Social
Instagram update brings rectangular profile grids, angering users
You can now upload 3-minute long Reels on Instagram.

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Instagram is introducing significant changes to its platform, including modification of the profile grid layout and extending the length of Reels videos.
Adam Mosseri, Instagram’s chief, announced in an Instagram Story on Friday that profile grids will display content as rectangles instead of squares. The rollout occurred over the weekend.
While square photos have been central to Instagram’s identity, Mosseri explained that the shift reflects the platform’s adaptation to users’ preferences for vertical-oriented photos and videos.
Cropping vertically oriented media into squares has been a persistent issue, and this update aims to allow content to appear more as intended.
Acknowledging potential backlash, Mosseri admitted the transition might initially inconvenience users but believes it will be beneficial in the long run.
He argued that users would appreciate seeing more of their content displayed authentically rather than cropped to fit a square format.
This aligns with his remarks from August, when Instagram first tested the change, citing the growing prevalence of vertical content.
Instagram Reels can now be 3-minute long
In addition to the grid update, Instagram announced an update to its Reels feature.
Users can now upload Reels up to three minutes long, doubling the previous 90-second limit.
Mosseri credited this update to user feedback indicating dissatisfaction with the short duration.
This update marked a shift from Mosseri’s stance in 2022 when he opposed long-form videos on Instagram to preserve the platform’s focus on connecting friends.
The update also introduces a feature in the Reels feed where users can view videos their friends have liked.
These changes coincide with TikTok’s struggles in the US, including a nationwide ban, allowing Instagram to capture more of the short-form video market.
While Instagram has tested even longer video durations of up to 10 minutes, these have yet to be implemented, with longer videos currently confined to non-Reels posts.
What do you think about these new Instagram features? Has the new rectangular grid messed up your feed as well? We want to hear from you below in the comments, or via our Twitter or Facebook.
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