Embracing Vertical: How Instagram's New Portrait Orientation is Causing a Stir

In the fast-paced world of social media, Instagram continues to captivate its audience by introducing features that look to enhance user engagement. Recently, the platform has turned to portrait orientation, moving away from the iconic square photos that once defined it. As a graphic designer and Instagram user (don't ask me how many accounts I have), I love this shift and what it means as a creative. While photographers are less than enthused, this change is transforming the way we share visual stories.

The End of the Square Era (Squera?)

Instagram's original square format was revolutionary. It provided a clean and organized way for users to display their photography, creating a harmonious gallery look within their feeds. However, as our content needs evolved, the platform needed to remain relevant and keep up with user preferences. The vertical orientation, already established in Stories and Reels alike, is now being rolled out for normal posts. This shift lets users share content more dynamically.

Consider this stat: Meta users view over 200 billion Reels daily. Vertical scrolling has become more natural, making it easier for users to engage with content. Also, the obvious should be said: vertical content takes up more of a user's screen, which means square posts are more likely to be scrolled by.

instagram graphic size change

Thinking Outside the Box, Literally

From a designer's viewpoint, vertical content creates more possibilities. The extra height means adding more detail to our compositions and—quite literally—thinking bigger picture. Imagine the New York Skyline; a vertical format allows you to showcase towering buildings, inviting an audience to imagine the city’s scale. Fashion bloggers? Imagine being a fashion content creator; more head-to-toe content can fit in a portrait orientation, saying goodbye to having to crop off kicks.

Although I've embraced the vertical format offering before it was forced on everyone else by Insta (it's always been an option guys!), the shift influences how I approach my projects. Instead of thinking in terms of square layouts, I consider vertical arrangements that maximize viewer engagement. Utilizing the portrait orientation enhances storytelling and allows for more real estate to showcase bigger-picture design.

A Visual Revolution

The rise of vertical content is not just a fleeting trend; it represents a significant change in our visual culture. Platforms like TikTok highlight the effectiveness of immersive storytelling, and Instagram’s adoption of the portrait orientation reflects this demand. As creators, we are now part of a revolution that prioritizes ongoing connection through visuals, emphasizing what was otherwise overlooked in a square format.

The Future of Imagery on Instagram

As we look ahead, it is essential for creators to adapt to these changes and utilize them to our advantage. The emphasis on portrait orientation is not merely a stylistic choice; it offers a fresh approach for connecting with communities through rich, engaging content.

I encourage designers and users alike to push our creative boundaries with vertical imagery, reading up on the best to dos and not to dos. With the right approach, Instagram is set to become an even more vibrant platform for innovation and connection. I'm excited to continue exploring the possibilities of the vertical format, and seeing how others learn to embrace it!

XO,

Kylie