Instagram’s New Vertical Grid: A Game-Changer or a Headache for Marketers?

It has happened, and we’ve spoken about the grid changes before. Instagram has ditched its iconic square grid for a taller, vertical 3:4 ratio, and marketers (and everyone else too) everywhere are asking the same question: “What does this mean for us?” Is it a creative opportunity to embrace or a logistical nightmare? Permanent or not, we’ll never know.

But we feel it’s essential to have business owners know how we move from here. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of Instagram’s new vertical grid, what it means for brands, and how marketing agencies can come out on top.

What’s the Deal with Instagram’s Vertical Grid?

Instagram’s 1:1 square grid is no longer the default. The platform has shifted to a 3:4 vertical format, following the success of Reels and Stories, which have proven that vertical visuals grab more attention and boost engagement.

According to Instagram boss Adam Mosseri, this change is all about prioritising user experience, even if it throws some perfectly curated grids into chaos. The new grid takes up more screen space, making posts more engaging—but it also means brands need to adapt their content strategy.

The takeaway? It’s time to create content that strikes a balance between visual appeal and meaningful connection. Adapt your strategy to leverage vertical visuals while staying true to the polished aesthetics your audience loves.

What Does This Mean for Marketing Agencies?

This isn’t just a cosmetic tweak—it’s a major shift in how brands use Instagram to engage with audiences. Here’s a breakdown of the challenges and how to tackle them:

1. Your Grid Might Look Messy

The Problem: If your feed has been carefully curated with square visuals, the shift to vertical posts may disrupt the harmony of your grid.

The Fix: Start producing content in the 4:5 ratio (1080 x 1350 px) moving forward. For older posts, either archive mismatched visuals or rework them to align with the new aesthetic. A little spring cleaning can go a long way!

2. Video Content Is Non-Negotiable

The Problem: Instagram’s love affair with video continues. Reels, Stories, and other video content will take precedence, leaving static images with less visibility.

The Fix: Get creative with short-form video. Use Reels to tell compelling stories, showcase your products in action, or jump on trends. If you’ve been hesitant about video, now’s the time to dive in—it’s not just an option anymore; it’s essential.

3. Perfection Isn’t the Goal Anymore

The Problem: The days of obsessing over the perfect grid aesthetic are fading. Audiences now crave authenticity and value engaging content over strict visual symmetry.

The Fix: Focus on what resonates with your followers. Think behind-the-scenes clips, user-generated content (UGC), and interactive posts like polls or Q&A sessions. Engagement trumps perfection every time.

4. Adapting Takes Time and Effort

The Problem: Switching to vertical-first content means redesigning workflows, updating templates, and training your team. It’s a shift, but it’s worth it!

The Fix: Use tools like Canva or Adobe Express to simplify resizing and design. Invest in training your team to optimise vertical content creation. Efficiency is key to staying ahead.

How to Stay Ahead of the Curve

Want to turn this change into an advantage? Here’s how marketing agencies can thrive in a vertical-first Instagram world:

1. Audit Your Current Feed

Review your existing posts to see how they fit into the new layout. Archive or update anything that doesn’t align with the new 3:4 preview grid. Think of this as a fresh start for your grid.

2. Embrace Vertical-First Content

From grid posts to Stories and Reels, design everything with the 4:5 aspect ratio in mind. This ensures your content looks consistent and professional across all formats.

3. Go Big on Reels

Reels are the MVP of Instagram right now. Use them to tell your brand’s story, highlight products, or entertain your audience. The algorithm loves Reels, and your followers will too.

4. Keep an Eye on Analytics

Measure the impact of the new grid format on your performance. Track metrics like reach, impressions, and engagement to understand what’s working—and what isn’t. Adjust your strategy accordingly.

5. Educate Your Clients

Clients may feel overwhelmed by these changes. Reassure them that adapting to the vertical grid is a good thing, and show how it can boost their visibility and engagement. Proactive communication builds trust.

Time to Think Vertically

Instagram’s new vertical grid is shaking things up, but change isn’t always a bad thing. For marketing agencies, this is an opportunity to innovate, experiment, and elevate content strategies.

The key? Embrace.

Embrace the vertical-first mindset. Create content that resonates, prioritise engagement, and don’t be afraid to break away from outdated norms. Social media is about connection, and Instagram’s new layout is a tool to strengthen that bond.

So, what’s your next move? Are you ready to rise to the challenge and master Instagram’s vertical grid like us? It’s time to get creative and own the future of social media marketing!