The New Layout Nobody Likes

Everyone’s talking about it.
Nobody likes it.

Instagram’s new layout dropped, and the reaction is almost unanimous: confusion, frustration, and that subtle thought every founder has… “Why did they change this again? ”

But here’s the truth: the layout isn’t just a design update.
It’s a data strategy.

The Real Reason Behind the Change

Every pixel on the new interface is intentional.
This isn’t about aesthetics; it’s about behavior engineering.

Instagram is quietly reprogramming how users move through the app.
More Reels. More Recommendations. More time spent in DMs.

The design feels awkward because it’s not built for us; it’s built for retention.
Your attention is the product.

From Connection to Control

Five years ago, the app helped creators connect.
Now, it helps algorithms learn.

The new layout pushes users into what Instagram wants them to see, not what they chose to follow.
That’s why your feed feels foreign.
It’s not personal anymore.
It’s predictive.

And for brands, that’s both terrifying and powerful.

What Founders Should Notice

If you’re building a personal brand or company presence, pay attention to what Instagram is prioritizing visually.

• Reels are now the core element of short, native, human-first content.

• Feed posts are losing prime real estate.

• DM automation tools are quietly rising in influence.

So, if your brand still relies on a “perfect grid,” you’re designing for a version of Instagram that doesn’t exist anymore.

What to Do About It

Stop designing for Instagram.
Start designing for attention inside Instagram.

That means:

• Simplify visuals.

• Lead with emotion.

• Build micro-narratives that fit inside one scroll.

The new layout is teaching one brutal lesson: only story-led brands survive algorithmic chaos.

The Founder Advantage

This update is your test.
If your message stands even when the layout changes, you’re building something real.

Because good design can attract,
but great positioning can’t be hidden—no matter where Instagram moves the buttons.

If you’re ready to turn this confusion into clarity, you’ll find the blueprint at @stefanravram.

Legacy isn’t about fitting the layout.
It’s about owning the space.