Users have begun noticing a new update on Instagram’s profile feed: the square thumbnails for photos and videos are being replaced with a rectangular format. This change was first announced by the social network last year, and it has now started appearing on the app for both Android and iOS users.
In a test conducted by Us, it was observed that not all devices have received the new format yet. This suggests that the rollout is happening gradually across accounts. The reporter reached out to Meta for further details but has not yet received a response.
What changes in the Instagram feed
The change is noticeable when you open any profile on Instagram using your mobile device. Previously, all of a person’s posts, including Reels (which are already in a vertical format) and Feed posts, were displayed with square thumbnails. Now, the entire grid has shifted to a rectangular format, resembling the appearance of Reels covers.
Another subtle adjustment is the feed icon on the profile. The square grid icon has now been replaced with a rectangular grid, further highlighting the format change. You can compare the old version with the new one to see how the layout has evolved.
The adjustment was anticipated by the head of the network
Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, announced back in August that the social network would be testing the new format. He explained that since most photos and videos are published in a vertical orientation, the change would help Instagram better align with current content consumption trends.
It’s also important to note that Instagram’s rival, TikTok, has long used vertical thumbnails for its feed, reflecting its focus on video content.
