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Instagram Redesigns Profiles: Vertical Grids and More Features for Creators

Overview

  • Instagram released a new update to make the app more customisable to help creators grow their audience and improve content.
  • Instagram is replacing square thumbnails with a vertical-aligned format, better suited for today’s photo and video content.
  • Users will soon have the option to tweak their grids and thumbnails, maintaining a curated aesthetic despite the taller grid format.
  • House of Marketers insights about what these updates mean for marketers.

Instagram is rolling out a vertical-aligned grid format, replacing the classic square thumbnails we have all grown accustomed to. This marks a big shift, not just in aesthetics but also in functionality, as the platform aligns itself more closely with current user behaviours and trends.

This update introduces a range of new features designed to give users more creative control over their profiles. This could redefine how both casual users and influencer content creators showcase their content.

Here’s a closer look at what’s changing:

Instagram’s Profile Update – Key Features

  • Vertical-Aligned Grid: Instagram is switching from square thumbnails to a vertical-aligned format. This change better accommodates creators to cross-post easily across platforms. 

  • Customisable Thumbnails: A long-requested feature, users will soon be able to tweak thumbnails for their posts. This allows them to preserve the curated aesthetic of their grids despite the taller display.
  • Highlights Integration: Highlights will now be visible in the grid, while also appearing as a separate tab. This dual placement makes it easier to feature your favourite Stories.
  • Re-orderable Grids: For those who like their profiles to tell a story, Instagram is introducing a tool to let you rearrange your grid posts to create the perfect layout.
  • Direct Posting to Grid: The update also adds the option to post directly to your grid, skipping the feed entirely if that fits your strategy.

These updates might feel subtle at first glance, but they signal a significant shift in how Instagram views its platform and how users interact with it.

Why Instagram is Making These Changes

According to Instagram chief Adam Mosseri, the move to vertical grids is a response to the evolving ways people share and consume content on the app. The classic square format no longer reflects how users capture moments.

“We started with the tall grid because 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,” Mosseri explained.

This decision also takes into account the rise of video content, particularly Reels, which has become a central focus for Instagram. The new layout makes Reels and vertical photos seamlessly blend into profiles, creating a more cohesive experience.

But Mosseri acknowledges that not everyone is thrilled with these changes. Many users, especially creators, have invested time and effort into crafting intricate grid layouts. These updates, while beneficial in the long run, have disrupted some of those efforts.

“That said, I know some of you spend a lot of time tweaking your grids, and this blew all of that up, so we’re going to improve the ability to customise those thumbnails to make it easier to get back to a place you’re happy with,” Mosseri added.

Additionally, integrating Highlights into the grid shows how Stories have become a central part of Instagram’s experience. This change ensures they remain easily accessible while decluttering your profile layout.

Mosseri noted, “Highlights are a great way to showcase your favourite stories, but they are visually complicated and push your grid down. In order to maintain creator control, we’re building a tool so you can re-order your entire grid and make it whatever you want.”

These updates reflect Instagram’s efforts to strike a balance between innovation and maintaining user satisfaction.

House of Marketers Insights

What does this mean for marketers and influencers? A lot.

These updates are not just about aesthetics—they also make Instagram profiles more compatible with content from other platforms, particularly TikTok.

With the introduction of vertical grids and customisation tools, creators can now repurpose their TikTok videos and photos without worrying about awkward cropping or formatting issues.

For brands and influencers managing campaigns across multiple platforms, this change simplifies content creation and strategy. It allows for a seamless approach to a multi-platform digital strategy, making it easier to maintain consistent branding across Instagram and TikTok.

These tools also give creators the flexibility to experiment with new layouts and ideas, further enhancing their ability to engage audiences. By reducing the technical barriers to cross-platform posting, Instagram is helping users focus more on creativity and less on logistics.

Conclusion

As Instagram continues to evolve, the platform is making it clear that it is prioritising video content, creator control, and cross-platform compatibility. While the changes might require some adjustment, they represent a step toward a more user-friendly and versatile app experience.

Whether you are a casual user or a content creator, these updates are designed to make your Instagram profile more dynamic and adaptable to today’s trends.

Ready to take advantage of these updates? Start experimenting with your grid and reimagine how you present your content in this new format.

Stay up to date and start using these insights today! With the expertise of a professional marketing team like House of Marketers, you can build social media marketing campaigns that resonate deeply with your target audience and drive meaningful results. Contact us today to begin planning your next reel campaign!

 


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