Are you confused about the new Instagram dimensions, the size you should be posting in 2025, and how to ensure your Reel covers and posts work on the new Instagram grid size? In this blog, I explain all.
In January 2025, Instagram decided to roll out some big changes, leaving many of us waking up and looking at our phones in bewilderment! Our beautiful square grids have changed to a new rectangular format, and I've seen mass confusion about how to make your grids look beautiful now and what size you should actually be posting everything.
Anyone who follows me on Instagram will know that I've been giving people a heads-up to move away from square Instagram posts for some time, but I know that for many of us, the old square grids were something we felt rather fond of! Yes, I am super sad to see them go, but if you use Instagram, one thing that is clear is that change is always to be expected!
In this blog, I get into all your FAQs about the new Instagram dimensions and what you should do in 2025 to optimise your post performance and make your grid look great. Let's dive in!
Why has Instagram changed its layout?
Well, when Instagram started out, it was a photo-sharing app. The images were square and often had nostalgic filters (remember those?!), a bit like the digital version of Polaroid photos.
In 2025, video has become such a big part of the platform, taking up more of people's feeds, with static content now often in a portrait format as well.
From Instagram's perspective, it makes sense to make your grid reflect the modernisation of the platform and better show off your content, which is increasingly vertical in format. Plus, it brings Instagram in line with other social media platforms, making it easier for businesses, creators and marketers to create consistent content across different apps.
Why Are Instagram Dimensions Important?
If you are thinking this is a change you can ignore, I urge you to think again! Understanding the new Instagram dimensions is crucial because:
- They affect how your content appears in the feed – poorly formatted posts could get cropped or look out of place.
- Bigger posts get more visibility, leading to higher engagement and better reach.
- A well-organised Instagram grid size makes your profile look professional and aesthetically pleasing.
If you want your brand to stand out in 2025, it's time to adapt to these new dimensions ASAP!
What is the new Instagram grid size or new Instagram dimensions?
Your grid now displays as rectangles instead of squares. Every post is displayed in a 3:4 ratio. I know this is a huge pain for anyone who spent a long time curating the square grid format đ but it looks like this change is here to stay!
This also means that posts not portrait, e.g. in a square or landscape format, are now auto-cropped to fit the new grid.
What size should I now be posting Instagram posts?
If you're posting a single photo, you can still technically post it in three dimensions:
- Square (1:1): 1080 x 1080 px (still supported but not ideal)
- Portrait (4:5): 1080 x 1350 px (recommended)
- Landscape (1.91:1): 1080 x 566 px (still supported but not ideal)
However, because of the grid change, I recommend moving to portrait (4:5) posts for all your Instagram posts.
This means that you are maximising your space in people's feeds, leading to more engagement. Plus, now, your posts won't get cropped on your grid!
Top tip: The best post size is 4:5, which is the maximum length for a static post on Instagram. However, confusingly, the grid size is 3:4, so don't put anything important, such as text close to the edges, as it will get cut off:
Top tip: Crop any static posts to 4:5 in your camera roll before posting:
What size should Instagram carousels be?
Instagram carousels follow the same rules as single image posts, so I recommend also posting these in a portrait (4x5) format as above.
Keep in mind that carousels must be consistent in size, so you can't mix up images of different sizes. Crop them all to the same size in your camera roll before uploading!
What dimensions should Reels be on Instagram?
For Reels on Instagram, these remain in a 9:16 ratio (1080 x 1920 px), which is the full-screen size.
However, remember that when displayed on your grid, they will appear cropped to a 4:5 ratio, so keep key visuals and text centred so nothing important gets cut off!
What format do my Reel covers now need to be?
As with Reels, these remain in a 9:16 ratio (1080 x 1920 px), which is the full-screen size.
However, they will appear cropped to a 4:5 ratio on your grid, so as above, keep key visuals and text centred so nothing important gets cut off!
What size are Instagram stories?
Instagram Stories remain unchanged at 1080 x 1920 px (9:16 ratio). However, to keep your content fully visible, keep your text and any important elements in the safe zone, which is 155px away from the top and bottom.
New Instagram Dimensions Guide 2025
Here's a handy cheat sheet for the best Instagram dimensions in 2025:
FAQ About the New Instagram Dimensions 2025
How does the Instagram grid change affect existing posts?
Old posts will be auto-cropped to fit the new Instagram dimensions and 4:5 grid. The posts themselves stay the same size, but the view of them on your grid is cropped to 4:5.
Why can't I see the new Instagram dimensions on my account?
As with any Instagram change, they roll out the updates gradually, which I know is frustrating!
If you don't see the changes yet, try updating the app. If you don't have the changes yet, you'll need to wait until they hit your account.
Top tip: even if you still see your grid as square, others will see it in the new portrait dimensions, so I recommend still following the guidance in this blog.
Why do I see different Instagram dimensions on my two different accounts?
I have exactly the same thing! I currently see different Instagram dimensions on my accounts. This is because Instagram rolls out all updates gradually. One of your accounts might have received the update, while the other hasn't yet.
Can I change old posts if my grid now doesn't look good?
Whilst you can't edit old posts, the good news is you can adjust how they display on your grid.
For Reels, you click 'Adjust preview'. Here you can either add a new cover image from your camera roll or move the image around to best fit your grid.
For posts, you can also click 'Adjust preview' and toggle between 'fit' and 'fill' changing the background to white or black. This can make any squeezed posts look a bit better. It's not ideal, so Instagram is working on another update to give you more ability to customise these thumbnails. Watch this space for it rolling out soon!
Final Thoughts
I hope that explains the new Instagram dimensions in 2025 and what size you should now be posting!
The biggest takeaway is that all static posts and carousels should now be 4:5. It's time to ditch the squares! Adapting to the new Instagram grid size will mean bigger posts that take up more space and help you get more engagement.
What do you think about the new Instagram grid size? Do you have it on your account? Let me know in the comments if you have any questions. I'm here to help!
And if you'd like more support growing on Instagram, discover The Secrets to Instagram Growth, my step-by-step guide to building a brand on Instagram in any niche. In this game-changing Instagram course, I teach you exactly how to grow a community with easy-to-follow bite-sized videos and actionable resources. PLUS, I've included templates for the new Instagram dimensions! See more here.
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