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Will Upcoming Changes Turn Instagram Into A TikTok Clone?
Updates are rolling out for the grid layout and Reels length, while new editing tools clearly imitate those of the rival Chinese platform.
Instagram recently faced backlash for swapping its iconic square grid for rectangles, disrupting the aesthetic of thousands of carefully curated profiles. However, the Meta-owned platform isn’t stopping there, after announcing more incoming TikTok-like changes designed to give users greater control over their profiles.
“We launched a new tall grid on profiles this week and I got a lot of feedback, both positive and quite negative,” Instagram head Adam Mosseri shared in an Instagram caption on Monday. “The goal is a simpler, cleaner place that maintains, and even increases, creator control”.
Here are some of the details about further changes we can expect:
- Customizable Grids: Users will soon be able to tweak how their posts appear on the grid, including adjusting image crops and reordering posts entirely.
- Direct-To-Grid Posts: A new option will allow users to post directly to their profile grid without automatically adding it to their main feed.
- Highlights Relocation: Instagram’s Highlights feature will move from above the grid into a dedicated tab, while also becoming part of the profile grid itself.
- Longer Reels: Reels are getting a significant upgrade, with the maximum video length jumping from 90 seconds to 3 minutes.
The updates are part of Instagram’s ongoing effort to compete with TikTok, which narrowly avoided a US ban following a 75-day delay granted by President Donald Trump. With the Chinese video platform’s future remaining uncertain, Instagram seems eager to capture disillusioned users by offering features that feel increasingly similar to those of its rival.
Also Read: How To Find & Cancel Pending Instagram Requests
In fact, Instagram’s recent changes go beyond just the app’s layout: On Sunday, parent company Meta launched the standalone Edits app, a clear imitation of TikTok’s popular video-editing tool, CapCut. Additionally, Meta has been enticing creators with cash bonuses to encourage them to post their videos on Instagram and Facebook.
It’s clear Instagram is shifting its strategy to appeal to the short-form video crowd. Whether these changes will win over users or continue to spark discontent remains to be seen.
News
Etihad Rail Plans 30 Minute Dubai To Abu Dhabi Train Link
The groundbreaking 350 km/h high-speed service will seamlessly connect the two Emirates while stopping at key tourist destinations.
A new high-speed rail project connecting Dubai and Abu Dhabi is in the works, according to an announcement from the Abu Dhabi Media Office. Led by Etihad Rail, the planned line will allow passengers to travel between the two Emirates in just 30 minutes, reaching speeds exceeding 350 km/h.
The project was officially unveiled in the presence of prominent UAE leaders, including His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.
With the blessing of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, and H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid witnessed the announcement of the high-speed rail project that will link Abu Dhabi and… pic.twitter.com/1iCbiHifyC
— Etihad Rail (@Etihad_Rail) January 23, 2025
The Abu Dhabi Media Office revealed that the rail project is expected to inject over AED 145 billion into the UAE’s GDP while linking strategic destinations and tourist attractions. Beyond economic growth, the initiative is aligned with the country’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy, as the high-speed trains will offer a more environmentally sustainable travel option for people who would otherwise have chosen to fly.
His Highness Sheikh Khaled praised the development, emphasizing its far-reaching impact. “The project unlocks new horizons for comprehensive development by advancing national transportation and infrastructure and ensuring a sustainable future for current and future generations,” he said.
Also Read: “AI Seal” Certification Now Required For Dubai Gov Partnerships
In addition to Etihad Rail’s high-speed rail system, UAE leaders also reviewed plans for the country’s first passenger train network. These passenger trains will reach speeds of up to 200 km/h and serve four initial stations: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah. Each station will include business-class lounges, modern amenities, and connections to local transit systems, ensuring a smooth and convenient travel experience for commuters.
The visionary projects not only strengthen the UAE’s transportation infrastructure but also reflect the nation’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, making inter-Emirate travel faster and more accessible than ever.
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