Earlier this year, Instagram rolled out a change that cropped all Feed post previews in the grid from the classic square (1:1) to a 3:4 aspect ratio causing frustration for creators and brands.
But there’s finally some good news…
Instagram now supports 3:4 aspect ratio uploads for Feed posts. No more unwanted cropping, and no more guessing how your post will show up on your grid.
Let’s talk about what this means, how to format your visuals going forward, and the key Instagram post sizes to keep in mind for 2025.
Why Instagram sizing matters
When it comes to Instagram, size does matter — especially if you care about how your content shows up in the feed and on your profile.
For years, square (1:1) was the go-to. But I haven’t recommended that format for a long time. Why? Because it takes up the least amount of vertical space on the feed. And if you’re trying to grab attention as people scroll, taller posts give you a much better chance of stopping the scroll.
Up until now, the 4:5 (1080 x 1350px) vertical ratio was the sweet spot for Feed posts — taller than a square but still supported across the app.
But with the profile grid now previewing posts at 3:4 (1080 x 1440px), many 4:5 uploads have been getting awkwardly cropped at the sides in the grid view.
The new 3:4 feed format
Instagram’s new support for 3:4 aspect ratio uploads in the Feed is a welcome change. It means your posts can match the updated grid preview, keeping your profile looking neat and consistent.
That said, if you’re still using 4:5 (like many of us are), I’d recommend leaving buffer space on either side of your design or photo — keep key elements centered so nothing important gets cut off in the grid crop. Think of it as designing with a “safe zone” in mind.
Looking ahead, I suspect 3:4 will become the new standard across the app. It aligns better with mobile design trends and allows creators to make the most of the grid layout without compromising the Feed experience.
Instagram Post Sizes (Updated for 2025)
To make life easier, here’s a breakdown of the latest Instagram image dimensions you need to know in 2025:
| Instagram Format | Aspect Ratio | Resolution Size |
|---|---|---|
| Tall | 3:4 | 1080 x 1440 px |
| Vertical/Portrait | 4:5 | 1080 x 1350 px |
| Square | 1:1 | 1080 x 1080 px |
| Horizontal/Landscape | 1.91:1 | 1080 x 566 px |
| Reels + Covers | 9:16 | 1080 x 1920 px |
| Stories | 9:16 | 1080 x 1920 px |
| Profile Grid Preview | Cropped to 3:4 | 1080 x 1440 px |
Feed Posts
- Tall: 1080 x 1440 px (3:4) – newly supported + grid friendly
- Vertical/Portrait: 1080 x 1350 px (4:5) – still great, but design carefully
- Square: 1080 x 1080 px (1:1) – less scroll space, not ideal
- Horizontal/Landscape: 1080 x 566 px (1.91:1) – only good for wide shots
Other formats
- Reels & Reel Covers: 1080 x 1920 px (9:16)
- Stories: 1080 x 1920 px (9:16)
- Profile Grid Preview: Cropped to 3:4 (even if you upload in 4:5 or 1:1)
My recommendations for creators and brands
- Start designing for 3:4. It’s now supported and matches the grid preview. No cropping and no surprises.
- If you’re still using 4:5, leave safe margins to avoid important elements being cropped on your profile.
- Avoid square (1:1) posts unless necessary. They take up less real estate in the feed and are less effective at grabbing attention.
- Test and preview using tools like Canva or scheduling apps that show you how your post will appear in the grid.
Final thoughts
Instagram’s layout changes may be subtle, but they make a big difference to your content strategy.
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Need help optimising your Instagram content strategy or designing standout visuals? Work with me on making content that aligns with your brand and connects with your audience!