligned images and sparks widespread user backlash.</li>



<li>The Head of Instagram defends the move, citing vertical content trends.</li>



<li>For now, the web version still retains the classic square grid layout.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Instagram says goodbye to the square grid</h2>



<p>Instagram’s square grid layout was synonymous with the platform&#8217;s visual identity for over a decade. However, in early 2025, the grid transitioned to a vertical rectangle format, dividing its user base.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While some celebrate the modernized design, others lament the loss of the aesthetic symmetry that defined Instagram’s heritage.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why the switch to vertical rectangles?</h2>



<p>Instagram head Adam Mosseri says the decision is rooted in user behavior. “At this point, most of what’s uploaded—both photos and videos—are vertical in their orientation,” Mosseri explained in an announcement.&nbsp;</p>



<p>He added, “Square photos are sort of the heritage of Instagram, but it is a bummer to overly crop them.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Instagram changed their grid layout how we feeling? <br>Old:                            New: <a href="https://t.co/mmFxc3Hj6R">pic.twitter.com/mmFxc3Hj6R</a></p>&mdash; Barstool Wazzu (@BarstoolWazzu) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarstoolWazzu/status/1880376130395599166?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>The change aims to showcase content as intended without aggressive cropping, offering creators more freedom in their uploads.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">User backlash: broken grids and aligned aesthetics</h2>



<p>The new <a href="https://www.instagram.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Instagram</a> grid layout has not been universally welcomed. Users who meticulously curated their feeds to align with the square format now face &#8220;visual chaos,&#8221; with pre-aligned images disrupted. </p>



<p>The new aspect ratio has also led to unintentional cropping, forcing creators to reconsider their content strategy.</p>



<p>While the rollout began on a trial basis in August 2024, its full implementation has left many users disgruntled.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Can you revert to the square grid?</h2>



<p>Unfortunately, the mobile app prevents users from switching back to the classic square grid. However, desktop users can still view profiles in the original format.</p>



<p>Mosseri acknowledged the frustration but urged users to embrace the change: “Over the long run, be excited that more of your photos and videos are visible as intended in the profile.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Final Thoughts on Instagram’s grid layout update</h2>



<p>The new Instagram grid layout reflects a broader shift in how users consume and create content on Instagram. While the transition may have growing pains, it aligns with the platform&#8217;s goal of adapting to evolving user preferences.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Whether it will ultimately enhance the user experience or alienate loyal followers remains to be seen.</p>



<p><a href="https://octet.design/journal/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe</a> to our global Design Journal and stay updated with the daily <a href="https://octet.design/journal/design-news/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">design news</a>.</p>
<footer class="author-bio-section" ><div class="author-flex"><div class="author-image"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="90" height="90" src="https://octet-gatsby.in2.cdn-alpha.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Screenshot-2024-09-09-182314-150x150.png" class="attachment-90x90 size-90x90" alt="" /></div><div class="author-info"><div class="author-name"><strong>Sakshi Agrawal</strong></div><p class="author-bio">Sakshi Agrawal is an experienced digital marketing executive with years of driving growth through an integrated approach to marketing channels. Her expertise encompasses optimizing organic traffic and deploying effective paid media strategies, including Google Ads and Meta Ads. 

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Sakshi excels in data-driven strategy, SEO, and content marketing, ensuring that campaigns resonate with target audiences. She is also adept at enhancing social media engagement, elevating brand awareness, and fostering meaningful connections that yield measurable results, helping businesses thrive in the digital landscape.
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