Instagram unveils new features, including one that divides opinions 🎨

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Instagram continues to reinvent itself to stay competitive against rivals like TikTok. With bold announcements and mixed reactions, the platform is reshaping its future. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest updates making waves.

Reels extended to 3 minutes 🎥

Instagram is doubling down on its video-centric strategy by increasing the maximum duration of Reels from 90 seconds to 3 minutes. This major update mirrors TikTok’s format, which has been available since 2021. Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri announced the change, emphasizing that it meets strong user demand. However, this move marks a departure from his previous statements. In July, Mosseri claimed that longer videos did not align with Instagram’s essence, which focuses on connecting close friends. Yet, TikTok’s success seems to have shifted the perspective.

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A post shared by Adam Mosseri (@mosseri)

This extended duration opens new possibilities for content creators to share more comprehensive stories or immersive formats while staying within Instagram’s ecosystem. However, the question remains: will these longer videos maintain the attention of users accustomed to short, punchy formats?

Farewell to the square format, hello vertical 😵‍💫

One of the most talked-about announcements is Instagram’s decision to ditch its iconic square format in favor of a vertical profile grid. According to Adam Mosseri, this change was necessary to better showcase published content, as most of it is now created in vertical format.

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A post shared by Adam Mosseri (@mosseri)

“Rectangles better reflect modern usage,” he explained.

However, this reasoning hasn’t been enough to calm users’ frustration. For many, this change disrupts the aesthetic of their profiles, carefully curated around the square format.

Some users expressed their displeasure on social media: “My profile was a perfect collection of harmonious square images, and now it’s ruined with these rectangles!” complained one user on X. Another added, “This update is pointless and destroys Instagram’s visual identity.”

Aware of the impact of this change, Mosseri attempted to reassure users by promising a tool to reorganize the grid according to their needs. But will this be enough to win back a community disoriented by this upheaval?

Instagram recycles old ideas 🚮

Instagram is reintroducing a concept reminiscent of the old Activity tab. This new tab in the Reels section will allow users to see videos liked or commented on by their friends. The feature essentially revives the principle of the Activity tab, which was removed years ago due to mixed reception.

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A post shared by Adam Mosseri (@mosseri)

For now, this tab will be available in select countries before being rolled out to a broader audience. While it could revive a sense of community, it may also raise concerns about privacy and the use of personal data.

Edits, the new editing app ✂️

Instagram is making waves again with the upcoming launch of Edits, a video editing app designed to compete with CapCut. As a comprehensive suite of creative tools, Edits will offer advanced features such as watermark-free exports, background modification, resolution adjustments, and AI integration to simplify editing processes.

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A post shared by Instagram’s @Creators (@creators)

Available for pre-download, the app will officially launch on March 13, 2025. According to Adam Mosseri, Edits is more than just an editing app: “It’s a platform to unleash our users’ creativity.” With this strategy, Instagram clearly aims to attract video content creators while meeting the needs of users seeking advanced editing tools.

Instagram is playing a strategic game to strengthen its position against TikTok and appeal to an audience increasingly drawn to videos and creativity. From 3-minute Reels to the shift to vertical formats and the launch of Edits, the social network is redefining its user experience. Yet, these changes—especially the end of the square format—are causing significant division. While Instagram bets on evolution, it still has to convince a community that isn’t always ready to move on. 🌐