If your Instagram feed appears somewhat different recently, you’re not going crazy. In early 2025, Instagram launched an update that transformed post dimensions, leading to a shift in how content looks on the platform. Tthat change affected Stories, Reels, vertical feed posts and main grid posts — all of which now have new aspect ratios for which users must adapt.
Article Content
A New Aspect Ratio for Everyone
Instagram’s update adds new aspect ratios for different post types:
- Stories and Reels: Now based on a 9:16 aspect ratio, perfect for vertical viewing and screen-filling on most smartphones.
- In-feed Post (Portrait): Resized to 4:5, with a recommended resolution of 1080 x 1350 pixels for best quality.
- Main Grid Posts: Moved to 3:4 (the sides of vertical images and graphics are slightly trimmed
- Instagram Stories: Also maintains 9:16 during edit but will output to approximately 9:16.5 (again, you will notice this especially on vertical graphics).
Instagram grid posts have, until now, maintained a strict 1:1 square aspect ratio with a resolution of 1080 x 1080 pixels. The new update is a direct departure from this classic standard, as the new content focuses on larger, portrait-time posts that take up more space on the screen.
What The New Ratios Mean For Content
The switch to 4:5 for vertical posts expands the canvas and makes the experience feel more immersive, though it is also an adjustment. While the primary feed shows a 4:5 format, the grid preview crops all posts to a 3:4 ratio, which can trim the periphery of photos and graphics. This translates to the user having to be conscious about composition and give a bit of extra space on the sides so as not to crop a meaningful detail.
The bigger post sizes also give influencers, business, and marketers new opportunities to grab more attention. Portrait-style posts also provide more frame for increased content, allowing creators to maximize their moment. The cropping in grid previews does add another layer of complication, though, so you’ll want to take a few extra steps to ensure the way your post will ultimately appear in different sections of Instagram is ideal.
Is Instagram Going Back to the Square Format?
It’s currently unclear if Instagram plans to return to the basic 1:1 square shape. This new aspect ratio feature is likely in testing, and the platform may change its approach based on user feedback. In the short term, users will need to concentrate on optimizing material to comply with the new sizes and find out innovative strategies to take full advantage of their modifications.
Whether or not this square format returns, these updates highlight Instagram’s continued attempts to adapt to changing user preferences and further build the visual experience on the app.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.