Instagram is once again evolving the way users engage with content by testing a vertical Stories feed format—shifting away from the current horizontal tap-to-advance setup. With this new layout, users will swipe vertically to browse Stories, just like they do on Reels or TikTok videos. The goal? A more fluid, immersive experience that aligns with how today’s users prefer to consume short-form content.
This transition is part of Instagram’s broader shift toward a full-screen Instagram story layout, which emphasizes storytelling through vertical, intuitive navigation. Similar to how Pinterest Personalized Shopping Hubs simplify product exploration through vertical feeds and personalized layout, Instagram’s vertical Stories feed aims to streamline user interaction and increase engagement.
How Vertical Stories Work
In the vertical format, users can simply swipe up to move to the next Story or down to revisit a previous one. This replaces the familiar side-tapping method that’s been used since Stories launched. While the core specs remain—9:16 aspect ratio, 1080 x 1920 resolution, and 60-second story durations—the navigation shift marks a major Instagram user experience test.
This experience mimics other highly engaging content formats like TikTok and YouTube Shorts. It prioritizes simplicity and speed, key components also embraced by Pinterest Personalized Shopping Hubs, which allow users to scroll seamlessly through product recommendations tailored to their behavior and preferences.
Why the Update Matters
The introduction of vertical scroll Instagram Stories responds to evolving user expectations shaped by other platforms. TikTok’s vertically-oriented UI has not only popularized swipe gestures but also increased time spent per session. Instagram wants to capture that same ease and attention within its Stories product.
This Instagram Stories update could significantly impact how content is created and consumed. Brands and creators will need to consider story flow, pacing, and screen composition for a vertically swiping audience. Similarly, just as Pinterest Personalized Shopping Hubs guide users through tailored discovery journeys, the vertical feed encourages creators to design content that flows more like a narrative than isolated clips.
What This Means for Creators and Brands
For content creators and marketers, the shift to a full-screen Instagram story layout offers new opportunities and challenges. The vertical format allows for greater visual impact but demands optimized layouts and vertical storytelling techniques. Creators will need to:
- Design content for smooth vertical transitions
- Maintain visual consistency across multiple story panels
- Focus on micro-engagements that encourage swiping to continue the story
These principles mirror those used in Pinterest Personalized Shopping Hubs, where brands craft compelling product showcases that hold attention and drive users deeper into the content journey.
Enhanced Engagement Through Immersive Storytelling
Instagram’s vertical feed enhances immersive storytelling formats, which are already a staple of platforms like Pinterest and TikTok. The motion of swiping vertically feels more natural on smartphones, and the UI design emphasizes single-content focus—ideal for storytelling and visual branding.
This change not only improves engagement but also mirrors the behavior seen in Pinterest Personalized Shopping Hubs, where shoppers are drawn in by immersive content layouts and personalized experiences that reduce decision fatigue and increase conversion potential.
A Global Rollout in Progress
Currently, the vertical Stories format is being tested in select regions. Instagram will likely evaluate key performance indicators—such as time spent on Stories, interaction rates, and content flow—before rolling it out globally.
If successful, this change could redefine what Stories look and feel like, turning Instagram into a more intuitive, immersive platform. As Pinterest Personalized Shopping Hubs continue to shape how people shop online, Instagram’s vertical feed could become the next big shift in how we consume visual stories.
Empower Your Brand’s Visual Storytelling with Digilogy
In today’s fast-paced digital world, staying ahead of platform trends is key. Whether it’s adapting to Instagram’s evolving format or creating immersive campaigns like those seen in Pinterest Personalized Shopping Hubs, you need a digital partner that understands performance, design, and user psychology.
At Digilogy, we help brands craft content strategies that engage, convert, and scale across platforms. From story design to vertical feed optimization, we deliver results that resonate with today’s swipe-savvy audiences.Want to build impactful visual stories for the future of content? Partner with Digilogy – Your Strategic Digital Marketing Experts
