On 20.01.2025, Instagram rolled out an update that really shook up the community. But honestly, is all the excitement really necessary? Let's take a look together at what this update really means and why you might even have reason to be happy!
The new rectangular life
Okay, first the obvious: your beloved square grid is now rectangular in 4:5 format. Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, put it in a nutshell: „We're trying to simplify profiles and place more content above the fold.“ Sounds strange at first, I know, but think about it - more space for your creativity!
No panic on the Titanic
Before you burst into tears and want to change your entire profile, take a deep breath. Instagram has thought ahead and given you a cool „Adjust Preview“ function. This allows you to easily adapt your old posts to the new format. So, hands off the delete button!
More than just a new face
The update still has a few aces up its sleeve:
- Trial ReelsTest your reels in a small circle first before you show them to everyone. Perfect for experimenting!
- Longer reelsThree minutes for your reels - more time for epic stories!
- Creators App: There's a new video editing app coming in March. It's sure to be awesome for your content creation!
Chill out - the hysteria is really unnecessary
Sure, changes can throw you off course at first. But let's take a deep breath and check the facts:
- Surprise? Nope!: The update was announced in August 2024. Enough time to prepare mentally and formally, right?
- Content is king: The new features give you the chance to focus even more on awesome content. Aesthetics are cool, but relevant content is king!
- Easy customizationInstagram gives you tools to customize your existing posts. No need to panic!
- Creative boostSee the update as an opportunity to try something new. Maybe you'll discover some hidden talents?
What does that mean for you?
Whether brand or personal brand - now more than ever, relevance beats beauty. Focus on creating content that really interests your target group. And if you are a personal brand, take the opportunity to convey your personality even more authentically.
Conclusion: Embrace the change, baby!
Instead of panicking, see the update as an opportunity. You now have innovative tools and formats at your fingertips to create even better and more relevant content. Let's use this opportunity to reignite our creativity and take our online presence to the next level.
As Adam Mosseri said so well, „Instagram was basically founded to allow anyone to share something creative that they're proud of.“ So, stop fretting about your grid and start producing great content. The future of social media marketing is not in perfect squares, but in authentic, valuable messages.
Are you ready to make the most of the update? Let's rock this new Instagram era together!
