Instagram is at it again—rolling out changes that shake up the way content is displayed. If your profile grid is looking a little different lately, you’re not imagining things. The platform has officially moved away from its iconic square format, embracing a taller 3:4 grid preview instead.
This update means some posts may now appear stretched or cropped in unexpected ways, leaving users and brands adjusting their content strategies. Fortunately, we’re here to provide you with a breakdown of what’s changed and how you can stay ahead of the curve.
What Exactly Changed?
For years, Instagram’s grid was defined by its 1:1 square preview—a hallmark of clean, symmetrical layouts. Now, the grid has shifted to a 3:4 vertical preview, making feed images appear taller than before.
Here’s a quick overview of Instagram’s 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
Because this change is still rolling out, some users still see the traditional square grid, while others are adjusting to the taller preview. Either way, it’s clear that Instagram is prioritizing vertical content moving forward.
How To adjust Your Content For The New Grid
If your feed feels out of sync, don’t worry—there’s no need to delete old posts or start over. Instead, here are some ways that you can optimize your existing content:
Reposition Your Grid Previews
- Click the three dots on a post
- Select Adjust Preview
- Choose Fit and pick a background color (black or white)
- Click done
You can also adjust the preview image by repositioning it. Simply click and hold the image, then drag it to your desired spot within the frame.
While this workaround helps prevent cropping, it might affect your overall aesthetic. Don’t spend too much time scrambling to fix older posts. Instead, focus on optimizing your future content by doing the following:
Reposition Your Grid Previews
Since Instagram is favoring vertical content, start designing posts with the 3:4 ratio in mind. Not only will this future proof your feed, but it will also make your content stand out in the new grid layout.
Keep Key Elements Centered
To avoid awkward cropping, position important text and visuals toward the middle of your designs. This ensures they look great regardless of whether a user sees the old or new grid.
Why The Change?
Instagram isn’t just making random tweaks—this shift aligns with how users consume content today. As short-form video continues to dominate (thanks to TikTok and Instagram Reels), vertical formats have become the norm.
Instagram’s head, Adam Mosseri, explained:
“We started with the tall grid because most photos and videos uploaded to Instagram are vertical. Rectangles do a better job showing off that content. That said, we know some users carefully curate their grids, so we’re working on improving customization options.”
Essentially, this move positions Instagram as a stronger competitor in the short-form video space while adapting to evolving user habits.
Final Thoughts
While change can be frustrating—especially for brands that have spent years perfecting their feed aesthetics—this update is also an opportunity. As Instagram continues to prioritize vertical content, adapting your strategy now will keep your brand ahead of the curve.
Instead of resisting the change, embrace it. Optimize your visuals, experiment with new formats, and focus on creating content that looks great in any layout. By staying agile and adjusting to platform updates, your brand can continue to thrive in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
