Instagram’s Transition to Rectangles Is Disturbing Your Ideal Square Layout


Your carefully designed Instagram grid might be on the verge of becoming obsolete — if it hasn’t already been altered.

This weekend, Instagram is introducing a major update: rectangular posts will take the place of the traditional square format. Consequently, the meticulously arranged aesthetic of your profile grid could morph into a chaotic collage as the sizes of your content adjust.

“I recognize that some of you are very fond of your squares. Square photos are somewhat part of Instagram’s legacy,” Instagram head Adam Mosseri articulated in an Instagram story. “However, at this time, the majority of uploads — both photos and videos — are vertical. It’s just aggravating to crop them too much. I realize it’s a modification, and I know it’s somewhat bothersome, but I see it as a temporary nuisance.”

This alteration is already creating turmoil across Instagram accounts. What used to be a flawless grid of neatly arranged squares is now a disordered mosaic. Numerous users have observed that the profiles of their preferred artists and creators appear misaligned.

Instagram has been prepping users for this transition for some time now. The platform initiated testing of vertical grids back in August, and it appears that the update is now being implemented widely. Whether you adore it or detest it, the age of the square grid may officially be behind us.