Instagram’s testing full-screen photos, videos as it tries to become TikTok

What you need to know

Instagram is testing a new interface that makes for full-screen photos and videos.
The new video interface looks similar to what TikTok has been doing for years.
The new interface is currently being tested with a limited number of users, but it isn’t clear how many or when the change will roll out to everyone.

Images and videos are going to look larger with a more vertical interface.

Instagram is testing new full-screen photos and videos as the social network makes further changes in an attempt to turn itself into TikTok.

The move, announced by Instagram chief Adam Mosseri via Twitter, is being tested with a number of users although it isn’t clear how many will see the new interface as part of this phase. We can expect that the same change will be made available to all users eventually, depending on user feedback.

📣 Testing Feed Changes 📣

We’re testing a new, immersive viewing experience in the main Home feed.

If you’re in the test, check it out and let me know what you think. 👇🏼 pic.twitter.com/dmM5RzpicQ

— Adam Mosseri (@mosseri) May 3, 2022

The new interface is a cleaner look than the one Instagram users will be familiar with and does immediately remind of TikTok. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing, however, especially in terms of photos — the change means photos are larger and potentially more detailed as a result. If Instagram does make the change permanently, expect people to change the way they take photos in order to make better use of the new look.

Instagram is already one of the best iPhone apps for people who want to share still photos and videos, but its lunch has been eaten somewhat by TikTok.

In a follow-up tweet, Mosseri also confirmed that the new more vertical look will also permeate through other parts of the Instagram interface including the profile view, composer flow, and the “rest of Instagram.”