Whenever an app updates, it rarely leaves users thrilled and often has them scrambling to adjust. After the last couple of weeks, Instagram users have slowly but surely been complaining about the new grid layout. Although this adjustment has been a minor annoyance for personal Instagram users (resulting in off-centered selfies and cropped sceneries), it has greatly impacted brands and companies. Many have spent years perfecting their grids, only for Instagram to disrupt their visual cohesiveness. While the initial frustration is valid, this change could be a strategic win for all users in the long run.
The redesign has altered how posts appear on users’ profiles, disrupting the consistency of previous grids. This change has significantly impacted J. Blue, where we meticulously design and plan social media feeds for our brand and clients. Every detail, visual flow, and cohesiveness are carefully considered to maintain an impactful Instagram presence. This adjustment marks a fundamental shift in how our content is displayed, affecting the years of effort and strategic planning we have invested. However, I’ve learned at J. Blue that when challenges arise, we’ll navigate them with the same resilience and creativity that define us.
Although the initial shock may have been jarring, this update is a positive change in the long run. By aligning Instagram’s layout with other platforms, marketers can create a single piece of content without needing constant formatting adjustments. All marketers know how satisfying it is to finish content, but resizing it to fit different grids can be tedious and time-consuming. This shift also emphasizes vertical content, which has become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to TikTok’s success and Snapchat’s Stories. By making vertical videos more prominent, Instagram reinforces the trend toward short-form content. Teams can now repurpose content across platforms more efficiently, saving time while maximizing reach and engagement.
For J. Blue, this change is an excellent opportunity to get more creative and stay ahead in the ever-changing world of social media. As a student-run marketing agency, it’s our job to adapt quickly and find new ways to make our content stand out from the rest. We can now put more energy into creating engaging content to share across different platforms. This update pushes us to be more flexible, embrace trending formats like the new vertical content, and help our clients stay ahead of the curve.Â
While the initial transition may be difficult, embracing these changes head-on will unlock greater efficiency. By aligning with strategies used across other platforms and focusing on vertical content, this update opens up new opportunities for social media strategies. Although the initial shift can be frustrating, the long-term benefits for brands like J. Blue will likely be significant.