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We've already said goodbye to Instagram's iconic square grids, but users' reactions to the shift to a rectangular layout for posts are mixed.
Instagram has recently transitioned its profile grid layout from the traditional 1:1 square format to a 4:5 rectangular aspect ratio. This change reflects the platform's adaptation to the increasing prevalence of vertically oriented content, such as photos and videos, which better fit the new rectangular display. For years, the square grid has been a defining feature of the platform which also defined how users curate their feeds. But with the popularity of vertical content, this change feels almost inevitable. Now, posts will take up more space on the profile, reducing the need for awkward cropping and allowing images and videos to be displayed more fully.
Instagram's new grid feature offers more flexibility for content creators, especially when mixing photos and videos. For carousel posts, the image dimension is now 4:5 (1080 x 1350 px), while in grid view, the aspect ratio changes to 3:4 (1012 x 1350 px). Reels, which are becoming more central to the Instagram experience, are displayed in a 9:16 ratio (1080 x 1920 px), and in grid view, they appear as 1080 x 1440 px. Stories maintain the 9:16 aspect ratio (1080 x 1920 px), with a safe area dimension of 1080 x 1610 px to ensure no content gets cut off on different devices.
Of course, not everyone is thrilled about this change. Many users have built their aesthetic around the square format, and for them, this change feels like another step away from what Instagram originally stood for. Even Adam Mosseri, Instagram's head, acknowledged that while this update might disrupt some carefully curated grids, it's ultimately about evolving how people create and consume content. Mosseri acknowledged the inconvenience this shift may cause but emphasized that users will benefit from their content being showcased more fully. He stated, "I know some of you really like your squares. Square photos are part of the heritage of Instagram. But at this point, most of what's uploaded, both photos and videos, are vertical in their orientation." He emphasized how it's a bummer to overly crop them.
This update signals Instagram’s continued push toward prioritizing mobile-first content. While some may miss the classic square grid, the move aligns with the broader trends. The real question here now is—will users embrace this new format, or will they resist yet another major change to the platform?
A lot of people have expressed their opinion over the change. Some users have welcomed the new format, appreciating the ability to share their content more naturally without the constraints of the square grid. For those who create primarily vertical content, the rectangular layout makes sense but on the other hand, some users have voiced their nostalgia for the old square grid, feeling that it was a part of Instagram’s original charm and identity.
Here is how the users are reacting:
If instagram were gonna fuck about with the grid layout they should’ve made it more like this. Full photos, not cropped at all.
— Steve (@Nintendoubt815) January 22, 2025
This is Flickr. pic.twitter.com/AQZ912YZuG
@instagram Why are you doing this to our grids? We didn’t ask for it, we don’t want it and we don’t like it! It skews our photos out of proportion and looks horrendous. Please bring our grid of squares back and stop trying to become TikTok!! 😳😩 pic.twitter.com/lbaiZbhrQ4
— Alison Smith (@Ali_A_Smith) January 25, 2025
not at all a fan of the new rectangle / 3:4 ratio. i always crop my photos so they'll display eXACTLY how i want in 1:1 on my profile (and it's lowkey ridiculous how much time i spend doing this) 😭 bring back the square grid, i'm begging @ instagram pic.twitter.com/2B2k4mnlnJ
— emmi 🦋 (@scrpioemmi) January 17, 2025
instagram's new rectangle grid layout is so deeply terrible and yet so fitting with literally everything else that's happening.
— alli ♡ (@wtf_Skippy_) January 25, 2025
🥲💔 pic.twitter.com/3JUfHVs8X0
Before and after 4:5 grid rollout.
— ᴊᴇɴɴᴀ ʙʀɪɴɴɪɴɢ (@jennabrinning) January 24, 2025
Way to go, Instagram. Pardon my English, but this is fucking retarded. pic.twitter.com/KIejIyh1Vs
Nahhhh instagram has done the grids dirtyyyy😭😭😭🤣🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/85OJmrpKXj
— Caitlin🖤✨ (@OCaitlin8112000) January 23, 2025
Who tf told Instagram we needed this ahh rectangle grid? Symmetry’s dead fr. pic.twitter.com/WX4gy479wE
— King Stan 🐦⬛👽 (@Stanking4lyf) January 19, 2025
Id like to thank @Meta Instagram for changing the grid to a rectangle from a square and messing up ever ad designed and posted for the last ten years. You guys keep being you, who cares about the users.
— Sruly Meyer (@DesignsBySruly) January 27, 2025
no one is thinking about how the instagram rectangle grid affects instagram fan accounts such as beloved chappellroanstyle pic.twitter.com/gm1AoGj40a
— maren (@TheMarSide) January 18, 2025
really thought I would adjust to the rectangle grid on @instagram a few days in - happy to report IT STILL SUCKS I HATE IT WITH ALL MY BEING 🤢
— Devaanshi Singh (@_devaanshi) January 28, 2025
What are your thoughts on this new update? Tell us in the comments below!
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