Instagram has introduced a major update, transitioning its profile grid from square thumbnails to a vertical 4:5 ratio. The change, aimed at keeping pace with TikTok, is gradually rolling out to users, with many expressing frustration over automatic cropping that disrupted carefully curated grids.
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Head of Instagram Adam Mosseri acknowledged the backlash, admitting: 'One of the mistakes I made was not giving people enough of a heads up.' He also revealed upcoming features, including customisable content order and updates to Story Highlights.
The shift to vertical formatting has sparked debate among interior photographers. While some welcome the change, arguing that vertical shots are already prevalent in their work, others find it limiting, particularly for capturing expansive spaces. Photographer Nick Mele stated: 'If you're capturing a living room or a more spacious area, you're not going for a vertical shot.'
Despite concerns, many photographers stress the importance of shooting in both orientations to ensure adaptability across platforms and editorial use. Brittany Ambridge highlighted the need for versatility, stating that professionals must consider multiple formats beyond Instagram.
Though the update has unsettled some users, others believe it aligns with the natural way people take photos on smartphones. Read McKendree noted that Instagram's original square format was 'a pretty weird shape' to begin with, and the new layout may simplify the posting process.
Source: www.businessofhome.com