
Instagram have received their fair share of complaints over the latest updates. Users arenโt happy with the new layout. However, taking this into their stride, Instagram have decided to make changes to the photo format. Their aim is to turn the app into a full-screen experience. Both Reels and still images are to be shown across your full smartphone screen.
This might balance out the Reels vs stills argument though. Typically, Reels have been known to get more interest and attraction. With them taking up more screen space currently, itโs easy to see why. Theyโre vibrant and hard to miss. However, itโs possible the format change for images might boost them back into focus. Images are easier to prepare. A quick snap can turn into a great post. Whereas Reels take much more planning and production.
Shortly weโll be seeing the 9:16 tall images tested across the platform. Itโs uncertain at this stage whether users will get a choice between the typical 4:5 or the new format. Like Instagramโs previous updates, itโs unlikely there will be options. It typically is all or nothing. Adam Mosseri has said โYou can have tall videos, but you cannot have tall photos on Instagram. So we thought maybe we should treat both equally.โ
His statement alone suggests he wants both medias to work in their own right. Rather than one outweighing the other. If successful, this could be a huge change for all small businesses and content creators. With this being said though, TikTok has previously been under fire for its 9:16 frame. People have argued it makes photos difficult to display. Smartphones have adapted over time and now offer a square mode on camera settings. Meaning you can point and shoot for Instagram.
Does this mean theyโll need to update again to suit new changes? Instagram has said recently they take into account the voice of their users. So, will they try it and take feedback on board? Itโs no secret users donโt understand why the updates are necessary. After all, if itโs not broken, donโt fix it, right? Social media platforms all fight to keep up with each other. TikTok has the 9:16 formatting, so naturally Instagram want to try it for themselves. However, theyโre different platforms with different purposes.