Instagram has rolled out a significant update, shaking up its classic square grid layout. If your profile feed suddenly looks different, you’re not alone. The platform has transitioned from its iconic 1:1 square grid (1080 x 1080 px) to a taller 3:4 format for grid previews.
As digital marketers, staying ahead of platform changes is crucial. Here’s everything you need to know about Instagram’s new layout and how to adapt your content strategy accordingly.
What Has Changed?
Since its inception, Instagram’s square grid has been a hallmark of the platform, offering a neat, polished feed. With this update, the profile grid now displays images in a 3:4 ratio, making them taller.
Updated Dimensions:
Carousel Posts:
- Image Size: 1080 x 1350 px (4:5)
- Grid View: 1012 x 1350 px (3:4)
Reels:
- Image Size: 1080 x 1920 px (9:16)
- Grid View: 1080 x 1440 px (3:4)
Stories:
- Image Size: 1080 x 1920 px (9:16)
- Safe Area: 1080 x 1610 px
This means some older posts may appear stretched or cropped, and not all users have received the update yet. If you’re still seeing the classic square grid, expect the change soon. Instagram has mentioned that older posts will naturally adjust over time.
How to Adjust Your Existing Content
If your content looks off, don’t panic – there are ways to adjust:
Adjust the Preview: Click the three dots on a post, select Adjust Preview, and choose Fit with a black or white background.
Manually Reposition: Drag the image within the preview frame to center important details.
Archive Instead of Deleting: If some posts don’t fit your new aesthetic, consider archiving them rather than deleting them permanently.
Optimising for the New Grid
Moving forward, here’s how you can create content that looks great in Instagram’s updated layout:
1. Prioritise Vertical Content
Since Instagram is leaning into taller formats, adopt a 3:4 ratio for feed posts to ensure consistency across the new grid. To combat the change, we will be sizing all our images according to the new 3:4 aspect, optimised for the new grid format.
2. Keep Key Elements Centred
With taller previews, vital visuals and text should be in the centre to avoid unintended cropping for users who still see the square format.
3. Allow Extra Padding
Add space around the edges of your designs to account for cropping inconsistencies in the new grid view.
Why the Change?
This update reflects Instagram’s broader push toward vertical content. With the rise of Reels, Stories, and vertical feed posts, Instagram aims to stay competitive with platforms like TikTok.
Instagram’s head, Adam Mosseri, confirmed the update aligns with user behaviour:
“Most photos and videos uploaded to Instagram are vertical, and rectangles do a better job of displaying them.”
The move also suggests Instagram is leaning into short-form video content and engagement-driven posts over traditional static images.
How Are Users Reacting?
Social media users are divided. Some appreciate the larger previews, while others find it disruptive – especially those who have spent years curating aesthetic, grid-based profiles. However, as with most platform changes, adaptation is key.
Final Thoughts
While Instagram’s move to a taller grid layout may initially seem disruptive, it also presents an opportunity to refresh your content strategy. Marketers embracing vertical formats will be better positioned to succeed in the evolving social media landscape.
Have any thoughts on the update? Let’s discuss it! Connect with us on our social channels and let us know what you think about Instagram’s new grid layout.
