Instagram is set to introduce a significant change to its profile grids, abandoning the traditional square format in favor of rectangles. The move, announced by Instagram chief Adam Mosseri, aims to better accommodate the increasing amount of vertical content being uploaded to the platform.

The change, which has been in testing since August, is expected to roll out this weekend. Mosseri broke the news in an Instagram Story on Friday, acknowledging that the shift might be a "bit of a pain" for some users, but ultimately believing it will be a positive development in the long run.

Mosseri's justification for the change is rooted in the fact that most of the content being uploaded to Instagram, including both photos and videos, is now vertical in orientation. This has resulted in excessive cropping, which the new rectangle format is designed to alleviate. "I think people will, over the long run, be excited that more of their photos and more of their videos are actually visible as intended in the profile as opposed to aggressively cropped," Mosseri said.

The move marks a significant departure from Instagram's heritage, which has long been associated with square-shaped content. However, with the increasing popularity of vertical content, particularly in the form of Reels, the platform is adapting to user behavior.

In addition to the profile grid change, Instagram also announced the introduction of a new feature in the Reels feed, which will allow users to see videos that their friends have liked. This update is likely to enhance user engagement and discovery on the platform.

The implications of this change are far-reaching, with potential effects on user behavior, content creation, and overall platform engagement. As Instagram continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how users adapt to the new rectangle format and what opportunities it presents for creators and advertisers alike.

With the rollout expected this weekend, users can expect a new look and feel to their Instagram profiles. While some may lament the loss of the traditional square format, the change is likely to bring a more immersive and engaging experience to the platform.