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If you’re a creative or small business owner, you’ve likely noticed Instagram’s latest update: the slightly taller vertical rectangle format. This change might seem small, but it has big implications for how your profile looks, how you create and schedule content, and how you align your Instagram strategy with Facebook.
At The Creative Duck, we’re here to guide you through this update and ensure your content continues to shine.
What’s Changed?
Instagram’s profile grid now displays images in a 4:5 aspect ratio, replacing the long-standing 1:1 square format. This means that vertical images now appear in their entirety on the grid, providing a more immersive visual experience for users. Here’s what you need to know:
Aspect Ratio: The new grid displays photos at 4:5 (1080 x 1350 pixels).
Visibility: Vertical images no longer require cropping to fit into a square thumbnail.
Mobile vs Desktop: The change currently affects Instagram’s mobile app only; on desktop, profile grids still show square thumbnails.
Why Did Instagram Make This Change?
The rise of vertical content—like Stories, Reels, and TikToks—has reshaped how users consume media. By aligning the grid format with vertical content, Instagram is encouraging seamless storytelling while allowing creators to display their work without unnecessary cropping. For brands and creatives, this means more room to showcase detail and design in your images.
What About Facebook?
Here’s where things get tricky. Facebook still prioritises square (1:1) or horizontal (16:9) formats for posts. If you schedule your Instagram posts to auto-publish to Facebook, the 4:5 aspect ratio might not display as intended on Facebook.
Tips for Managing Cross-Platform Content:
Check Previews: Before scheduling, preview how your content will appear on both platforms.
Use Templates: Create content in tools like Canva, which allow you to design posts for multiple aspect ratios and ensure consistency.
Manual Adjustments: Consider manually tailoring key posts to suit Facebook’s preferred formats.
How to Fix Old Instagram Content That Looks Out of Shape
With the grid shift, older square posts might appear out of sync with your newer 4:5 content. Here are some tips to help your profile look cohesive:
Refresh and Repost: Select your top-performing posts and reformat them into 4:5 for a fresh look. Add updated captions or hashtags to maximise reach.
Pin Key Posts: Use Instagram’s pin feature to highlight older square content that’s still valuable, ensuring it stands out.
Grid Planning Tools: Use apps like Planoly or Preview (or create a simple grid in Canva) to visualise how your grid will look with the new aspect ratio.
A simply preview grid made in Canva
Best Practices for Creating Content in the 4:5 Format
To ensure your content shines in the new format:
Shoot Vertically: Capture photos and videos in portrait mode for easy adaptation to 4:5.
Focus on Composition: Ensure key elements are centred to avoid awkward cropping.
Test Content: Upload test posts to a private account to see how they display before publishing if it's an important post and you're worried how it will look.
Why This Matters for Creatives and Small Businesses
The new grid format offers a fantastic opportunity to elevate your visual storytelling. Whether you’re a photographer showcasing your portfolio, a maker promoting your products, or a small business sharing your story, the 4:5 aspect ratio allows for more impactful and detailed visuals.
Final Thoughts
Change can be daunting, but Instagram’s new grid format is a chance to refresh and refine your strategy. However, the lack of flexibility in scheduling tools like Meta’s Facebook Creator Studio adds frustration for small business owners. These tools currently don’t allow for resizing graphics or photos according to platform-specific dimensions, making it challenging to maintain consistency across Instagram and Facebook.
It would be a game-changer if Meta aligned their size requirements across platforms, simplifying the process for creators and businesses. Additionally, carousel posts, a popular format on Instagram, often don’t work as well on Facebook, adding to the complexity. By adapting your content strategy and staying aware of these challenges, you can still create a cohesive and impactful online presence.
Have questions or need help tailoring your content strategy? We're here to support you every step of the way. Let’s turn these updates into opportunities to help your brand flourish!
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