Understanding the Instagram Grid Size and Dimensions (2025 Instagram Grid Size Series: Part One)
The Instagram grid has changed from its iconic square format to a taller view. Here's everything you need to know about this update and how to make sure your content still looks amazing.
What Changed with Instagram's Grid
For over a decade, Instagram has maintained its signature square grid, a format that became as iconic as the platform itself. But in 2025, Instagram has introduced a HUGE visual update: a taller grid format that transforms how your profile appears to visitors.
Instead of the traditional square thumbnails, content now appears in a taller, more rectangular format (3:4 ratio). This change affects how your entire profile looks when someone visits it, showcasing more of your vertical content and less of the sides.
Important Note About the Rollout
If you're still seeing the square grid when you log into Instagram, don't worry. The update is rolling out gradually, and not everyone has it yet (at the time of posting this in March 2025). Eventually, most users will transition to this new view. One crucial thing to understand: this change affects how you see content. If your account shows the taller grid, you'll see everyone else's content in the taller format too. If you're still on the square grid, everything will appear square.
Why Instagram's Grid Change is Actually Good News
While change can be challenging, there are several benefits to this new grid format:
Less Content Cropping: The taller format shows more of your vertical content, meaning less of your images and videos get cut off
Improved Visual Experience: There's more breathing room between posts, creating a less cluttered, more aesthetically pleasing profile
Better Reel Covers: Reel covers display much better in the new format, making your video content more appealing in the grid
More User-Friendly: Visitors can better see what your content is about, potentially improving engagement
Understanding the New Instagram Grid Size Specifications
Here's where it gets interesting: the new grid preview (3:4) is actually showing your content in a ratio that you can't directly post in. Instagram doesn't allow you to upload content in exactly 3:4 format. When your content appears in the grid, Instagram will slightly crop the sides of your posts (from 1080px width to 1013px) to fit the new preview format. Let's get technical about the new grid size:
New Grid Ratio: 3:4 (width:height)
New Grid Size in Pixels: 1013 x 1350
Old Square Grid: 1080 x 1080
Standard Vertical Post: 1080 x 1350 (4:5 ratio)
Full-Screen Reels/Stories: 1080 x 1920 (9:16 ratio)
What Content Size Should You Create in 2025?
Despite the grid change, my recommendation remains the same: create your content in 4:5 ratio (1080 x 1350 pixels). Here's why:
It's very close to the new grid preview ratio (3:4)
It's the maximum vertical space Instagram allows for feed posts
Your content will translate well to the new grid with minimal cropping
It maximizes screen real estate in the feed
If you're still creating square (1:1) content, you should consider switching to 4:5. Square content will be stretched to fit the new 3:4 grid preview, potentially distorting your images or cutting off important elements.
Instagram Post Sizes to Remember in 2025
For reference, here are all the key Instagram sizes to know:
Square Format: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1 ratio) - still used for desktop view
Recommended Feed Post: 1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5 ratio)
Grid Preview: 1013 x 1350 pixels (3:4 ratio) - how content appears on profiles
Stories/Reels: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 ratio)
It's Time to Ditch The Square Post for Good
While this change might require some adjustment, it ultimately provides a better user experience and showcases your content more effectively. The 4:5 ratio has been the optimal posting format for years, and this grid update makes that even more true.
Remember: it's always better to post something than nothing, but if you want your content to look its best on the new grid, stick with the 4:5 ratio for your feed posts. Your profile will look more professional, and your content will display beautifully on the new taller grid.
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Manu Muraro is the founder of Your Social Team, which helps small entrepreneurs grow their business through content marketing, especially email and Instagram.
In 2021 Manu launched Your Template Club, one of the first Canva Template for Instagram subscriptions in the world to provide social media managers and small business owners with content templates designed for engagement.
Manu has also more recebtly started the first Instagram Reels Award Show, The Reelies Awards and an email marketing membership, Your Inbox Team.
Born and raised in Brazil, Manu moved to the U.S. in 2000 right out of college to work for Cartoon Network, where she made an award winning career in creative and strategy.