January 27, 2025
If you work with social media, you must have noticed it by now: Instagram has changed its phone grid size from 1:1 to 4:5 ratio. You might already been despairing about it, but here are some reflections to take under consideration. The 4:5 aspect ratio offers more vertical space, allowing brands to pack more visual storytelling into each post. However, this also means designers must be mindful of how their content flows in a taller frame while still maintaining the overall aesthetic of the grid. Also, the 4:5 ratio gives more room to breathe between images, enhancing this experience.
If you are using the same content across multiple platforms, this new aspect ratio might require more resizing, but more opportunities, too.
Old Content in a New World
Older posts designed for the 1:1 ratio may now look outdated or awkward on feeds optimised for the new format. To preserve the value of existing content:
Crop Creatively: Revisit your archive and re-crop images to fit the 4:5 frame. Focus on elements that draw attention and align with your current brand identity.
Add Frames or Borders: Extend the size of older images by adding on-brand borders, making them fit seamlessly into the updated grid format.
Repurpose in Stories or Reels: Transform static posts into dynamic Stories or Reels by adding animations, captions, or stickers to give them a fresh lease on life.
Staying Ahead of Platform Trends
Here are some tips you can observe to ensure your campaigns stay relevant:
Audit Your Content Archive: Regularly review your existing content library to identify which assets can be reworked for new formats. A small tweak to an old design can give it new life.
Use Adaptive Tools: Leverage tools like Adobe Creative Cloud or Canva to resize and reformat content efficiently. For brands managing large volumes of assets, templates with adjustable aspect ratios can be a lifesaver.
Follow Platform Announcements: Social platforms frequently roll out changes. Stay informed by subscribing to their blogs, newsletters, or creator resources.
Test and Analyse: Check your redesigned posts to see what resonates with your audience. Instagram’s Insights and similar tools on other platforms can guide your design decisions.
Platform changes like Instagram’s grid update from 1:1 to 4:5 can initially feel like a challenge, but they’re also an opportunity to rethink how we create and repurpose content. Remember, the key to successful social media marketing is agility. Give us a call to stay ahead of platform trends, prioritise a consistent visual identity, and use every update as a chance to elevate your brand presence.