You can never get too comfortable in the world of digital marketing; there will always be a platform update, a new trend, or a change in how audiences interact with content.
Instagram’s latest update showcases this perfectly. The social media platform has been moving beyond its iconic square posts, shifting to support and actively recommending a new 3:4 aspect ratio (proportion between an image’s width and height). Alongside this change, Instagram has shifted how posts are being displayed in profile grids.
While on the surface, these seem like small changes, but in reality, if your content isn’t aligned with these changes, you risk your profile having awkward cropping, broken layouts, and losing the polished brand look your audience expects.
So let’s dive into everything you need to know about Instagram’s new sizing update, and how to adapt your visuals to continue looking consistent and on-brand.
What’s Changing
1) Grid previews move from square to taller rectangles:
Instagram profiles have featured square (1:1) thumbnails in the grid for over a decade now, however in 2025, Instagram has now introduced a new grid preview format of 3:4 (width:height) ratio.
Meaning that when a user views your profile, they won’t be shown perfect squares, but rather, they’ll appear taller and more vertical.
2) 3:4 Uploads Supported
While previously the most vertical portrait format on Instagram was 4:5 (1080 x 1350), with the update, you can upload images of a 3:4 ratio (1080 x 1440), which actually matched better with many smartphone camera defaults.
This is exciting in that your images can show exactly how you captured them, without the need to force crop them.
3) 16:9 Landscape Uploads Supported
Previously the most common landscape format on Instagram was 1.91:1 (1080 × 566), however with the update, you can now upload images and videos in a landscape 16:9 ratio (1080 × 608).
This is the same standard widely used in video production and other platforms like YouTube, making it much easier to repurpose your content across channels.
This is exciting as it allows creators to share wide scenic shots, cinematic visuals, or horizontal videos in their native format, without awkward padding or forced cropping.
4) Legacy Formats Still Work
When we say legacy formats, we refer to the old recommended sizing, which are still supported by Instagram, however they are gradually being replaced by the new format.
These legacy formats which Instagram still supports are the posting of square images (1:1), vertical (4:5), or landscape (1.91:1).
It’s important to note that while Instagram still accepts those formats, on your grid preview, they may appear cropped. As more and more creators, brands, and users move towards the new format, using legacy formats such square sizing of 4:5 may result in your content feeling less polished or even out-dated.
Best Practices
Here are some guidelines and design strategies we recommend so that you can future-proof your brand’s instagram:
| Content Type | Safe/Recommended Size | Notes and Tips |
| New recommended standard: Tall portrait/vertical feed posts | 1080 x 1440 px (3:4 ratio) | New support; shows fully in new grid preview |
| New Support: Widescreen Landscape | 1080 × 608 px (16:9 ratio) | Matches standard video aspect ratio; ideal for cinematic visuals and cross-platform repurposing |
| Legacy: Traditional vertical/portraits | 1080 x 1350 px (4:5 ratio) | Still safe to use; content should stay centered so nothing essential is lost in grid previews |
| Legacy: Square posts | 1080 x 1080 px (1:1 ratio) | Use sparingly – less vertical real estate means less visual impact in the feed |
| Legacy: Landscape/horizontal | 1080 x 566 px (1.91:1 ratio) | For wide shots, but tends to show with padding |
| Existing Standard: Stories/reels/full vertical content | 1080 x 1920 px (9:16 ratio) | Unchanged, use safe margins (top, bottom) to avoid interface overlays |
| Existing Standard: Profile image | Upload preferably 400 x 400 px | Ensure sharper logo/face on high resolution screens |
The difference between legacy and existing standard is that “existing standard” are the formats which remain best practice for specific content types, since they serve a different purpose. Whereas legacy formats are no longer the main recommendations, despite previously being.
Design Tips That Help Across Formats
- We recommend keeping important text and elements away from the edges and within “safe zones” so cropping or grid previews don’t cut them off
- For carousel posts, ensure every slide shares the same aspect ratio; don’t mix square, portrait and landscape in one post
- When designing for 4:5, center important visual content in the middle vertical band, so that if an image is previewed in 3:4, nothing essential gets chopped
- Review older posts, and check how they look under the new update. You may need to tweak or remove posts that no longer align visually.
- Update your templates and design assets to reflect the new dimensions, this will help avoid last-minute resizing errors
Why Instagram Made the Change
- 3:4 Sizing Matches Native Camera Output: most smartphones actually capture images in a closer format to 3:4, so by supporting this aspect ratio, Instagram is reducing the need for forced cropping or weird framing
- Better Vertical Content Display: Instagram has leaned heavily into vertical video (reels, stories), so this update aligns with these formats, giving vertical content more prominence across the app
- More Cohesive Aesthetic: With this update comes taller grid previews and therefore less cropping of vertical images, creating a cleaner, more consistent look on profile pages
Strategic Impact: What This Update Means For Your Brand
On the surface, this sizing update seems like just a formatting change, but in reality, it affects how your brand communicates visually and strategically on Instagram.
- Greater Storytelling Power: Taller images allow for more space, and with more space, we can tell a greater visual story. Brands can have the freedom to showcase full-body fashion looks, step-by-step tutorials, or wider scenic shots without feeling constrained.
- Rethinking Content Planning: If your grid had previously been perfectly curated around square layouts, now is the time to revisit your content calendar and rethink how your posts work together visually.
- Creative Asset Refresh: Your templates which are designed for 1:1 or 4:5 will need updating to ensure your posts look consistent across feed, grid preview, and ads
- Ad Campaign Adjustment: Paid campaigns need safe-zone redesigns, so that calls to action, logos and key messaging don’t get lost when displayed in different ratios
Final Thoughts
Instagram continues to be one of the most powerful platforms for building brand awareness, engaging audiences, and driving conversions. However, to get the most out of the platform, as with all platforms, your content needs to keep aligned with the platform’s constant evolution.
This sizing update is shaping how your brand’s stories are being told visually, making it important to adapt and embrace the new sizing formats on Instagram.
At Omni Online, we believe in constantly staying up to date with platform updates, and putting your brand in the best position to thrive in one of the most influential digital platforms. Need help adapting your social media strategy and implementation based on these updates? Book in a Free Digital Alignment call with our team!
