Featured Image Credit: Nikolas Kokovlis/NurPhoto via Getty Images/Tyla
Topics: Instagram, Social Media, Technology
Stefania Sarrubba
Topics: Instagram, Social Media, Technology
Instagram users who carefully curate their feeds may want to sit down for this one.
A supposedly new feature on the popular photography-sharing app has sent some users down a spiral as it 'messes up' their feeds.
According to a post that appeared on @TodaysYearsOld, it seems the Meta app is slowly changing its aspect ratio to get rid of the square posts on the grid. But what does it mean exactly?
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"This change affects how posts appear on users’ profiles, shifting from a 1:1 aspect ratio to a 4:5 ratio," the post reads in the caption, also including an example of how the change will look on our grids once it comes into effect.
The post continues: "Some users appreciate the new grid layout, noting it gives a more polished look and allows for better planning of feed aesthetics. However, many users are disappointed with the change, especially those who meticulously curate their grids. Some feel the new layout is less visually appealing and more challenging to manage."
The 'new' appearance (which has already taken effect for reels on the app) will supposedly make Instagram more akin to TikTok, whose feed has the distinctive rectangular shape with an aspect ratio of 4:5.
However, it seems some Instagram users are not a fan of the new look of their favourite app as they claim it looks less polished than the characteristic little squares.
Wherever you stand, it seems this won't be the end of the Instagram square aspect ratio.
Despite the 4:5 ratio being hailed as a 'new' feature for the app, some users took to the comments section to let others know that the 4:5 rollout had begun some time prior and has, in some cases, reverted to the beloved 1:1.
"It changed around 5 months ago for me … but is now back to squares so is this old news?" one user wrote, prompting a second to comment: "How did yours change back?"
Someone else jumped in, sharing their experience was similar, while another person noted: "Same, hated it and now back to squares thankfully!!"
One user urged Instagram to focus on another feature instead.
"I don't understand why they waste resources and time on stuff like this lol," they wrote. "Why not add useful updates like 'watch history'. I lost so many good memes to the refresh."
Many were angered at the idea of adjusting to the 4:5, suggesting Instagram leave the choice to the user.
"I guess IG was more appealing in the 1:1 square grid," someone offered. "At least, there should be an option to choose between the 1:1 and 4:5 layouts."
Tyla has contacted Meta for comment.