Discover Instagram's new grid and the 3-minute Reels that are revolutionizing the platform. Dive into what's new on Instagram and what it means for you.
Instagram has once again surprised its users with a series of major updates. Between extending the length of Reels to three minutes and implementing a new Instagram grid, the platform continues to adapt to the expectations of creators and their audiences. These changes come at a strategic time, as TikTok, its main competitor, is going through turbulence. In this article, let's dive into the details of these new features and their implications for users.
A new Instagram grid for an immersive visual experience
The most notable change is undoubtedly the introduction of the new Instagram grid, which abandons the classic square format display. From now on, content is displayed in vertical format, a decision that reflects current user habits, particularly those who consume and produce mobile content. This redesign aims to promote photos and videos taken in portrait format, which have become the standard on the platform.
Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri explained that the move was driven by changing usage patterns. “The majority of content published today is vertical. This format allows for a better showcase of posts,” he said. While the update has garnered mixed reactions, especially from creators who are attached to their perfectly organized grid, Instagram is promising a tool that will soon be available to reorganize existing grids as needed.
3-Minute Reels: A New Era for Short-Form Videos
Alongside the visual overhaul, Instagram has extended the maximum length of Reels to three minutes, up from 90 seconds previously. This change brings the platform closer to TikTok, which has already offered this feature since 2021. This new feature responds to a growing demand from creators, eager to produce more complete and engaging videos.
According to Mosseri, this extension aims to meet user expectations while offering new opportunities to content creators. However, he stressed that the priority remains to maintain Instagram's identity as a space for authentic connections between loved ones. This turnaround marks a strategic shift for the platform, which had initially hesitated to adopt longer formats.
A new tab for simplified navigation
Instagram is also introducing a new tab in the Reels section. This will allow you to see videos that your friends have liked or commented on. Inspired by the old Activity tab, this feature aims to strengthen social interactions on the platform. Currently in testing in some countries, this tab should be rolled out more widely in the coming months.
The move reflects Instagram's desire to encourage users to discover new content through their personal connections, and is also a way to differentiate itself from TikTok, with its emphasis on interpersonal relationships.
Edits: a new application for creators
In addition to these changes on the main platform, Instagram is preparing the launch of a video editing baptized Edits. Designed as a direct alternative to CapCut, this app promises to simplify video editing with advanced features such as watermark-free export, resolution adjustment, and the integration of AI-powered tools. Scheduled for release on March 13, 2025, Edits could become an indispensable tool for content creators.
Mosseri describes the app as a complete creative suite, designed to rival the best solutions on the market. With the rise of Reels and long-form videos, this tool is timely to offer users an integrated solution.
The implications for creators and brands
These updates, including the new Instagram grid, are changing the way creators curate their content and engage with their audiences. Brands, for their part, will need to rethink their visual strategies to adapt to the vertical format and take advantage of the new opportunities offered by elongated Reels.
For creators, these changes represent an opportunity to explore new formats and capture the attention of a wider audience. However, they also pose challenges, especially for those who have invested time in organizing their grid aesthetically.
Regular users, on the other hand, may feel unsettled by these changes, but they will quickly benefit from the advantages of these new features, which make browsing and content consumption more immersive and personalized.
What you need to remember
With the new Instagram grid and 3-minute Reels, Instagram continues to adapt to an ever-changing competitive landscape. These changes, while they may require an adjustment period, open up new opportunities for creators, brands, and users.
And you, what do you think of these new features? new Instagram grid and will the extended Reels change the way you use the platform?