Instagram’s grid shake-up has users saying, "They wanna be TikTok so bad" – And it's hilarious

Instagram is up to its shenanigans again. In their latest twist, they're testing a move by swapping the classic square grid for rectangles.

Instagram is rolling out this new layout to a select few users. This vertical experiment is designed to accommodate the fact that most content is now vertical, thanks to our love affair with smartphones and their ever-growing screen sizes.

But the timing couldn’t be more obvious. With TikTok facing a ban in the U.S., Instagram is eyeing the millions of wandering content creators. So they are probably rearranging their grids to be more, well, TikTok-y.

Remember those artsy profiles where each square was a meticulously planned pixel of a larger, stunning mosaic? Those just got Frankensteined into a disjointed mess.

As one savvy X (formerly Twitter) user pointed out: “They wanna be TikTok so bad.”

A user quipped: “The TikTokification has begun…”

Another user added: “doing everything but a check who unfollowed me section.”

A user went on to say: “One thing about IG - it will do updates for things u didnt ask for.”

A user mentioned: “They need to untest it because it looks terrible”

A user hilariously noted: “it’s like they want me to delete the app.”

Meanwhile, a user asked: “When are they testing a good reels algorithm.”

A comment read: “this new Instagram update makes the profile look really ugly.”

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Details of the Instagram’s testing phase

The new rectangular grid is available only to a select group of users. This low-key approach lets Instagram test the waters before deciding if it’s ready for the masses.

The buzz started around January 17, 2025, when users in Ukraine noticed their profiles had gone through a vertical makeover.

Adam Mosseri, Instagram’s head, explained that the OG square format was a relic from the time when only square pics were allowed. Fast forward to now, most uploads are vertical—4:3 photos and 9:16 videos.

Mosseri admitted that cramming these vertical masterpieces into a square grid has been "pretty brutal," hence the new layout trial.

The new rectangular grid isn’t a random choice; it mirrors the layout for Reels, where videos already enjoy that sleek rectangle vibe. The goal is to get a more natural look that doesn’t butcher your vertical shots.

But fair warning: your carefully curated grid might look a little funky in this new format.

Reactions have been all over the place. Some users are vibing with the modern touch, while others, who’ve spent hours perfecting their square aesthetic, are understandably miffed.

Mosseri acknowledged the backlash during an "Ask Me Anything" session, showing that he gets just how much heart and soul go into those profile layouts.

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Instagram's new layout connected to TikTok ban

Instagram’s latest updates, like the rectangular profile grids and boosted Reels features, are no coincidence—they’re tied to the impending TikTok ban in the U.S. Sensing an opportunity, Instagram is pulling out all the stops to scoop up TikTok’s potentially homeless users.

Reels got a serious upgrade. First up, is the Friend Activity Feed, where you can spy on what videos your friends are liking or commenting on.

Next, Extended Video Length. Reels now stretch up to three minutes, giving creators extra room for their storytelling.

If it sounds familiar, it’s a page straight out of TikTok’s playbook, which has been supporting longer vids since 2020.