Instagram has once again shaken things up with a major update, and this time, it’s all about the Instagram grid update. For years, users have been accustomed to the familiar square grid layout for their profile photos, but starting in 2025, Instagram is rolling out a portrait grid layout for profiles, changing the way images will appear on the platform. If you're wondering how this change will affect your profile, content creation, and overall Instagram experience, keep reading for everything you need to know about the Instagram portrait grid layout, and how to adapt your content strategy to make the most of the Instagram profile grid change.
What is the Instagram grid update and why is it Happening?
Instagram has always been a platform built around visuals, and with its latest Instagram grid update, it's continuing its evolution. The main shift in this update is moving from the classic square grid to a portrait grid layout. This means that your profile grid will no longer be made up of perfectly square images (1:1 aspect ratio), but rather a more dynamic, taller format (4:5 aspect ratio).
This change is designed to enhance the viewing experience by providing more space for vertical images, making your profile feed appear taller and offering more room for visual storytelling. The Instagram portrait grid layout allows for a cinematic feel, giving your content a fresh, more engaging look.
Key Instagram grid dimensions: Get the sizes right
With this shift from a square grid to a portrait grid, knowing the correct Instagram grid dimensions is essential. Here’s what you need to know:
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Feed photos: The recommended size for your images to display perfectly in the feed is 1080 x 1350 pixels, which corresponds to a 4:5 aspect ratio. This allows your portrait images to stand tall in the feed, maximizing the vertical space while keeping your posts looking sharp and professional.
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Profile grid photos: While Instagram’s profile grid will now feature rectangles instead of squares, it’s important to note that the platform displays images in a 3:4 aspect ratio when viewed in the profile. This means that while your images will appear as beautiful, tall portraits in the feed, Instagram may crop parts of them when they are displayed in the grid, so be mindful of placing important content within the central area of the image.
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Reels and stories: Instagram’s Stories and Reels still follow the traditional 9:16 aspect ratio, so you don’t have to worry about adapting those formats to the new portrait grid layout.
Why this Instagram profile grid change matters
The move from a square to portrait grid layout isn’t just a cosmetic update; it reflects Instagram’s ongoing effort to adapt to modern content consumption habits. With more people using Instagram on their phones, which are naturally oriented vertically, it makes sense to use more portrait photos that better fit users' screens.
The Instagram portrait photos offer better composition and focus, which can help create more visually compelling content. With a taller aspect ratio, your photos will stand out and catch the eye of viewers in a way that square images just can't. However, understanding how the Instagram feed grid design works, and how the photos are displayed, is crucial for maintaining a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing profile.
How the update affects content creators and marketers
For content creators and marketers, the change to a portrait grid layout means more opportunities to engage with audiences. With the larger vertical format, you’ll be able to tell richer, more detailed visual stories. This is great news for brands, photographers, and influencers who rely heavily on high-quality visuals to connect with their audience.
However, this update also brings challenges. The change in Instagram profile grid dimensions means that some of your previously square photos may look distorted or cropped when viewed on your profile. To avoid this, make sure your photos are sized correctly at 1080 x 1350 pixels, and always keep key elements within the 3:4 area to ensure they aren't cut off when the image is displayed in your grid.
How to make the most of the Instagram grid update
To take full advantage of this Instagram grid update, here are a few practical tips:
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Use more vertical photos: Since the Instagram 4:5 aspect ratio is now the ideal size for feed photos, embrace portrait-mode photography. Shoot photos that tell a story vertically, whether it’s landscapes, portraits, or product shots.
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Optimize for grid display: Keep your focal point in the center of your image. With the 3:4 aspect ratio for the grid, having the subject matter at the center will ensure it remains visible and prevents any critical parts of your photos from being cropped.
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Consistency is key: Your Instagram profile grid will be more visually dynamic with the taller photos. Make sure you maintain a consistent visual style by using similar colors, filters, and framing. This will help create a more cohesive profile appearance despite the new grid dimensions.
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Plan ahead: If you’re concerned about how your existing photos will appear in the new portrait layout, consider using Instagram grid planning apps. Tools like Grid Post Layout or Preview can help you see how your photos will look before you post, and allow you to plan a visually appealing profile grid design.
The future of Instagram profile grids
The Instagram profile grid change may feel like a shift, but it’s just the next step in Instagram’s evolution as a platform. The 2025 update to rectangular grid profiles is part of a larger trend towards more immersive, vertical content consumption. While it may take some getting used to, this update presents new opportunities for creativity and engagement.
As Instagram continues to focus on enhancing the user experience, understanding how the Instagram feed grid design works and adapting your content to the new portrait format will give you a competitive edge in the world of visual storytelling.
Embrace the change and evolve Your Instagram strategy
The move from square to portrait photos is part of Instagram’s broader effort to enhance user engagement and content presentation. Understanding the Instagram grid update and knowing the right dimensions for your photos is key to making the most of this change. Whether you’re a content creator, business, or influencer, adopting the portrait grid layout will help you maximize the visual impact of your Instagram profile.
So, if you haven’t yet updated your Instagram strategy to reflect this change, now’s the time to start creating tall, compelling photos that fill the screen and stand out. By understanding the new Instagram profile grid dimensions and adapting your content to the Instagram portrait grid layout, you’ll be ready to leverage the full potential of Instagram’s 2025 update.
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