Instagram just gave everyone a not-so-gentle nudge away from using their iconic square (1:1) post format in favour of a portrait (4:5) orientated format.
Accounts have been able to post in a 4:5 ratio on Instagram for a while now, but the grid has always cropped those images to squares. The grid now crops to a portrait rectangle with a ratio of 3:4. Which quite annoyingly is taller than the maximum height you can post.
This means even if you adopt the new portrait format your posts are still going to get cropped slightly along the sides to fit the taller grid preview.
The new Insta post size

The new recommended Instagram post size is 1080px (wide) x 1350px (high). However, it’s important not to put anything too close to the edges as some cropping in the grid will still occur.
This change away from a square grid has meant that many Instagram account grids are in disarray. Especially those who used the grid to make creative mosaics, or used text, logos and wireframing on posts.
The positives of the new Instagram post size
By focusing on a portrait layout, photography on the platform will look more natural and require less cropping. Most photos these days are taken in portrait mode and with Instagram being a primarily mobile platform, it does make sense to make the change.
Posts will also take up more real estate in Instagram feeds, increasing your chances of someone stopping on your post. More of your post will fill the screen, so whether it’s a photo, animation, graphic or advert, use the space!
For a while now Reels have had to be posted in a portrait format of 9:16 if you want to avoid cropping. This means Reels now feel more at home in your posts grid instead of being cropped down to a square.
A heads-up sure would have been nice, but this is the right move for Instagram at the right time.
What Instagram have had to say
In a video announcing the update, Instagram boss Adam Mosseri explained the change was made because most content on the platform is now vertical, and cropping it too much is a “bummer”.
He acknowledged that, while the shift may be a “bit of a pain” initially, it’s a “necessary transition” that will ultimately allow users to showcase “more of their content as intended”.
For those hoping for a quick return to the square format, sadly the update is here to stay.
How to ‘fix’ your grid
If your grid is looking a little worse for wear, there are some things you can try to tidy it up.
- Tap the three dots at the top right of the image you want to fix
- Select “Adjust Preview”
- Use the “Fit” or “Fill” options to modify how the image displays in the grid.
- “Fill” zooms in on the image to fill the entire rectangular frame, which may crop parts of the pic, making it look like they have a border around them (which can be set to white or black)
What to expect from us
Moving forward clients will be provided with Instagram posts in a 4:5 format, sized at 1080px x 1350px. Where required we will adjust templates and ensure that all posts moving forward get your grid back on track to being fabulous.