Instagram has been shaking things up lately and are testing out a new grid format for some users: the rectangle!

According to a recent poll we conducted, only about 10% of users have been switched to this new layout. This is consistent with other major UI update tests Instagram has done, and they will likely use this group’s response to determine whether the change becomes permanent and is rolled out to the rest of their users. 

With Instagram also rolling out the ability to include 20 images in carousels, it’s clear they’re willing to re-think some of their long-standing norms. So, let’s dive into the pros and cons we’ve been hearing as people start testing this new grid view and see what people are buzzing about. 

Pros: 

‍Greater Flexibility

Flexibility is key in the dynamic world of social media, and these new grids deliver just that. Whether you're sharing professional insights, showcasing products, or capturing personal moments, the rectangular format adapts beautifully. For business owners, it means presenting your brand’s story in a more engaging way. For social media aficionados, it’s about personalizing your feed without the constraints of the traditional square.

No More Cropping

Let’s be real, a lot of us are already sharing rectangular content, whether it's a cool landscape shot or an infographic. With the new rectangular grid, you won't have to worry about your photos getting awkwardly cropped in the feed. Now, what you see is what you get, and your posts will display exactly as you intended. This means less hassle and more focus on creating content that looks good on every Instagram screen.

A Refreshing Change

Switching things up, like with these new rectangular grids, can be incredibly refreshing. It’s exciting to see something different on your feed, capturing attention and sparking interest. This change not only boosts the visual appeal of your profile but can also enhance engagement. Your followers may love being able to see larger previews of your content, making them therefore more likely to click on + interact with your posts. 

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Cons: 

‍Follower + Content adaptation

Let's face it: Instagram users love their squares. Switching to a rectangle might feel like convincing someone to trade their favorite pair of jeans for a new style. It’s going to take time for followers to adjust to the new format and for creators to tweak their posts to fit just right. It may impact previously meticulously curated grid setups as well, requiring users to look back and make sure their historical post sequence still makes sense. Patience is key here as the Insta-fam gets used to this new look and feel. 

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Extra time + Effort required 

While the introduction of the rectangular grid will likely eventually require less forethought, initially it will require content creators to invest more time and effort in figuring out how to best leverage this new format and structure their content, to maximize engagement. This additional effort includes experimenting with different layouts, planning posts more meticulously, and ensuring that the overall aesthetic of the profile remains cohesive. For those who are already managing a busy content schedule, this could be a significant adjustment and may initially slow down the posting process.

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Less Visual Room for Posts

With the new rectangular format, your grid might feel a bit more limited, putting a bigger spotlight on each individual post rather than your overall feed. This can be great for some, but it could be a bit disheartening for those who have put in the time and effort to curate a perfect grid. Many creators have spent countless hours crafting a cohesive visual story or theme and depend on users seeing the bigger picture come together. This new, larger post size might make it tricky to display multiple images in a cohesive way and could push important content below the fold. 

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Wrapping Up: 

Community responses to the switch have been mixed so far! According to one of our recent Instagram polls, 63% of users still prefer the original square format, while 37% are excited about the larger previews that come with the rectangle grid. It's clear that while the new format offers exciting possibilities, it's going to take some time for everyone to fully embrace the change. Whether you’re team square or team rectangle, it’s all about finding what works best for your content and your audience. We would love to hear what y’all are thinking about this new view, even though, ultimately, the decision lies with the Instagram Gods. Feel free to shoot us a message, or tag us in one of your posts to let us know which shape you prefer.

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