Everything You Need To Know About Instagram’s Grid Change [2024]

Have you noticed some Instagram profiles now have a 4:5 size grid? When we logged on this morning, we noticed some of our social media marketing clients have been shifted away from the classic square-shaped posts, the posts in their grid now resized to a 4:5 aspect ratio. Instagram’s gradual rollout of the new 4:5 grid is a clear indication of a shift towards more vertical content. This means it's time to adapt your Instagram strategy to ensure your feed remains visually appealing and engaging in both the traditional 1:1 and the emerging 4:5 formats.

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What is Instagram’s new 4:5 Grid?

Instagram has traditionally used 1:1 dimensions on account grids. This means the width is the same length as the height, so the grids we see when we visit Instagram profiles have - until now - been comprised of squares. Now, Instagram has begun rolling out 4:5 size grid posts. What does this mean, and should you worry?

The 4:5 aspect ratio offers a taller, more cinematic look compared to the classic square format. This change presents both challenges and opportunities for Instagram feed design. While it might disrupt your carefully curated grid, it also allows for more creative expression and storytelling through visuals. While the roll-out hasn’t happened across every account, it’s important to begin adapting the way you post to prepare for the shift. If you don’t act now, you risk your curated 1:1 grid being skewed and cropped.

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What dimensions should I post in?

We recommend uploading posts and reel covers with the following dimensions: 1080 x 1350. However, it’s important to try to keep the most important information in your posts (or the focus of your image) within the confines of 1080 x 1080, because the roll-out has not happened across all accounts yet. For example, if you post an image consisting mainly of text, ensure the text fits within 1080 x 1080, but ensure the whole post is 1080 x 1350. You can do this by simply adding a border to fill the rest of the space!

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How the Shift to 4:5 Could Impact Instagram Account Performance

The transition from the classic 1:1 Instagram grid to the emerging 4:5 format has the potential to impact account performance positively, but also negatively if you don’t adapt quickly. Here's a breakdown of possible effects:

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Positive Impacts

• Increased Engagement: The taller format can be more visually appealing, drawing users' attention and encouraging longer viewing times. This could lead to higher engagement rates, such as likes, comments, and saves.
• Better Showcase of Vertical Content: With a growing emphasis on vertical videos and Reels, the 4:5 grid provides a more natural and immersive viewing experience for this type of content.
• Improved Storytelling: The taller format offers more space for visual storytelling, allowing creators to convey their message more effectively.

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Negative Impacts

• Disrupted Aesthetic: Accounts with carefully curated 1:1 grids might experience a visual disruption as they adapt to the new format. This could temporarily impact brand image and aesthetic consistency.
• Reduced Grid Visibility: The taller posts may require more scrolling to view an entire grid, potentially reducing visibility and overall impact.
• Technical Challenges: Some users might face challenges in adapting their content creation process to the new aspect ratio, leading to inconsistencies in quality or posting frequency.

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Mitigating Negative Impacts and Maximising Positive Outcomes

To navigate the potential challenges users will face with the grid size change, consider the following strategies:

• Plan Ahead: Carefully consider how the 4:5 format will affect your overall grid aesthetic and plan accordingly.
• Experiment with Layouts: Test different grid layouts to find the best way to showcase your content in the new format.
• Optimise Content: Ensure your content is visually compelling and engaging in both 1:1 and 4:5 formats. If you’re posting graphics with text, ensure the text is visible at both ratios.
• Leverage Analytics: Monitor performance metrics closely to track the impact of the new format on your account.
• Embrace the Change: View the transition as an opportunity to refresh your feed and try new creative approaches.

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All-in-all, the transition to the new 4:5 Instagram grid is likely to have some positive impacts on account performance in the long-run, but it’s crucial to act now! For all future posts, upload in the new 4:5 size, however, ensure the focal point of the post fits within a 1:1 aspect ratio. Don’t want to be continuously required to stay up to date with things like Instagram’s grid change? Let us handle the never-ending changes - Check out our Instagram management page for more information on how we can help your brand grow.