Instagram Moves Stories Highlights to a Dedicated Tab

Instagram is revamping profile displays by relocating Story Highlights from the top of the profile grid to a separate tab. This update aims to streamline profile layouts and enhance user experience.

What Is the New Instagram Stories Highlights Tab?

Previously, Instagram users could see Story Highlights as circular icons (known as “pogs”) above the profile grid. Now, these highlights will move to a dedicated “Highlights” tab, marked by a heart-shaped icon. Here’s what’s new:

• Separate Location: Highlights will no longer occupy the space above the profile grid but will live in their own tab within the profile.
• Vertical Thumbnail Display: Highlights will be represented as vertically aligned thumbnails, making it easier to navigate by category or topic.
• Grid Integration: Highlights will still appear in the profile grid, though Instagram hasn’t specified how they will be sorted (e.g., by the date of the first or last update).

Why Is Instagram Changing Story Highlights Placement?

Instagram head Adam Mosseri explained the reasoning behind the update:

“We’re trying to figure out a way to improve the profile and get more of the content above the fold, and simplify it […] You will still have control, you can still pin things, there’ll be a dedicated Highlights tab, but we don’t need to have pogs and squares and have it be all complicated and pushing everything down.”

This change aligns with Instagram’s goal of creating a cleaner, less cluttered profile design while still maintaining functionality for Story Highlights.

How Will This Instagram Update Affect Users?

• Streamlined Profiles: By moving highlights to a separate tab, profiles will appear less crowded and more organized.
• Reduced Visibility for Highlights: Highlights in a dedicated tab might see fewer clicks compared to their previous placement above the grid. Instagram seems to be prioritizing a cleaner design over heavy interaction with highlights.
• Focus on Stories as Ephemeral Content: The change may reflect a belief that archived Stories lose relevance over time, and this update better aligns with Instagram’s evolving content strategy.

What You Need to Know About Instagram’s New Layout

This update, first tested in August, is now being rolled out to users. Key details include:

• Users will receive notifications about the change and instructions on accessing their Story Highlights in the new tab.
• Story Highlights will remain customizable and pinnable, allowing users to retain control over how their content is displayed.

How This Change Impacts Instagram Engagement

• For Creators and Businesses: Moving highlights to a tab could reduce engagement, as fewer users may explore this section. Creators might need to rely more on other profile elements to drive interaction.
• For Casual Users: The simplified design makes personal profiles cleaner, focusing attention on the grid rather than archived Stories.

Instagram’s Cleaner Profile Design

Instagram’s decision to relocate Story Highlights to a dedicated tab reflects its commitment to simplifying profiles and prioritizing current content. While the update may reduce engagement with highlights, it aligns with the platform’s ongoing evolution toward a more user-friendly design.

How do you feel about this update? Share your thoughts as Instagram continues to refine its profile features!