How to Use Instagram's Confusing New Feature

You take this awesome shot of your dinner, only to realize that it's not suitable for Instagram's square format. Trust us, we've all been there. But gone are the days when we run a picture through cropping apps before finally revealing it for public view. Now users have the option to adjust pictures and videos to portrait or landscape orientation in addition to those signature squares.

Here's how it works: once you select a photo in the app, you'll see a format icon on the bottom left of your picture. Each time you tap it, you can switch between a square crop of your photo or a zoomed out version that shows your photo in its entirety — in either landscape or portrait mode. You can also use two fingers to pinch your photos into the format you want.

On your own profile grid, however, your post will appear "as a center-cropped square." In addition to this major change, you can now apply the same photo filters to all videos. Instagram for Android version 7.5 is available on Google Play, and for iOS 7.5 on Apple's App Store. Check out examples ahead to see how the new features work!

Portrait Mode
Instagram

Portrait Mode

Landscape Mode
Instagram

Landscape Mode

Video Landscape Mode
Instagram

Video Landscape Mode