Instagram Rolls Out Rectangular Profile Grid, Increases Reel Duration to Three Minutes

Instagram is introducing a variety of profile-related updates that may not be favored by users. The platform owned by Meta started testing vertical grids on profiles in August 2024 and is now making them available to all users. This will now transform the existing square grids into vertical ones and may potentially modify the curated profiles where users utilize various grids to create a unique visual arrangement. Moreover, the platform will enable users to personalize the thumbnails of their posts and rearrange their grid. Instagram is also extending the maximum length of Reels from 90 seconds to three minutes. In a post, Instagram chief Adam Mosseri revealed that vertical grids for profiles are being launched for all users this week, changing the 1:1 aspect ratio to a 4:3 ratio. Nevertheless, recognizing that the reactions to the adjustment were “both favorable and rather unfavorable,” he also outlined various new profile-based functionalities that will assist users in adapting more effectively to this change.

“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.” He added that the new layout will also create a “simpler, cleaner place,” Mosseri explained.

Several users commented on the post, criticising the move. Punktmidi, a creator on the platform said, “You destroyed millions of well curated 1:1 grids.” Another user, @matilde.alcini, urged Mosseri to “just let people choose if they want squares or rectangles on the grid.”

In the post, Mosseri said that future versions of profiles will allow users to better adjust to the change and still aesthetically arrange the profile grids. Instagram is working on improving the ability to customise post thumbnails, allowing users better control over what the profile view shows.

Instagram is also aiming to shift Story Highlights to the grid, providing it with its own dedicated tab. Highlights are visible between the bio and the grid through circular icons. Mosseri described the present layout as “visually complex” and stated that they push the grid downward. Ultimately, the platform is developing a function that enables users to rearrange their grid and post directly to it (these posts won’t appear in the feed).

“This strategy may evolve as we refine it in the coming months, but I believe that communicating our goals early will help minimize any further unwelcome surprises,” Mosseri stated. He also shared that users can now upload Reels that are up to three minutes in length. Previously, the platform permitted users to upload Reels with a maximum length of 90 seconds. This alteration now places the Meta-owned application on the same level as other platforms focused on vertical videos like TikTok and YouTube.

Mosseri also revealed that users can now upload Reels with a duration of up to three minutes. Previously, the platform permitted users to upload Reels that were up to a maximum of 90 seconds long. This alteration now aligns the Meta-owned app with other platforms focused on vertical videos, like TikTok and YouTube.