New year, new Instagram grid. Instagram is kicking off 2025 with a slew of updates, including the hotly contested switch to a new vertical grid. Whether you love it or hate it – this change is here to stay. So we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the new grid and how to adapt.
Let’s start with the basics. Instagram’s updated grid now displays images in a 3:4 ratio (specifically 1013x1350 pixels). Regardless of whether your original post is square, portrait, or landscape, it will be cropped into a 3:4 format for your grid.
The good news? You have control over your thumbnails! Instagram now lets you adjust your post preview by zooming in, cropping, or fitting your image with white or black borders. Need a quick walkthrough? Check out our Reel for more tips.
We recommend posting photos in a 4:5 ratio to minimize cropping and maximize space in your followers' feed as they scroll.
You’re probably wondering: Why not just post in a 3:4 ratio to match the grid and avoid cropping altogether?
Here’s the catch: even if you upload a 4:5 image, Instagram will automatically crop it to a 3:4 ratio for your grid thumbnail. While you can still post 1:1 (square) or landscape images, your grid will always stick to the new 3:4 format.
Here’s a visual breakdown of how your posts will look in both your feed and your grid:
As you can see above, your Reels cover photos are still 1080x1920, but they’ll appear as 1013x1350 on your grid. When users scroll through the Reels feed, the view shifts to 1080x1350 (4:5). Pro tip: keep any in-video text within that ratio to avoid awkward cutoffs.
We know this is a lot to keep track of, but don’t stress! If your thumbnail needs tweaking after you post, simply click the three dots in the top-right corner of your post and select “Adjust Preview.”
Mastering the new grid format might take a little patience, but with these tips, your feed will look polished and professional in no time. Happy posting!
