Say Goodbye to Perfect Instagram Grids with Meta’s Latest Update
Instagram has rolled out a significant change this past week, replacing the traditional square aspect ratio with rectangles. For those who meticulously curate their grids for aesthetic perfection, this update might throw a wrench in your plans, as your grid could now appear slightly less cohesive.
Official Response from Instagram
Instagram chief Adam Mosseri shared the announcement on his personal Instagram page. The update has garnered mixed reactions, with many users frustrated by the lack of advance notice. While the change may cause square grid layouts to look cropped or distorted, it also paves the way for a more visually dynamic future.
Mosseri explained that the majority of posts are now rectangular, and this update allows these photos to be displayed fully. He also offered a silver lining for those who prefer the old layout, revealing plans to improve customisation features. This includes enhanced options to adjust thumbnails, integrate highlights into your grid, and fully personalise your layout. He emphasised that these features are still in development and may change, with a commitment to clearer communication moving forward.
How Does This Affect You or Your Business?
If your grid relies on precise aesthetics, the update may disrupt your current layout, causing images to appear cropped or uneven. To maintain a cohesive look, consider switching to a 4:5 (1080 x 1350px) format for future posts rather than the traditional 1:1 (1080 x 1080px) layout.
However, not all Instagram users have received this update yet. It might be wise to monitor your audience and implement changes at your discretion. Additionally, note that Instagram grid previews now display in a 3:4 ratio (1015 x 1350px). Although you cannot upload images in this exact ratio, it’s essential to ensure key content and promotional material fits within these dimensions to avoid cropping important details.
While the departure from the classic 1:1 grid format may disappoint users, user feedback clearly influences Instagram’s updates. The community actively shapes the platform’s future—so make your voice heard!
Want to know more?
If you’d like to discuss how these changes could impact your business, feel free to get in touch with us. We’re always here to help!