How to Make the Most of Instagram’s New Rectangular Profile Grid

Instagram has recently made a major shift by moving away from its classic square grid to a 4:5 rectangular layout. This change impacts how posts are displayed on profiles, making it important for influencers, brands, and content creators to adjust their strategies. 

In this guide, we’ll go over how to adapt to the new format, maximize your profile’s aesthetic appeal, and revert to the original square format if necessary.

Tips for Optimizing Your Instagram Profile Grid with the New Rectangular Layout

Adapting to Instagram’s new layout requires some tweaks to your content strategy. Here are key ways to make the transition smooth:

1. Revamp Your Feed’s Look

Your overall profile appearance may be different since the 4:5 ratio is taller than the traditional square. Focus on curating a cohesive grid that maintains visual balance with this new format. A well-thought-out color scheme and consistent style will make your profile visually appealing and easier to navigate. Users should also consider adjusting older posts that may not align well with the new format. 

Example: A bakery could use warm tones and soft pastels across all posts to create a cozy, inviting aesthetic, ensuring that each cake or pastry shot maintains a uniform look in the taller format.

2. Prioritize Vertical Images

With Instagram favoring a taller aspect ratio, high-quality vertical images will ensure your content fills the space without awkward cropping. Avoid horizontal images that may not display well. Keeping important elements like faces, products, or text-centered can prevent them from being cut off. 

Example: A boutique clothing store can showcase full-length outfit shots that better highlight details like fabric texture and accessories, making the posts more engaging for potential buyers.

3. Utilize Space Wisely

The added height offers more room to showcase details. Whether it’s a portrait shot or a product display, make sure to arrange elements effectively to grab attention. Avoid excessive empty space that makes the post look unbalanced, and instead, use it to highlight key aspects of the image. 

Example: A jewelry brand can use close-up shots of rings or necklaces, ensuring intricate designs stand out while keeping the overall post clean and visually appealing.

4. Preview Your Feed Before Posting

Using social media scheduling tools like Alkai.ai allows you to see how your posts will look before publishing. This helps maintain a visually appealing and organized grid. Consistency in spacing, colors, and alignment will ensure a professional appearance. 

Example: A coffee shop can plan posts featuring its drinks and interior decor in a way that alternates between product shots and lifestyle images, making the feed more dynamic and inviting.

5. Adjust Text and Graphics for the New Format

If you incorporate text or overlays in your posts, make sure they are designed to fit the taller frame. Keep key elements centered to prevent them from getting cropped in the profile grid. Use legible fonts and maintain contrast to ensure readability. 

Example: A fitness coach can create motivational quote posts that fit the 4:5 aspect ratio, ensuring text remains prominent while incorporating engaging background imagery.

Understanding Instagram’s 4:5 Layout

Instagram’s updated grid replaces square posts with a taller 4:5 format, creating a more mobile-friendly browsing experience.

When Did Instagram Implement This Change?

The 4:5 rectangular grid was gradually rolled out in early 2025. Initially tested with select users, it is now available worldwide. This move aligns with Instagram’s ongoing effort to keep up with vertical-first platforms like TikTok.

Pros and Cons of the New Layout

Pros	Cons
Allows for better visibility of vertical content	Can disrupt existing feed designs
Provides more space for storytelling	Older posts may no longer align well
Matches Reels and Stories dimensions	Requires adjusting content strategy
Engages viewers with a larger display area	May not work well for square-centric brands

Can You Revert Back to the Original Instagram Square Format?

While the taller layout enhances vertical content, not everyone is on board with the change. Some users prefer the classic square aesthetic, as it maintains the structure of their existing feed. To cater to these preferences, Instagram has introduced a feature that lets users manually adjust how their posts appear in the profile grid.

With the “Adjust Preview” tool, users can customize the way thumbnails display without altering the original image. This option is especially useful for brands and individuals who have carefully curated their profiles to maintain a specific look. Instead of re-editing or resizing content, you can simply select a preferred preview, ensuring your grid remains cohesive.

By implementing this feature, Instagram is giving users greater flexibility while reinforcing its push toward vertical-first content. Whether you choose to embrace the new format or stick to your traditional aesthetic, the platform now allows you to control how your profile appears with minimal effort.

What Happens If You Post a Square Image?

Although Instagram now prioritizes the 4:5 format, users can still upload square images. However, these posts will appear smaller compared to 4:5 images when viewed in the profile grid. The extra space surrounding the post may affect the overall aesthetic of your feed, making it less visually cohesive. Brands and creators who rely on a seamless grid design may need to adjust their strategy to maintain consistency.

How Do Carousels Appear in the New Layout?

Carousels will still support multiple aspect ratios, but the first image dictates how they appear in the grid. If the first image is in the 4:5 format, the entire carousel will be previewed accordingly. However, if a square image is the first in the set, the grid will display the post in a smaller, square format. Users who frequently post carousels should be mindful of this to ensure a visually appealing layout on their profile.

Conclusion

Instagram’s transition to a 4:5 rectangular grid requires content creators to rethink their approach. While the change offers more space and better engagement opportunities, it also comes with some challenges. 

By adjusting your content strategy, using smart formatting techniques, and leveraging grid planning tools, you can ensure your profile continues to look polished and professional. Whether you fully embrace the change or work around it, staying adaptable is key to making the most of Instagram’s evolving platform.