Instagram Changes Profile Grid to Vertical Thumbnails: What It Means for Your Feed and Highlights

Instagram has once again shifted the landscape of social media, rolling out a new profile grid update that’s taking the platform’s aesthetic and functionality in a fresh direction. If you've logged into your Instagram account recently, you might have noticed a significant change: the once familiar square thumbnail images for posts are now arranged vertically in a sleek new format. This shift comes as part of Instagram’s ongoing effort to stay ahead of the curve and make its platform more aligned with evolving user habits and trends.

In this article, we’ll dive into the details of the update, how it’s aligned with the rising popularity of TikTok, and what Instagram is doing to give users more control over their profiles.

The New Vertical Grid: A Shift to Showcase Vertical Content

The recent update to Instagram’s profile grid is a clear move to better highlight the growing trend of vertical content. As Instagram’s chief Adam Mosseri explained, “We started with the tall grid because most photos and videos that are uploaded to Instagram at this point are vertical, and rectangles do a better job showing off those photos and videos.” This shift makes sense, given that Instagram has seen a surge in vertical videos and images, largely driven by the popularity of Reels, which in turn has been inspired by TikTok’s dominance in the short-form video space.

Mosseri acknowledged that this new layout might be a challenge for users who have spent considerable time curating their grids for a visually cohesive, square arrangement. He added, “I know some of you spend a lot of time tweaking your grids, and this blew all of that up, so we’re going to improve the ability to customize those thumbnails to make it easier to get back to a place you’re happy with.”

While the update might feel jarring at first, Instagram is already working on solutions to help users retain some flexibility with their profiles. The ability to customize the thumbnail display will soon be enhanced, allowing you to regain control over your profile’s presentation—within the bounds of this new format.

Moving Highlights Into the Grid: A Bold New Feature

In addition to the vertical grid, Instagram is also making significant changes to how Highlights are displayed. Highlights, which were previously found below the main feed on profiles, will now be integrated directly into the grid. This move is designed to improve the visual appeal of user profiles, while also creating more consistency across the platform. However, as Mosseri noted, Highlights can sometimes be visually cluttered and push the grid down, making the profile less aesthetically pleasing.

To remedy this, Instagram is introducing a feature that will allow users to reorder their entire profile grid. This long-requested functionality will give you the power to adjust your Highlights, posts, and other content as you see fit, maintaining creative control over your profile without compromising the overall layout.

Instagram is also exploring the possibility of letting users post directly to their grid, bypassing the traditional feed altogether. This added flexibility would make it easier for creators and users alike to manage their content and ensure their grid remains visually harmonious.

Instagram vs. TikTok: A Strategic Move to Compete

With the rise of TikTok’s influence, Instagram has been doubling down on efforts to keep users engaged and make the platform more in tune with current content consumption trends. Mosseri emphasized that this vertical grid update is not just an aesthetic change but a functional one to better match how users interact with content.

The format, which mirrors the structure of TikTok’s video-based layout, is part of Instagram’s broader initiative to position itself as a top competitor to the short-form video giant. “This has been coming for some time,” Mosseri said, referencing an announcement made in August of the previous year. The update was not an unexpected move but rather a step toward solidifying Instagram’s place in the evolving social media landscape.

What’s Next for Instagram Users?

For those who are disappointed by the changes to their carefully curated grids, Instagram has assured users that more customization options are on the way. Though the shift to a vertical grid may be unsettling for some, the new format ultimately reflects the future direction of social media, where vertical video and images continue to dominate. Instagram’s efforts to enhance user control, from reordering grids to posting directly to the profile, signal that the platform is committed to adapting to its users’ needs while embracing new trends.

While it may take some time to adjust to this new profile format, Instagram’s vertical grid update is here to stay. The good news? The platform is working on tweaks to make it easier for you to maintain a personalized and visually appealing profile within the new layout.

So, the next time you check your Instagram profile, don’t be surprised by the shift. It’s the future of the platform—one that’s undoubtedly driven by the rise of vertical content and Instagram’s desire to remain at the forefront of social media innovation.

Stay tuned for more updates, and get ready to adapt your profile as Instagram continues to evolve. The vertical grid is just the beginning of a more customizable and user-friendly experience.

The new Instagram vertical-aligned profile grid is more than just an aesthetic change—it’s part of a larger shift in how we consume and interact with content. With more users embracing vertical videos and photos, Instagram has finally made the move to showcase these types of posts front and center, mirroring trends set by TikTok. As Instagram continues to refine its platform, users can expect even more ways to customize their profiles and stay in control of how they present their content. Keep an eye out for more updates as Instagram moves closer to its goal of being the go-to social media platform for creators worldwide.