Instagram recently tested a new way for users to browse their feeds, with a feed that scrolled horizontally instead of one that scrolled vertically. This test hit enough users around the world to get "Instagram Update" and "#NewInstagram" trending on Twitter (via The Independent), but Matt Navarra has confirmed that it was just a test that was meant for a "very small" group of individuals.

Anyone who saw the update should see their feeds reverted back to vertical scrolling soon. With the update, users had to scroll through traditional Instagram posts in the same way that they browse through Instagram Stories: by tapping the right or left edges of the screen. This completely replaced Instagram's typical vertical list of posts that users would scroll through, which led to many frustrated responses to the update on Twitter.

insta horizontal 1

Image via @wordswithsam

Although not meant for a wide-scale rollout, the update was apparently an attempt to mimic the stories format for normal Instagram posts, since stories have quickly grown to become one of the most popular additions to Instagram following the feature's debut in 2016. Instagram Stories are now bigger than Snapchat, which is the app that originally created the idea of 24-hour disappearing stories.

Those who got the update saw a brief message: "Introducing a new way to move through posts. Tap through posts, just like you tap through stories." The Independent reported that a massive number of users in the United Kingdom received the update on Thursday afternoon.

Top Rated Comments

Greenmeenie Avatar
82 months ago
Ha. Well that test was a success. At least they know now that most people think horizontal scrolling sucks. Lol.

Hey instagram, stop messing with the phone app, and release an ipad version already!
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Sefstah Avatar
82 months ago
Chronological order please. Everyone will love you.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
tzm41 Avatar
82 months ago
XS Max support please come back! Facebook, get your act together...
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheSkywalker77 Avatar
82 months ago
I’m so glad they reverted it. The update was pure trash and made me consider uninstalling the app.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jsmith189 Avatar
82 months ago
Good thing I never update my apps.
This was definitely something they had built into a previous version, because a whole bunch of people who hadn't updated in a while were seeing it. The old Facebook trick of adding new features early so that they can rollout and people can't just say "well I won't update then".
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
webperfex Avatar
82 months ago
Tap Tap Tap ADVERTISEMENT (cant tap past it). Reminds me of snap
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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