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The New Instagram Grid Layout: What You Need To Know

By Taylor Thompson
January 28, 2025

You’ve likely noticed that the new Instagram grid layout launched in early January ditched the classic squares for larger, less-crammed portrait-style previews. We know not everyone is thrilled about this update (don’t get the social media strategy team started, please). That doesn’t change the fact that we must still figure this out — and now.

Adapting your posts moving forward keeps your grid looking polished and engaging, and thankfully, this change isn’t too tasking. Follow along as we walk you through what Instagram’s new layout grid means for content creators and brand marketers.

Changes to Instagram’s Grid in 2025

The Instagram grid changed from its 1:1 square format (1080 x 1080 px) to a 3:4 ratio (1015 x 1350 px) — yes, this looks quite similar to the Reels grid. Though the display changed, you won’t upload content in the new grid size. Content should be sized for the feed and carousels, which is a 4:5 ratio (1080 x 1350 px). These will then display as the 3:4 preview. 

Watch for the Highlights to move into the grid — timing TBD — and for the functionality to reformat your profile as you wish. Our Instagram marketers are excited at the possibilities of increased profile control.

Adapting to Instagram Grid Changes

The grid update is already complete, so there’s nothing you need to do for these changes to take effect. Brands adapting to the new layout should prioritize vertical content (that’s what will show best) and start to reimagine their complex preview grid displays using the 3:4 ratio. 

Anyone who spends time — doesn’t everyone? — on their grid appearance probably noticed that some tiles look messy and the layout isn’t quite exact. That’s the new sizing in action. Don’t archive or delete content to clean this up. Instagram plans to introduce additional functionality to allow creators to customize thumbnails and rearrange images. Instagram chief Adam Mosseri’s post also teased the function of posting directly to your grid and bypassing the feed entirely, which may help brands create grid layouts to their liking without hitting their audience with redundant images.

 

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A post shared by Adam Mosseri (@mosseri)

For now, we’ll all have to deal. If you refuse to wait and see how future updates pan out, grid planner apps may help. Padding 4:5 content can also assist with weird cropping on the grid preview if that’s happening. As always, center critical elements so they don’t get lost in any view, at least until you’re used to how Instagram’s new grid functions.

Though Instagram marketing is a huge part of what we do, our agency isn’t panicked. Honestly, we’re excited to see how brands use the Instagram grid changes for new marketing opportunities, like personalizing thumbnails and creating grid displays to better communicate a brand’s aesthetic, products and points of view. As Mosseri said, “…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.” We’re on board with changes to enhance social media marketing and influencer content, especially if they give creators more control.

Despite the August teaser for this new Instagram grid layout, many companies were surprised by the change. If keeping up with app updates cuts into time you could spend innovating, hire a social media marketing agency for help. The specialists at Joybyte stay ahead of the social curve, making platform updates like these opportunities for brands, not obstacles.


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