Instagram extends Reels limit and revamps post design, embracing a new era

Instagram is gearing up for some changes that will make the platform more similar to TikTok, just as the popular social media app faces the possibility of being banned in the US. According to Adam Mosseri, Instagram’s head, the upcoming changes are focused on what the platform believes is best for content creators.

First up, Reels, Instagram’s short-form video feature, will now have a maximum duration of three minutes. This means users can create longer content within the platform. The goal here is to keep users engaged and spending more time on Instagram, consuming content.

Another change is coming to user profiles. Instead of the traditional square format, profiles will now have a rectangular layout, which interestingly resembles the format used on TikTok. This change is intended to give more prominence to Reels, as it’s one of the content types that Instagram has been prioritizing.

Lastly, users will soon have access to content that their friends have liked or saved directly from the Reels tab. The idea is to provide quicker access to content that may be of interest to the user and is relevant within their social circle.

When asked about the decision to switch to a rectangular format for posts on user profiles, Mosseri explained that this change was based on user posting habits and content preferences. He pointed out that the majority of content on the platform, whether it’s videos or photos, is in a vertical format. While the new format may seem strange at first, it aligns with this vertical trend.

While Instagram already had a TikTok-like format for Reels, it was limited to a dedicated tab. Now, this design change will be more widespread, encompassing not only Reels but also photos shared on user profiles and throughout the platform. The rollout of these changes is expected to begin in the coming days.

It’s interesting to see Instagram taking inspiration from TikTok, especially considering the uncertain future of the latter in the US. These updates show Instagram’s commitment to keeping up with evolving user preferences and providing a platform that caters to content creators. Whether these changes will be well-received by users remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Instagram is willing to adapt and experiment to stay relevant in the ever-changing social media landscape.