Instagram’s Grid Update – New Default: The 4:5 Ratio Grid Post – What It Means and Why It Matters
In a quiet yet significant shift, the Instagram Grid Update has made the 4:5 aspect ratio the new default for grid posts. For years, the platform’s signature square (1:1 ratio) reigned supreme, dictating how creators, brands, and casual users alike formatted their visual content. But now, the vertical 4:5 format — once optional — is taking center stage.
So what does this mean for your feed, your content strategy, and how you engage on Instagram? Let’s dive into the details, the implications, and how you can make the most of this update.
What Is the 4:5 Ratio?
The 4:5 aspect ratio refers to an image or video that is 4 units wide and 5 units tall. In practical terms, it’s a portrait-style format that’s taller than it is wide — a far cry from the traditional Instagram square. On most phones, it looks more natural and occupies more screen space than its horizontal or square counterparts.
To compare:
- Square (1:1): 1080 x 1080 pixels
- Portrait (4:5): 1080 x 1350 pixels
That extra vertical space makes a big visual difference. It’s more eye-catching, scroll-stopping, and mobile-optimized.
Why Is Instagram Making 4:5 the Default?
This change isn’t coming out of nowhere. Instagram has been evolving for years from a simple photo-sharing app into a multi-faceted content hub — competing with TikTok, YouTube, and even Pinterest for attention. Here are a few likely reasons for the shift:
- Mobile-first focus: The majority of Instagram users access the app via smartphones. A 4:5 image takes up more vertical real estate on the screen, making it more engaging and likely to stop users mid-scroll.
- Increased engagement: Studies and anecdotal data suggest that 4:5 posts tend to perform better in terms of likes, comments, and time spent viewing, likely because they’re more immersive.
- Consistency across formats: Stories, Reels, and Lives all favor vertical formats. By nudging users toward 4:5 for grid posts, Instagram is creating a more unified visual experience across its platform.
- Creator-centric design: Influencers and content creators have long favored the 4:5 ratio to showcase fashion, food, travel, and more. Making it default simplifies their workflow and aligns with current best practices.
How Does This Affect Creators and Brands?
If you’re someone who posts on Instagram regularly — whether for personal branding, business, or fun — this change should be on your radar.
Format planning matters more than ever.
Creators will need to start designing content with the vertical layout in mind. That means cropping, framing, and even shooting content differently. If you’ve been using templates or designing for a square post in Canva or Photoshop, it’s time to update those to 1080 x 1350.
Your feed may look different.
The Instagram grid still crops previews to a square, so you’ll need to make sure your content looks good both in full view (4:5) and in cropped preview (1:1). This might mean placing important elements — like text or faces — closer to the center of your image to avoid awkward cuts.
Potential for better performance.
The 4:5 format is proven to be more engaging. Users spend more time viewing tall posts because they naturally slow down scrolling. This could give creators a small but valuable edge in Instagram’s algorithm.
Ads and sponsored posts will likely follow.
Expect Instagram ads to shift more heavily toward 4:5 as well. Brands should start adapting their content strategies to optimize visuals for this format to ensure they stay competitive and capture attention.
Tips for Making the Most of the 4:5 Format
If you’re looking to embrace the new default and create content that pops, here are some quick tips:
- Keep key elements centered: Remember that your grid will still show a square preview, so avoid placing critical details at the top or bottom.
- Use vertical space creatively: This is your chance to include more in-frame — think layered visuals, dynamic poses, or vertical storytelling.
- Update your templates: Whether you’re editing in Lightroom, Canva, or another tool, swap your export settings to 1080 x 1350 pixels to keep things consistent.
- Think mobile-first: Test how your posts look on your phone before publishing. What looks great on a desktop might not translate well to mobile.
- Experiment with carousel posts: The vertical format gives more flexibility to create storytelling through multiple slides, with each swipe maintaining that tall, immersive feel.
A Sign of More to Come?
Instagram’s move to 4:5 as the default could be more than just a formatting change — it’s a signal that the app is doubling down on vertical, mobile-optimized content. With TikTok’s dominance in vertical video and users’ attention spans getting shorter, Instagram seems to be leaning further into what keeps people scrolling: tall, bold, engaging visuals.
It also reinforces a broader trend across social platforms: vertical is king. From YouTube Shorts to Pinterest Idea Pins and, of course, TikTok, the vertical screen is where digital storytelling is heading. Instagram isn’t just following the trend — it’s aligning its core feed experience to match user behavior.
Final Thoughts
The shift to a 4:5 default for Instagram grid posts might seem like a small design tweak, but it’s one with big implications. For creators and brands, it’s a cue to refresh visual strategies and lean into a more vertical, immersive approach to content.
If you haven’t already, start experimenting with the 4:5 ratio. Not only will your posts stand out more on users’ feeds, but you’ll also be in sync with Instagram’s evolving aesthetic — and likely favored by its algorithm too.
So next time you’re about to post, think tall, think bold — and let that 4:5 ratio do the heavy lifting.