For heart-led visionaries and soul-led women in business, Instagram is so much more than just a platform—it’s a welcoming space where you can connect, share your story, and let your values shine through. In fact, your Instagram grid often gives potential clients their very first impression of your brand. Whether you’re just getting started or fine-tuning your approach, understanding how the grid works is key to creating a feed that feels authentically yours and intentionally aligned with your unique vision.
Navigating Instagram’s Grid Update
Instagram recently shifted to a new grid format, moving from square (1080 X 1080px) to a rectangle (around 1013 X 1080px) and if you’ve noticed your beautifully curated profile suddenly looking out of step, you’re not alone. This update affects how posts show up on your profile, which can be a big deal for heart-led entrepreneurs who value both visual storytelling and aesthetics.
In this new format, taller posts are front and centre so designing with an 4:5 aspect ratio in mind keeps your feed feeling cohesive and professional. Let’s explore a few simple ways to adapt without losing your signature style.
How to Adjust Square Posts to Fit the New Grid:
If your grid feels a bit mismatched, here’s a quick fix to keep things looking polished while you transition to the new Instagram grid:
- Head to your profile and select the post you want to update.
- Tap the three dots in the top-right corner.
- Scroll down and choose “Adjust Preview.”
- Select “Fit” and pick either a black or white background.
This quick step can help realign your feed, though we’re still waiting (fingers crossed!) for the option to choose custom background colors. Until then, these simple tweaks can bring your grid back into balance.
Why Designing for the New Instagram Grid Matters
Your Instagram grid isn’t just a collection of posts, it’s an extension of your brand’s heart and vision. With the shift to a rectangular grid, designing exclusively for an 4:5 aspect ratio (1080 X 1350px with ample space on the sides of your design for when it’s cropped on your grid) ensures your feed feels cohesive, intentional, and aligned with Instagram’s updates.
Why Your Grid Layout Is Worth the Effort as Part of Your Wider Strategy
- Create a strong first impression: A cohesive grid shows you care about the details, which communicates both warmth and professionalism.
- Tell your story at a glance: A well-thought-out layout lets your values, mission, and offerings shine through in a quick scroll, where you only have seconds to engage your ideal client.
- Foster deeper connections that convert: When your feed resonates with your ideal clients, it builds trust and strengthens the bond between you and your audience.
Tips for Creating a Cohesive Instagram Grid
- Design for 4:5 Exclusively: While best practice has been to design in 4:5 (1080 X 1350px) keeping the 1:1 (1080 X 1080px) that used to appear on the grid in mind, not everyone has been doing this. Transition your posts to this format to ensure a consistent and future-proof feed. Ensure ample space on the sides of your design as when it appears on your profile grid, it will be cropped to around 1013 X 1350px (Makes total sense, right?)
- Stick to a Colour Palette: Pick three to five brand colors and use them consistently across your posts. This helps create instant recognition and keeps your feed looking harmonious. If you want to evoke a certain emotion or align with the seasons, tie those ideas into your colour scheme. This should all be part of your social media, and wider marketing, strategies.
- Plan Strategic Themes by Row: Build each row with intention and alternating each post between your content pillars.
- Create Visual Flow With Patterns: Use intentional sequencing of posts to guide the viewer’s eye smoothly across the grid. Whatever approach you choose, ensure it aligns with your unique goals and resonates with your target audience (not what you think looks good).
Tools to Simplify Grid Planning
Overwhelmed by the thought of redesigning your feed? These tools can help:
- Canva: Easily create templates designed for the 4:5 (1080 X 1350 px) format. Utilise Canvas rulers and grid guides to help ensure none of your design will be cropped when it appears on your grid.
- Planoly or Later: Preview your grid and rearrange posts to achieve the perfect flow before posting.
- Lightroom: Use presets for consistent photo editing and a polished aesthetic.
- Work With a Creative Design and Social Media Expert: If you’re feeling stuck or unsure how to make your grid truly stand out, I’m here to help! With a heart-led approach, I can guide you in creating a cohesive, visually stunning feed that aligns with your brand and resonates with your audience. Let’s connect and bring your vision to life
Common Questions About Instagram’s Grid Update
What happens if I don’t adjust to the new Instagram grid? Your posts may look inconsistent or misaligned, which can disrupt the overall harmony of your profile and affect how professional your brand appears.
How can I future-proof my Instagram grid? Design all new posts in the 4:5 ratio and use tools to preview how your grid will look before posting.
Are there tools for creating 4:5 posts? Yes! You can do this in Photoshop. Canva is another fantastic, easily accessible tool for designing and editing content specifically for 4:5. Ensure all your designs are created in the 4:5 aspect ration (1080 X 1350px) with ample space on the sides of your designs. Canva has great tools such as rulers and guidelines that you can set up to help ensure your designs work. Apps like Planoly and Later let you see how your posts will fit into your overall grid, although you can do this in Canva too.
Ready to Elevate Your Instagram Strategy?
If you’re a heart-led business owner craving soulful support with your social media, I have openings starting this March. Let’s work together to shape a social media strategy that aligns beautifully with your vision and helps your business flourish.
Apply to work with Kathleen here.
Want more guidance? Watch my Instagram Reel here for a quick walkthrough on How to Adjust Square Posts to Fit the New Instagram Grid.
By intentionally designing and embracing Instagram’s latest updates, you’ll create a strategic presence that resonates deeply with your audience—one that truly showcases the heart and soul of your business.