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The platform’s iconic square grid? Yeah, it’s no longer the standard. While a lot of people believe the new ratio is 4:5, after some digging—and a little testing from savvy Instagrammers—it turns out the perfect fit is actually 3:4. And that little detail? It can make a big difference in how your profile looks and how you should be designing your content from now on.
Whether you’re a business owner, a creator, or just someone who loves a clean, well-curated feed, this episode is for you. We’ll break down everything you need to know about the new format, how to optimize your posts, and keep your content looking sharp. From technical tweaks to creative strategies, we’ve got you covered.
The Instagram’s New Grid Format
The familiar grid of square thumbnails—the one we’ve all come to know and love—had changed. Instagram has officially moved from its classic, 1 to 1 square grid, to a portrait-oriented format.
Now here’s where it gets interesting: while many people are saying the new ratio is 4:5, some Instagrammers tested it out and realized it doesn’t quite fit. The actual optimal size? It’s 3 to 4.
If you want your designs to be perfectly optimized for this new format, here’s what you need to do: aim for that 3:4 ratio, which means using dimensions of 1,080 by 1,440 pixels. And here’s a pro tip—add 100 pixels of padding around the edges of your design. That padding is crucial. Why? Because Instagram’s cropping might cut off any important details if they’re too close to the edge. So, keep your logos, text, and key visuals well inside that safe zone.
Why This Shift Matters
Now, why is Instagram making this change? Simple—vertical content is king. With Reels and Stories dominating the platform, Instagram is aligning its grid with these trends. The taller thumbnails give your feed a more modern, dynamic feel, and they’re optimized for mobile screens, where vertical scrolling rules.
But I get it—if you’ve spent years curating your profile around that square-based aesthetic, this can feel like a big shift. Don’t stress. Instagram hasn’t left you in the lurch. You can still adjust older posts to fit the new format. Just tap the three dots on any post, select Adjust Preview, and choose how it displays. You can either fit the whole image into the new space or fill it out. And if your image doesn’t quite fill the frame? No problem. Instagram lets you add a white or black background to keep your feed looking cohesive.
How to Make the Most of the New Format
If you’re planning new posts, here’s how to make the most of this new format: design with the 3:4 ratio in mind, which means using 1,080 by 1,440 pixels. Make sure to add 100 pixels of padding around the edges to prevent accidental cropping of important details like logos or text. And to keep your profile looking cohesive, don’t forget to adjust your older posts using the adjust preview feature—this will help maintain a consistent style across your entire feed.
What This Means for Your Brand
Now, let’s talk about what this means for your brand. This isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about engagement. Taller images take up more space on the screen, which naturally draws more attention as people scroll. This change is your chance to refresh your profile, rethink your content strategy, and really make the most of this new vertical format that’s defining Instagram right now.
And here’s something to think about—could this be the start of more changes? Instagram rarely messes with its layout, so this feels like the beginning of a bigger transformation. Will we see customizable grids in the future? Maybe dynamic layouts? Who knows. But one thing’s for sure—this update is setting the stage for more changes down the line.
This update is an opportunity!
So, adapting to Instagram’s new grid format isn’t just about keeping up—it’s about standing out. By using the 3:4 ratio, adding proper padding, and adjusting your older posts, you’ll keep your profile looking polished and professional. This update is a golden opportunity to refresh your brand’s aesthetic and make your content even more engaging.
Want to make the best design for your brand? Contact us at Luwn Agency. Let’s see how we can elevate your content to match this new format. Whether it’s optimizing your feed or crafting a full content strategy, we’re here to help you shine.
