Instagram’s New Grid Format: What You Need to Know for 2025
BY CARA LOFFREDO
Boston Women’s Market
As we step into 2025, Instagram is rolling out a fresh update that’s sure to shake things up for users and brands alike. The social media giant has announced changes to the grid format, which will affect how posts are displayed on your profile. Let’s break down these updates and explore how they might impact your Instagram strategy.
If you’ve been on the Instagram app lately, you may have noticed something a little different happening with your feed. Yep, Instagram’s switching things up AGAIN in 2025, and this time, it’s all about the grid format. So, let’s dive into the latest updates and chat about what this means for you, your feed, and your Instagram strategy!
The Big Change: Say Goodbye to the Classic Grid
Remember that perfectly arranged 3x3 grid of posts on your profile? Well, it’s officially time to say goodbye. Instagram’s rolling out a single-column layout where your posts (including carousels) will stack vertically one after the other. No more obsessing over how your feed looks in tiny squares!
This change is designed to make the platform more mobile-friendly and immersive, as more and more people are scrolling through their feeds vertically (hello, endless scrolling!). So, expect your profile to look a little different when you visit it—kind of like an Instagram story, but with a lot more content.
Why the Switch? Let’s Talk Strategy
So, why’s Instagram doing this? Basically, they want to make the app more enjoyable and easier to use, especially on mobile devices. Plus, with this new format, posts and carousels will take up more space on your profile, which means there’s more room to showcase your best content.
Instagram’s also leaning into the idea that users prefer a more continuous, uninterrupted scroll experience. It’s all about making it easier to engage with your content—and let’s be real, who doesn’t love that endless scrolling vibe?
How Does This Affect Your Aesthetic?
Here’s the thing: for years, we’ve all been obsessed with getting that perfect grid—the one that’s perfectly color-coordinated or follows some aesthetic pattern. But with the new format, you can relax a little. It’s not about that “perfect” alignment anymore.
Instead, it’s all about creating content that shines on its own. You’ll want your posts to stand out as individual pieces of art (or at least really good photos). So, go ahead and experiment with what feels right for your feed. Get creative with how you share your story and engage your audience.
What Should You Do Now?
With this change, it’s time to rethink your Instagram strategy. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of the new format:
Go Vertical, Baby: Since the new layout is more vertical, think about content that works well in this format. Video? Carousels? Long, stunning photos? Yes, please! Make sure your content is optimized for that long-scroll experience.
Focus on Quality Over Quantity: No need to stress about matching colors or perfect spacing. Instead, focus on posting content that’s engaging, fun, and something your followers can’t wait to see pop up on their feed.
Keep Your Brand Consistent: Even though the grid’s changing, consistency is still key. Stay true to your vibe and make sure your content reflects your unique voice—whether it’s colorful, minimalist, or anything in between!
Play Around with Carousels: Since carousels are now getting more love, they’re a great way to keep your feed interesting. Mix things up with images, videos, and even text-based posts to keep things fresh and engaging.
What’s Next?
As we move through 2025, these changes are just the beginning of what Instagram has in store. So, get ready for more updates and, most likely, more ways to engage with your audience. In the meantime, now’s the perfect time to refresh your profile, embrace the new grid, and have some fun experimenting with how you post content.
Size Recommendations
So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead, take advantage of the new layout, and let your feed shine brighter than ever! We can’t wait to see how you rock the new Instagram grid!
Here are the recommended pixel sizes for various Instagram post types to help you create content that looks sharp and stands out:
Instagram Reel
Recommended Size: 1080 x 1920 pixels
Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (vertical)
Reels are designed to take up your full phone screen when viewed, so always go for a vertical video with this size to ensure your content looks amazing!
Instagram Feed Post - It’s time to say goodbye to Square
Recommended Size: 1080 x 1350 pixels
Aspect Ratio: 4:5 (vertical)
If you want your post to take up more screen real estate in the feed, go for a vertical format. This is ideal for showcasing high-quality images or graphics.
Instagram Story
Recommended Size: 1080 x 1920 pixels
Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (vertical)
Stories are also full-screen vertical content, so this is the same size as a Reel. Use this format for engaging, quick content like behind-the-scenes footage, polls, or just fun updates!
By using these pixel sizes, your content will be optimized for Instagram’s different viewing experiences, ensuring it looks great on any device!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cara Loffredo is the Co-Founder of Boston Women’s Market, with a lifelong passion for entrepreneurship. Growing up in a family of small business owners—from a dog & cat boarding kennel to an outdoor waterpark—she’s always been inspired by the drive to create and grow. After graduating from Suffolk University, Cara gained hands-on experience working with various organizations, diving into everything from payroll and event planning to graphic design. Over the years, she discovered her true passion: helping others learn and succeed. Now, she brings that same energy and dedication to the Boston Women’s Market community, supporting local women entrepreneurs every day.