January 2025: Instagram Switches to Vertical Grid from Square! Preview Adjustment Tips and Post Size Guide
Updated: 1 day ago
In January 2025, Instagram implemented a major update. It appears the main goal is to improve the user viewing experience, given the current rise in vertical content. After years of being known for its square profile grid, Instagram has transitioned to a predominantly vertical layout—this is a significant change.
As a result, users’ profile appearance has changed drastically. While many users are confused by this shift, some are also looking forward to new possibilities it may bring.
Overview of the Latest Instagram Update
This update began rolling out on January 18, 2025. However, some users seem to have had early access for testing purposes.
Here are the main changes:
Profile grid display: Changed from square (1:1) to vertical (3:4)
Post feed display: Continues to display as vertical 4:5, squares, or other user-uploaded ratios
Highlight feature: Changes in positioning and display are anticipated
Key point: The actual post size itself hasn’t changed. Only the profile grid display has. In the post feed (timeline), 4:5 and 1:1 posts are shown just as before, so there’s no need to worry.
Specific Changes
New Profile Grid Specifications
The new profile grid—referred to by some as a tall grid—now displays vertically at a 3:4 ratio.
This means the majority of your content is now more visible at a glance on the profile page.
Post Feed Display
In the post list, images remain displayed at the 4:5 ratio (1080 x 1350 px) by default, which is still the recommended size for new uploads.
How to Handle the New Profile Grid Display
To adapt to the vertical grid, keep the following in mind:
Existing posts can be adjusted with the Preview Adjustment feature.
For new posts, creating them at a 4:5 ratio (1080 x 1350 px) helps minimize issues when displayed across different screens, but remember that elements near the edges may get cropped—plan your text or logo placement accordingly.
Place key elements in the center, being mindful of the top and bottom margins.
How to Use the “Preview Adjustment” Feature:
In the profile grid list, long-press a post (or tap the menu in the post feed).
Select “Adjust preview.”
Tap “Fit.”
Note: Steps may vary slightly depending on your device or app version.
Using this feature allows you to fit even square or horizontal photos neatly into the new vertical grid.
What About Future Post Sizes?
Even though profiles are now vertical (3:4), the range of post ratios remains as versatile as ever:
4:5: The recommended vertical size (1080 x 1350 px)
3:4: Closer to the new grid’s shape, so thumbnails will match more neatly
1:1 (Square): Ideal if you want to maintain that “Instagram vibe” or keep consistency with past posts
Horizontal: You may want to re-evaluate whether to switch to vertical now, but it’s still an option
In short, you still have plenty of freedom when it comes to post ratios. Decide whether to align with vertical for a consistent profile look or to keep enjoying squares or horizontal posts, based on your account’s aesthetic and your followers’ preferences.
If you’re looking to include more vertical video content, then consider leaning into vertical photos as well. If your followers strongly prefer that “classic Instagram square,” you might focus on maintaining that format.
Future Developments, According to Instagram’s Head
On January 20, 2025, Instagram Head Adam Mosseri shared details about upcoming changes to the profile screen. Key points include:
Reason for Vertical Grid: Instagram is currently dominated by vertical photos and videos, making a rectangular grid more efficient for display.
Improved Thumbnail Customization: Plans to enhance thumbnail customization for users who value a cohesive grid design.
Highlight Integration: Considering folding Highlights into the grid and adding them as a tab.
Grid Reordering: Developing a tool that lets creators freely rearrange their entire grid for more control.
Direct Grid Posting: Planning to add a feature that allows posting directly to the grid without going through the feed.
Mosseri noted that these plans could evolve over the next few months. He aims to maintain and enhance creator control while making Instagram simpler and more polished, based on user feedback.
Of course, these are preliminary announcements and actual implementation timelines or details could change.
User Reactions
Opinions vary widely. Many are confused or resistant, while others find it “fresh and exciting.”
I preferred the old way—please bring back square.
The Explore tab is still square. It feels half-done.
My grid design looks messed up now.
I like how it’s bigger—I can showcase content in a new way.
Sending feedback to Instagram can be an effective method too. Voicing concerns on social media or using the official contact form could influence future updates.
What If the Update Isn’t Showing for You?
While some accounts began testing these changes around August 2024, many more users are just now seeing them in January 2025.
Not all users get the change at once; it’s rolling out gradually.
It also appears to roll out on a per-device basis. If you use multiple devices—iPhone, iPad, Android—try updating from each app store and logging in separately. In my case, the update appeared first on my iPad and Android devices.
Leveraging Photo Editing Apps
Repicture: Allows you to edit images to popular ratios like 4:5. You can add not just white borders but also custom background colors.
PicFitter: Makes square photo and video edits a breeze. We’re also considering adding vertical ratio support.
Ideal when:
I want to re-edit old photos to 4:5.
Even though vertical is the new norm, I still value the square aesthetic. I want to use white borders to keep my style unique.
If you have any questions or ideas, please reach out! You can contact us via the official form or the in-app feedback section.
(Added) We have released an app that allows you to create 9-part photos!
Conclusion
This latest Instagram update is a major shift affecting many users.
The profile grid is now displayed in a vertical 3:4 ratio.
The post feed still uses 4:5, 1:1, or horizontal—no change in actual post sizes.
The “Adjust preview” feature helps you neaten up existing posts.
If you create new posts at 4:5, your grid view will closely match the new display, but it’s worth considering your personal style.
It may take some time to adapt, but Instagram’s goal is to let you view more content at once.
If you’re unsure, try adjusting previews or using an editing app first, and stay tuned for official updates.
Explore new possibilities while discovering your unique approach to Instagram!
