Instagram's controversial rectangular profile grid seems to be rolling out widely now

Instagram seems to be rolling out its new rectangular profile grid layout to more users, and the response isn’t exactly glowing. For years, Instagram profiles were defined by their neat square grids. This format allowed photographers, artists, and everyday users to carefully plan their feeds, creating visually appealing layouts. But now, the switch to rectangles is throwing all that effort into chaos.

Reports of the change first surfaced several months ago, but complaints have spiked in the last 24 hours, with many users discovering the new layout overnight. People have taken to Reddit and X to vent their frustration. One user, a photographer, shared how the new format completely ruined the balance of their profile. Others echoed the sentiment, calling the update a “terrible idea” that made years of curation pointless.

The change isn’t just about aesthetics. For many creators, their Instagram profile is a portfolio that helps them secure work. An interior designer mentioned that the new layout made their account look unprofessional, potentially impacting their income. Some users also noted that older posts were automatically cropped into the new rectangular ratio, often cutting off important parts of the images.

If you’re among the lucky group of users who’ve not received the revamped grid, here’s what it looks like:

Meta’s Adam Mosseri addressed the change during earlier tests. He explained that the rectangular format aligns with the vertical photos and videos that dominate the platform today. While he acknowledged the frustration, he defended the move as a way to better showcase modern content. That explanation hasn’t done much to calm users, many of whom are demanding the option to stick with the old square grid.

For now, the rollout appears uneven. Some users still see the traditional layout, while others have already been hit with the update. I’ve not yet received the change on my account/devices. This inconsistency only adds to the frustration. Without a clear timeline or opt-out option, it’s unclear how widespread the new layout will become or if Instagram plans to adjust based on the negative feedback.

If you’re affected and unhappy, you’re not alone. The complaints are loud and growing, and Instagram may have to rethink how it approaches these kinds of changes. After all, the platform’s success relies on keeping its creators and users happy. Speaking of which, this isn’t the only change that has left users unhappy. The company has just removed all third-party AR filters from its platforms too. So Meta might have a lot of negative feedback to absorb over the next few days and weeks.