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Instagram’s New Grid Dimensions: Everything You Need to Know (+ How to Update Your Instagram Widget)

Published on Feb 5, 2025

Instagram has recently implemented a significant change to its profile grid layout, transitioning from the traditional 1:1 square format to a taller 3:4 aspect ratio. This update impacts how content is displayed on user profiles, affecting both aesthetics and functionality.

In this article, we'll delve into the specifics of these changes, explore their impact on content presentation, and discuss how tools like SnapWidget have adapted to ensure seamless integration with the new Instagram grid dimensions.

Understanding the New Instagram Grid Dimensions

Historically, Instagram's profile grid showcased images in a 1:1 square format, with each image sized at 1080 x 1080 pixels. This layout allowed users to curate their profiles meticulously, ensuring a cohesive visual presentation.

However, as Instagram increasingly prioritizes vertical content—such as Stories and Reels—the square grid began to feel restrictive.

To address this, Instagram has updated its grid to a 3:4 aspect ratio. In this new layout:

This change ensures that posts fit better within Instagram’s evolving design, aligning with the mobile-first nature of the platform.

Impact on Content Presentation

This shift to a taller grid format offers several advantages:

1. Enhanced Visual Storytelling

The increased vertical space allows creators to showcase more details in their images and videos, making storytelling more immersive.

2. Improved Engagement

Taller images occupy more screen space, potentially capturing users' attention more effectively as they scroll through profiles.

3. Consistency with Feed Content

Many users already post content in vertical formats (such as 4:5 or 9:16). The new grid ensures that these posts display without awkward cropping, maintaining the integrity of the original content.

However, this change also presents challenges:

How to Adapt to the New Grid Layout

To ensure your content aligns well with Instagram's updated grid, consider these strategies:

1. Optimize Future Posts

When creating new content, design with the 3:4 aspect ratio in mind. This ensures that your posts display optimally in the updated grid format.

2. Adjust Existing Posts

For previously posted content that appears misaligned, Instagram offers an "Adjust Preview" feature. This allows you to reposition your posts within the new grid format.

3. Plan Your Grid Layout

With the new vertical orientation, consider how adjacent posts complement each other. A cohesive color scheme or thematic consistency can enhance your profile’s visual appeal.

SnapWidget’s Adaptation to Instagram’s New Dimensions

To maintain consistency between your Instagram profile and your website or blog, SnapWidget has updated its tools to support the new 3:4 grid ratio.

Now, when embedding your Instagram widget, you can match it perfectly with the latest Instagram grid ratio, ensuring a seamless visual experience.

How to Update Your SnapWidget to the 3:4 Ratio

To update your SnapWidget to the new 3:4 ratio, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your SnapWidget dashboard.
  2. Edit Your Widget – Select the widget displaying your Instagram feed.
  3. Adjust the Layout Settings – Locate the layout or aspect ratio options and choose 3:4 ratio.
  4. Save and Update – After making the changes, refresh your embedded code if required.

For a detailed walkthrough, check out this guide: Can I display Instagram photos in the new 3:4 ratio grid?

Instagram’s transition to a 3:4 grid format is a major update that enhances visual storytelling and engagement. However, it also requires content creators to adapt their posting strategies to maintain a cohesive Instagram profile.

By using SnapWidget, you can ensure that your Instagram widget reflects these changes, providing a consistent and professional look across your website or blog.