In case your Instagram profile seems a little bit completely different, you’re not alone. Instagram is rolling out a brand new 4:5 facet ratio for publish previews, changing the traditional 1:1 sq. grid. This implies posts now seem taller, bringing the profile grid consistent with the vertical-first format already used for feed posts and Reels.
This replace is a part of Instagram’s evolution towards a extra immersive, mobile-friendly expertise. Whereas it introduces some small changes for customers who’ve rigorously curated their feeds, the excellent news is that adapting to this transformation is straightforward — and may even assist your content material stand out extra.
On this information, we’ll clarify what’s modified, tips on how to optimize your content material, and what this implies for Buffer customers.
What has modified with the Instagram grid?
Instagram’s profile grid has historically displayed posts in a 1:1 sq. format (1080 x 1080 px). Now, the platform is updating the grid preview to 4:5 (1080 x 1350 px), giving posts a taller, extra dynamic look.
This shift aligns Instagram’s grid with the rising vertical-first pattern seen in Reels, Tales, and feed posts, making content material extra participating and optimized for cell shopping.
Listed here are the brand new dimensions:
Single picture and carousel postsFeed dimension: 1080 x 1350 px (4:5)Grid preview: 1080 x 1350 px (4:5)ReelsFeed dimension: 1080 x 1920 px (9:16)Grid preview: 1080 x 1440 px (3:4)
This replace is rolling out regularly, which means some customers should still see the traditional sq. grid. Nonetheless, designing content material with the 4:5 format in thoughts now will guarantee your feed stays visually interesting in the long term.
Now, let’s evaluation how this transformation impacts your present posts and how one can seamlessly alter.
How does the Instagram grid change influence your present posts?
Instagram’s swap to a taller grid format barely alters how older posts are displayed. In case your posts have been initially designed for a 1:1 sq. format, you may discover some delicate changes of their look.
Listed here are some issues to bear in mind:
Slight cropping of older posts: Posts initially designed as squares might have their edges trimmed barely within the new grid preview, however the full picture stays intact when tapped.A distinct profile aesthetic: In case you’ve rigorously organized a sq. grid sample, the taller format might shift how your posts align visually.
Whereas these updates may take a little bit getting used to, they received’t drastically change the visibility or influence of your content material. Plus, there are simple methods to optimize your feed for the brand new format.
Easy methods to optimize your Instagram grid
Adapting to the brand new 4:5 grid format is straightforward and might even assist make your content material extra participating. Right here’s tips on how to alter seamlessly:
Begin posting in 4:5 format: Creating posts in 1080 x 1350 px ensures they show appropriately in each the feed and the profile grid.Hold key parts centered: Since some customers nonetheless see a sq. grid, place essential particulars (textual content, faces, logos) inside a 1080 x 1080 px middle space to make sure readability throughout completely different previews.Manually alter older posts if wanted: If a previous publish seems misaligned, you possibly can tweak the preview. This is howTap the three dots (•••) on the publish.Choose Edit > Modify Preview.Reposition the picture to suit higher within the grid.Save modifications to replace the preview.
Experiment with a brand new grid format: Because the profile view is now taller, you have got extra room to play with artistic layouts that showcase vertical visuals extra successfully.
Making these easy changes will maintain your feed wanting polished and optimized.
How this impacts your Instagram account in Buffer
Buffer now absolutely helps 4:5 photos, though our previews have stayed the identical — right here’s the way it works.
You’ll be able to nonetheless add 4:5 (1080 x 1350 px) photos, and Buffer will retain the right format for Instagram’s feed.To take care of consistency throughout social networks, photos within the queue and calendar views nonetheless seem in 1:1 format, however this doesn’t have an effect on how they’re printed on Instagram.
Contained in the composer, the add thumbnail stays 1:1, however the right-side preview precisely displays how your publish will seem on Instagram.
What this implies to your scheduling workflow
In case you add a 4:5 picture, it should publish appropriately to Instagram, even when the thumbnail preview seems sq. inside Buffer.In case you add a 1:1 picture, Instagram might crop it barely within the grid preview — so switching to 4:5 ensures higher alignment.Use the right-side preview in Buffer to verify how your publish will look when printed.
The Buffer workforce is actively monitoring this replace and can proceed refining previews and assets to make sure a easy publishing expertise.
Why Instagram made this transformation and what it means for you
Instagram’s transfer from a 1:1 sq. grid to a 4:5 format is a part of a broader push towards mobile-first, vertical content material.
Instagram’s head, Adam Mosseri, in a carousel on the change, confirmed that almost all content material uploaded to the platform is already vertical.
So the 4:5 preview is simply aligning with feed posts and Reels, to create a seamless expertise throughout the app. The brand new format maximizes display screen area, making photos and movies extra immersive.
Attempt Buffer totally free
140,000+ small companies like yours use Buffer to construct their model on social media each month
Get began now
