Instagram's Grid Update: From Square to Portrait - What You Need to Know
Instagram has recently made a quiet but significant change to its platform – the profile grid layout has shifted from the classic square thumbnails to portrait-style thumbnails. This update means your carefully curated grid may now appear different, affecting how your posts align and flow visually.
For photographers, businesses, and content creators who put effort into maintaining a cohesive aesthetic, this change may seem daunting. However, with a few adjustments, you can make the most of the new format and ensure your profile still looks its best.
What’s Changed?
Previously, Instagram's profile grid displayed images in a consistent 1:1 square ratio. With the new update, images now appear in a 4:5 vertical format, offering more space for your content to stand out.
Key impacts of this change:
- More visual real estate for portrait-oriented posts.
- Potential disruption to pre-planned grid aesthetics.
- A new opportunity to create more dynamic, vertical-focused content.
How to Adjust Your Instagram Grid Aesthetic
If your grid isn't looking the way you envisioned due to this update, don't worry – there's a way to adjust your post previews.
Here’s how you can edit your Instagram post preview:
- Go to your profile and select the post you want to adjust.
- Tap the three dots (•••) in the top right corner of the post.
- Select ‘Edit’, then tap on the image.
- Adjust the crop to better suit the new grid layout.
- Save your changes and review how it looks in your grid.
Note: Instagram currently doesn't offer a bulk editing option, so each post must be adjusted individually.
Dimensions
Old Instagram Grid Dimensions (Square Format):
- Aspect Ratio: 1:1
- Display Size on Grid: 161 x 161 pixels (thumbnail view)
- Recommended Upload Size: 1080 x 1080 pixels
New Instagram Grid Dimensions (Portrait Format):
- Aspect Ratio: 4:5
- Display Size on Grid: Approximately 161 x 201 pixels (thumbnail view)
- Recommended Upload Size: 1080 x 1350 pixels
Embracing the Change
While change can sometimes feel disruptive, Instagram’s new grid format offers new possibilities for storytelling and branding. Embracing the update can help you present your content in a fresh, eye-catching way that attracts and engages your audience.
Instagram’s changes are constant, but staying adaptable ensures your content remains fresh and engaging.
