Instagram has changed its grid layout – here’s everything you need to know
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Instagram has changed its grid layout – here’s everything you need to know

Social Media Marketing Published: January 28, 2025

Goodbye, square grid 👋

Instagram has shaken things up once again, and this time, the update has everyone talking. If you’ve noticed your profile grid looking a little different lately, you’re not alone.

The platform has shifted from its iconic 1:1 square grid (1080 x 1080 px) to a taller 3:4 format for grid previews.

As social media marketers, we know that adapting to changing platforms is a skill we’ve tested- and mastered – time and time again. Here’s what we know so far:

What exactly changed?

Instagram’s signature 1:1 square grid has been a hallmark of the platform since its early days – a neat, symmetrical gallery that gave feeds a clean and polished look.

Now, the platform has introduced a taller 3:4 preview for profile grids.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the new 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 tweak has left many posts appearing stretched or distorted, and as expected, users are sharing a mix of reactions – some intrigued, others frustrated.

The kicker? Not everyone has the new layout just yet, meaning some users see the classic square grid while others are adjusting to this taller preview. Whether you’re in the testing group or still seeing things the old way, it’s clear that this change is here to stay.

If you have the update, here’s what you can do for your current content

First things first: take a deep breath. We’re all in this together, and everyone’s grid will have time to adjust. There’s no need to panic delete all those posts you’ve worked so hard to create.

Our best advice? Start focusing on creating content that’s optimized for the new grid format. Over time, your profile will naturally shift to fit the updated layout. If you absolutely feel the need to clean things up, consider archiving posts rather than deleting them outright – this way, you can revisit them later if needed.

The good news? There is a workaround to help your older posts fit the new grid style.

  1. Click the three dots in the top-right corner of the post
  2. Select Adjust Preview
  3. Choose Fit and pick a black or white background to fill the space
  4. Hit Done

How to resize your Instagram posts to fit the new grid

While this prevents your content from being cropped, it’s not a perfect solution. If your posts don’t already have black or white borders, the added padding might disrupt your overall feed aesthetic.

You can easily adjust the preview image by repositioning it. Simply click and hold the image, then drag it to your desired spot within the frame.

How to adjust the preview of your Instagram post for the new grid

Since both these fixes are manual, you’ll need to adjust each post one by one—which, let’s be honest, isn’t ideal for marketers managing larger accounts.

The bottom line? Adjust what you can, but don’t stress over making everything picture-perfect right away. This change is an adjustment for everyone, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time. Your feed will find its rhythm again – and so will you!

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Update or not, follow these best practices for the new Instagram grid

As Instagram continues to roll out this update, here are some practical tips to keep your posts looking their best:

1. Prioritize vertical content

While you can still post in the traditional 1:1 square format (1080×1080), we recommend pivoting to vertical-friendly dimensions like the 3:4 ratio for feed posts. This ensures your content looks great across all profiles, whether users have the old grid or the new one.

2. Center key elements

With the new taller preview, it’s important to keep your most important visuals and text centered in your design.

This approach prevents key details from being cropped for users still on the square grid format.

3. Leave room for unwanted cropping

Add some extra padding around the edges of your designs to account for the cropping that occurs in the new grid preview.

This small adjustment ensures your posts remain clean and professional, regardless of the layout.

Why the resize?

This change isn’t just a random design decision. It reflects a broader trend: Instagram is doubling down on vertical content. Over the past few years, vertical formats have taken over the platform, thanks to the rise of Reels, Stories, and even 4:5 feed posts.

According to Instagram’s head, Adam Mosseri, the taller grid layout is a better fit for how most users consume content today. As Mosseri explained:

“We started with the tall grid because most photos and videos that are uploaded to Instagram at this point are vertical and rectangles do a better job showing off those photos and videos. That said, I know some of you spend a lot of time tweaking your grids and this blew all of that up, so we’re going to improve the ability to customize those thumbnails to make it easier to get back to a place you’re happy with.”

This shift also positions Instagram as a stronger competitor to TikTok, a platform built around vertical, short-form content. With Reels already mirroring TikTok’s format and features, it’s clear Instagram is aligning its design choices with user behavior and industry trends.

What’s the world saying about the new grid?

Was Mosseri’s Instagram update a hit, or are users longing for the old layout? Here’s how the internet is reacting to the Instagram grid resize:

edwardkb on threads "I really like the new grid"

If maintaining a 3×3 grid wasn’t already a challenge – think about those times you had to upload three posts at once to keep the aesthetic intact – it’s safe to say things have only gotten trickier now…

Millie McKenzie LinkedIn post Instagram grid "I’ve BEEN saying this but👇 If there was ever a time to remember prioritising grid aesthetics / 3x3 grid visuals is not the way to do it, it’s now that IG has implemented an overnight grid change from square to rectangle. This is my favourite example (that i’ve been laughing at all weekend) 🤭"

Wrapping up

Instagram’s move to a taller grid layout reflects its larger vision to remain competitive against other social media platforms, namely TikTok. By prioritizing vertical content, the platform is positioning itself as a one-stop shop for Reels, Stories, and short-form videos.

While this update might feel disruptive to creators who’ve spent years perfecting their grid aesthetics, it’s also an opportunity to rethink how you approach content strategy. As platforms like TikTok continue to influence user expectations, Instagram is adapting—and marketers who stay ahead of these changes will be better equipped to succeed.

So, what do you think about Instagram’s new look? Are you ready to embrace the taller grid, or are you missing the classic square layout? Let us know your thoughts on our socials!

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