Instagram is evolving (again!) and if you’ve noticed changes to your profile layout, you’re not alone!!
Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, recently shared insights into the platform’s new updates and what’s coming next.
Here’s everything you need to know to stay ahead of the curve as a small business, and how to make the most of these changes:
The 'Tall Grid' is here
Instagram recently launched a new tall grid on profiles to better showcase vertical photos and videos. But why? (great question 🫣) Most content uploaded to Instagram is now vertical, and rectangular thumbnails allow your images and videos to shine. However, not everyone is thrilled but the latest update. Many creators, who’ve spent time perfecting their grids for a cohesive aesthetic, feel this change disrupts their carefully curated layouts. Mosseri acknowledged this feedback and promised improvements, including customisable thumbnails to give creators more control over how their grids look.
What does this mean for you?
If you’re someone who loves a polished, cohesive feed, don’t worry, customisation options are on the way. That said, aesthetics aren't the be all and end all when it comes to your online marketing. Afterall followers rarely go and look at a grid... Instead they mostly see you content in their feed. So this is where you want to make it stand out!
Highlights are moving to the grid
Love your Instagram Highlights? They’re getting a makeover! Highlights will soon be integrated into the grid as a separate tab. While they’re a fantastic way to showcase your best Stories, they’ve often been criticised for cluttering profiles and pushing grids further down the page. To maintain creator control, Instagram is working on a tool that will let you reorder your entire grid, not just Highlights, but all of your content! This means you’ll have the ability to rearrange posts however you want, giving you the freedom to prioritise your best content.
What does this mean for you?
Your profile is about to become much more customisable, giving you greater flexibility to tell your story the way you want.
Posting directly to your grid
One exciting bonus? Instagram is adding the ability to post directly to your grid, skipping the feed entirely. Whether you’re sharing something ultra specific for your followers, or creating a profile only showcase - this feature gives you a new way to engage without worrying about how it appears in your main feed.
What does this mean for you?
You’ll have even more ways to experiment with your content and use Instagram as a dynamic marketing portfolio.
According to Mosseri, these updates are part of Instagram’s mission to create simpler, cleaner profiles that enhance creator control.
While the changes are still in progress, the platform is actively listening to feedback making changes and improvements along the way. Mosseri emphasised the importance of sharing these plans early to avoid any future surprises (because let's face it, a lot of people knew absolutely zilch about this new 'tall grid' 🤦🏼♀️)
SO... What should you do now? Here's what I'd advise:
Adapt your content strategy - vertical photos and videos will now stand out even more, so shift your focus to this format...100%!
Embrace the changes - prepare for new ways to showcase your creativity with customisable tools and flexible grid layouts
Experiment - take advantage of posting directly to your grid and use Highlights in innovative ways to attract your audience and showcase your offerings
Instagram’s updates may feel like a lot to take in, but they’re designed to give you more control over your profile and how your content is presented. Resulting in better online marketing, which can only be a good thing, right?!
What do you think about these changes? Let me know in the comments below or share your thoughts in a DM - I’d love to hear how you’re planning to adapt 😁
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