Empowering Users with Creative Freedom

Instagram has announced a slew of new features, including the ability to rearrange posts on one’s profile grid and a way for users to quietly post content without broadcasting it to their followers’ feeds. The social network says these updates are designed to give users more flexibility and creative freedom when it comes to sharing content.

The highly requested grid customization feature will allow users to rearrange posts on their profile to create a more visually appealing layout. This is a departure from the current chronological order, where posts appear in the order they were posted. Users will also be able to pin posts to keep older content at the top of their profile. The ability to customize one’s grid is a long-awaited feature that has been a frequent request from users.

Instagram is also testing a feature that will allow users to quietly post content without it appearing in their followers’ feeds. This feature is designed to make sharing content feel less intimidating, especially for users who are focused on building out their profile without the pressure to perform. The feature is somewhat similar to Instagram’s existing “trial reels” feature, which allows creators to test out new content without it appearing to their followers.

The company is also launching a new integration with Spotify, which will allow users to share songs they’re listening to in real-time on their Instagram Notes. This feature will enable users to showcase their music tastes and interests to their followers. Additionally, Instagram is introducing Drafts, an initiative that will invest in emerging creators and provide them with support, including financial backing, connections, and collaboration opportunities. Drafts is not a dedicated creator fund, but rather a way for Instagram to collaborate closely with creators to provide them with the type of support that best suits the needs of each of their unique creative projects.

Instagram’s head, Adam Mosseri, said that the purpose of these new features is to give users “added flexibility over how and where your content shows up and helps you create and share without added pressure.” The company is testing the quiet posting feature now and plans to roll it out more broadly soon.

These updates come after Instagram was seen developing the grid customization feature back in 2022, but shelving the idea for some time. The company has since confirmed that it is now ready to launch the update soon. Mosseri has been vocal about Instagram’s plans to roll out the feature, saying back in January that the company was looking to make the update available to users.

The new features are part of Instagram’s ongoing efforts to provide users with more creative freedom and flexibility when it comes to sharing content. By allowing users to customize their grid and quietly post content, Instagram is giving users more control over their online presence and enabling them to express themselves in new and innovative ways.