Instagram’s Profile Grid Shakeup: What You Need to Know

Nia Pearson, Marketing Consultant • January 22, 2025

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Hand holding a white smartphone showing the Instagram login screen in pink-purple gradient

January 2025, Instagram significantly changed the profile grid layout which will significantly impact the more than 500 million daily active Instagram users.

This update will have a direct impact on the way content appears on the Instagram grid. The new content focuses on taller, portrait-oriented posts.

In our opinion, the update creates a more visually appealing aesthetic, which is better suited for the evolving nature of quick scrolling on Instagram.

Here’s what specifically changed:

  • Square to Rectangular: The iconic square grid was replaced with a taller, rectangular grid format.
  • Portrait Orientation: This change accommodates portrait-oriented images and videos, which have become increasingly popular on the Instagram platform.
  • Existing Content: Existing square posts will appear differently on your Instagram page, which will impact the content layout.

 

Key Changes:

New Instagram Feed Content Size: 1080 x 1350

New Instagram Reel Content Size: 1080 x 1920

New Instagram Preview Grid Size: 4:5 Ratio

New Instagram Preview Grid Size: 3:4 Ratio

How Instagram User React To The Updates:

    • Some welcomed the change as a more modern and visually appealing approach.
    • Others expressed frustration, feeling that it disrupted their carefully curated grid.

Implications:

  • Content Creation Strategies: The update presents new opportunities for more visual appealing grid layouts. Contact us to get updated content templates?

 

What You Should Do If You Have An Instagram Page:

    • Start to use more portrait-oriented content: Shoot and edit photos and videos with a taller aspect ratio 4:5.
    • Repurpose existing content: Crop or resize existing square images to fit the new format.
    • Plan grid layouts: Update content for new posts to fit within the rectangular grid and maintain visual appeal.

 

Before Jan 2025 vs After January 2025: What Changed?

Before January 2025

Instagram prioritized the  square 1:1 ratio  for grid posts. This means that images uploaded as 1080 x 1080 pixels.

After January 2025

Instagram changed the portrait-oriented posts to a 4:5 aspect ratio  into the grid posts.  This means that images should be uploaded as 1080×1030 pixels.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the changes:

  • Old Size/Ratio : 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1 ratio)
  • New Size/Ratio : 1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5 ratio)

How to move forward?  If you would like to clean up your profile you have three option, archive post or delete post and update your profile grid.

Use the 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 Marketing 4 Real Results Can Help

At Marketing 4 Real Results, we are committed to ensure our clients, stay ahead of the curve, so we have adapted quickly to these changes to stay competitive. To learn more, contact us.

Keep in mind, these change aren’t just about aesthetics, it’s about increasing engagement, maintaining your brand awareness and a consistent focus on keeping your business relevant.

 

#socialmediamarketing #instagrammarketing #instagram

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