Instagram strikes again with an unexpected redesign of the display of front-page stories. Gone are the circular icons at the top of profiles: a new organization promises clarity and modernity.
Find out all about this update and its impact on users, designers and brands. What's behind this change? Here's everything you need to know.
A new face for front-page stories
Clearer organization for profiles
Instagram has decided to reorganize its profiles by making the front-page stories less intrusive in the overall presentation. These stories will now be accessible via a dedicated tab, marked by a rounded heart icon. This change, which has been tested since August 2024, is designed to simplify navigation and enhance the value of content immediately visible on profiles.
Adam Mosseri, CEO of Instagram, explained that this change is aimed at lighten profile appearance and highlight more content at first glance. This choice reflects a desire to respond to criticism of the platform's visual overload.
Front-page stories go thematic
Users will now be able to organize their front-page stories in the form of vertical miniatures grouped by theme. The new layout offers improved organization and simplified access to archived content.
What are the implications for designers and brands?
Potentially reduced visibility
Although this update promises a more streamlined profile, it could lead to fewer interactions with front-page stories. Their removal from the upper part of the profiles will make them less accessible at first glance, a crucial point for designers and brands.
Adapting your strategy to this change
Designers and brands must adapt to this new organization by rethinking the way they promote their stories:
- Create thematic collections to keep subscribers interested.
- Use other formats, such as reels or publications, to gain immediate visibility.
- Actively promote new stories via direct posts or links.
Why is Instagram changing the way stories are displayed on the front page?
Responding to user habits
Instagram has noticed that users interacted little with the front-page stories in their current format. Their ephemeral nature and sometimes cumbersome location explain this lack of interest. This repositioning aims to reinforce their relevance while improving the user experience.
Lighter, more modern profiles
With this redesign, Instagram aims to modernize profile appearanceby highlighting the latest, most engaging content, while organizing older elements in specific spaces.
What can we expect in the coming weeks?
Gradual deployment
The update began at the end of November 2024 and will roll out to all users in the coming weeks. Instagram has also informed subscribers via notifications to prepare them for the change.
Unchanged functionality
Despite the new design, the functionalities of the front-page stories remain the same: adding, deleting or organizing your stories will be as easy as ever.
FAQ: everything you need to know about the new display of front-page stories
- When will the new design be available to all?
The gradual roll-out began at the end of November 2024, and should be completed within a few weeks. - Are front-page story features changing?
No, functionalities such as adding, deleting and organizing remain unchanged. - How do I access the front-page stories?
They will be accessible via a specific tab, identified by a rounded heart icon. - Why has Instagram changed the way they are displayed?
To simplify profiles, improve clarity and enhance the user experience. - Does this affect the visibility of front-page stories?
Yes, their removal from the main grid could reduce their immediate visibility. - Can brands still use front-page stories for campaigns?
Absolutely, but it's a good idea to actively promote these stories via other formats. - What are the alternatives for increasing their visibility?
Reels, publications and direct links can compensate for lower visibility of front-page stories. - Will users be notified of the change?
Yes, Instagram has already started informing its subscribers via notifications. - What are the advantages for personal profiles?
A cleaner look and better content organization. - Is it possible to disable the new design?
No, the change will be applied automatically to all profiles.
A development to watch
With this new display, Instagram strategic redesign of its profiles to meet user expectations and modernize the visual experience. Although this update may have an impact on the visibility of front-page storiesBut it also offers opportunities to rethink the way content is presented. Creators and brands will need to adapt to make the most of this evolution. Stay tuned and get ready to explore this new era of Instagram profiles!
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