Instagram Changes Feed Appearance to Larger and Friends Can Check the Reels We Like

Kapanlagi.com - Recently, Instagram has become the main focus among social media users due to a major change that has transformed the face of this platform! One of the changes is the feed appearance, which now looks fresh and different. Starting in early January 2025, Instagram's feed will no longer be in the usual square format we are used to, but will switch to a vertical format that gives a new feel to the arrangement of previously uploaded images.

Not only that, Instagram has also launched an interesting feature that allows users to see the Reels liked by their friends. However, not all users are welcoming this change enthusiastically. Some of them feel that this new design actually ruins the existing feed appearance.

For those of you who are curious, here are some interesting facts about the major changes to the features of this social media platform that is very popular among young people, as summarized by Kapanlagi.com on Sunday (19/1).

1. Feed on Instagram Display is No Longer Square

Since January 2025, Instagram has transformed by introducing a vertical feed that replaces the square format that has been its icon for years.

This bold move was taken by Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, who revealed that the current content trend is more focused on vertical videos and 4:3 sized photos, making the square format feel outdated.

However, this change has sparked both support and opposition among users; many miss the aesthetic of the previously neatly arranged square feed, while others see this move as Instagram's excessive attempt to compete with TikTok.

2. The Reasons Behind the Change: Explanation from Adam Mosseri

Adam Mosseri stated that Instagram is now transforming to provide a more enjoyable experience for its users. "With the majority of uploads currently being vertical, we want to make this transition feel more natural for everyone," he said in an official statement.

This change aligns with Instagram's increasing focus on video content, as seen in the Reels tab, and follows the social media trend shifting to vertical formats, which are more suited to scrolling habits on mobile devices.

However, Mosseri also acknowledged that this change could be a challenge for loyal users who have become comfortable with the old format.

3. Advantages and Disadvantages of the New Instagram Layout

Advantages:

Vertical format is more suitable for mobile devices.

Supports the ever-increasing trend of video content.

Provides a more immersive visual experience.

Disadvantages:

Disrupts the aesthetic of the old users' feeds.

Causes confusion among loyal users.

Some features are considered too similar to TikTok, thus losing Instagram's unique identity.

Negative reactions to this change are also visible on social media, with many users expressing their dissatisfaction with Instagram's move.

4. New Feature: Reels That Friends Can See

One of the interesting innovations recently introduced on Instagram is a feature that allows our friends to see the Reels we like, reminding us of the "activity" feed that existed before being removed in 2019.

With this feature, users can now know who liked or commented on certain Reels, aiming to strengthen social relationships through content.

However, many users have expressed concerns, feeling that this feature could violate privacy and affect how they interact with content openly.

"We want Instagram to not only be a place to enjoy entertainment but also a space to connect with friends through content," said Adam Mosseri on his personal account @mosseri.

5. New Interaction Features: Add Notes, Public Comments on Stories, and Music in DMs

• Add Notes: Users can now leave small notes on Feed or Reels posts. These notes appear in a text bubble and can be responded to directly via DM.
• Public Comments on Stories: Comments on Stories can now be seen by everyone, but only apply to followers who follow each other. This feature provides a new way to interact publicly.
• Music Feature in DMs: Users can share their favorite music directly in DM conversations, adding a personal element to communication.

These features are designed to encourage interaction, although some users feel that these features may disrupt their experience.

"Now, when you open the Reels tab, you will see a special feed containing Reels that your friends liked or commented on in the upper right corner and start a conversation with them there," he added.

6. Why has the Instagram feed become vertical?

The vertical feed aligns better with modern content trends dominated by vertical videos and photos.

7. Can the Reels liked by friends feature be turned off?

As of now, there is no option to hide the like activity on Reels from friends.

8. How to use the Add Notes feature?

Click the airplane icon below the Feed or Reels post, then select “Add Notes” to leave a comment.

9. What are the drawbacks of this change?

The loss of the old feed's aesthetics and potential privacy violations are major concerns.

(kpl/rmt)