Why is Instagram Grid not square anymore?
Why Did Instagram Change its Grid to Rectangles? Understanding the Move from Square to Rectangular Layouts
Instagram has made a major shift, bidding farewell to its iconic square grid layout and replacing it with a rectangular one. This change has sparked widespread conversations among creators, brands, and everyday users. But why has Instagram made this move? Let’s break it down and explore whether this is a step in the right direction for the platform and its community.
The Rise and Fall of the Square Grid
For over a decade, Instagram’s square grid has been its defining visual element. This layout encouraged creativity, allowing users to curate cohesive, aesthetically pleasing profiles. Many brands and creators meticulously designed their feeds to align with this format, making Instagram a hub for visual storytelling.
However, the way we consume content has evolved. The popularity of Stories, Reels, and full-screen vertical content has overshadowed the classic square post. Instagram’s head, Adam Mosseri, noted that vertical content now dominates uploads, and cropping these to fit a square format often compromised their impact.
Why Did Instagram Change Its Grid?
Adaptation to Vertical Content Trends: Platforms like TikTok have normalized vertical videos, and Instagram’s transition aligns with this trend. The rectangular grid accommodates vertical posts, allowing creators to showcase their content without cropping.
Improved User Experience: By embracing rectangles, Instagram ensures that photos and videos appear in their intended orientation, offering a more immersive viewing experience.
Competition and Relevance: Instagram’s shift aims to stay competitive in a market where TikTok and YouTube Shorts are dominating. By prioritizing vertical content, Instagram reinforces its relevance in the short-form video era.
Encouraging Full-Screen Content: The rectangular grid incentivizes creators to produce content tailored to mobile-first viewing, driving engagement and time spent on the app.
What Does This Mean for Users and Creators?
While the change offers practical benefits, it’s not without challenges:
Pros:
Vertical content can now shine without awkward cropping.
The new format aligns Instagram with broader industry trends, ensuring its longevity.
Brands can explore new storytelling opportunities with full-screen visuals.
Cons:
Creators who invested in curated square feeds may find their layouts disrupted.
Static, square-centric designs might lose their aesthetic appeal.
Phable’s Take on the Change
At Phable, we believe this move is both bold and necessary. Instagram’s decision to prioritize rectangles reflects its commitment to evolving alongside user preferences and industry trends. While it’s natural to feel nostalgic for the square grid, embracing change is essential for growth—not just for platforms, but for users too.
From a content strategy perspective, we see immense potential in this update. Creators and brands can now:
Showcase vertical videos and photos in their full glory.
Leverage the new layout for innovative, visually impactful storytelling.
Build dynamic, engaging profiles tailored to modern consumption habits.
That said, the transition won’t be seamless for everyone. Creators with carefully curated grids may need to reimagine their profiles to align with the rectangular format. However, we’re confident that with time, users will adapt and find ways to make the most of this change.
Conclusion
The move from square to rectangular grids marks a significant evolution for Instagram. It’s a response to shifting content trends and a step towards staying relevant in the ever-changing social media landscape. While the change may feel disruptive at first, it’s an opportunity to embrace new formats, experiment creatively, and connect with audiences in fresh, engaging ways.
At Phable, we’re excited to see how this update reshapes content creation and consumption on Instagram. Whether you’re a casual user or a seasoned creator, this is the time to think outside the square—literally.
