27th August 2024
Instagram is experimenting with a new profile grid display featuring vertical rectangular images instead of the traditional squares. This change is being tested on a limited number of accounts and aims to better align with the vertical nature of most modern content on the platform, including 4:3 photos and 9:16 videos.
Adam Mosseri, Instagram’s Chief, explained in an Instagram story that the original square grid was a legacy feature from when the platform only supported square images, a limitation removed in 2015. However, most of today's uploads are vertical, and forcing them into squares has become increasingly impractical.
The experimental layout mirrors Instagram’s current Reels tab, where videos already appear in a rectangular format. Some users have started noticing the test, which could significantly impact those who carefully curate their profiles around the square grid.
A spokesperson for Instagram said, "This is a limited test, and we’ll be listening to feedback from the community before rolling anything out further." Although the redesign remains in the testing phase, its potential to reshape profile aesthetics and user posting strategies is clear.
This move reflects Instagram's ongoing shift towards prioritising video content as user behaviour evolves. However, the change may not be welcomed by all, particularly those who have crafted their profiles around the current square format.
Sources: Social Media Today, The Verge
Instagram is also adding a feature for users to add a song on their profile. The feature is in collaboration with singer Sabrina Carpenter, who released a teaser of her new song on her Instagram profile ahead of her album release. Instagram reportedly began experimenting with music on profiles in 2022. The new feature aims to enhance users’ profiles by enabling them to express their song tastes and enhance their creative expression on the platform. Read more
LinkedIn has launched in-feed video carousels. The new video carousels provide users with an expansive, side-scrolling display of video clips. The videos are algorithmically matched to users based on their in-app activity and profile details. Tapping on any of the displayed clips directs users to LinkedIn’s TikTok-like full-screen video feed, presented in vertical format. Read more
Meta has enabled cross posting from Facebook and Instagram to Threads. Following recent experiments, the feature has officially rolled out globally to all countries where Threads is available. The new cross-posting capability is part of Meta’s larger goal to get the most out of the content people share on its family of apps. Read more
YouTube is bringing QR codes to all channels following recent tests. The feature allows users to easily promote their YouTube content by providing a scannable QR code that links directly to their channel. Read more
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