Instagram Profile Grid Possibly Set for a Makeover

Social network, Instagram appears to be moving away from the classic square thumbnails on user profiles, opting instead for a vertical grid. This shift, highlighted by Instagram’s head honcho Adam Mosseri, mirrors the platform’s growing emphasis on video content, particularly Reels. Mosseri reckons the new grid format better suits the dimensions of Reels and vertical videos, paving the way for a more consistent content presentation.

Source: Lindsey Gamble

What This Means for E-commerce

1. Visual Strategy Overhaul: The switch to vertical thumbnails necessitates a rethink of content strategies. Whilst the new format might offer more real estate for each image, potentially boosting product visibility, it could also mean going back to the drawing board on how products are showcased on your profile grid.
2. Video Takes Centre Stage: The vertical grid’s arrival, hand-in-hand with Reels, is likely to ramp up user expectations for video content. Brands yet to dip their toes into video waters might want to consider prioritising this format to keep pace with the competition.
3. Visual Impact: If you’ve invested time in crafting a visually cohesive Instagram profile, brace yourself – this change could throw a spanner in the works of your current layout. To maintain visual appeal, you’ll need to adapt and make changes.

That said, we’re still in the realm of speculation. As it’s in the testing phase, anything could change. As Lindsey Gamble, who broke the news about the planned changes, points out, there’s still a chance the squares might stick around:

“Given some initial feedback, Instagram might pull the plug on testing or offer users the choice between the new rectangular format and the traditional one.”

Nevertheless, Instagram’s move clearly signals its increasing focus on video content. E-commerce marketing brands would do well to anticipate these changes and adjust their marketing strategies accordingly to maintain a strong visual presence on the platform.