Marina Ekroos
Mid January 2025 Instagram rolled out a new grid format, and while they are calling it a “4:5 aspect ratio,” the reality isn’t that simple. The app’s new profile grid dimensions don’t actually align with the standard 4:5 ratio. If you’re a creator, photographer, or brand trying to adapt, this inconsistency might be driving you crazy.
I originally planned to write a simple post about the new image sizes and how we’ve adapted Frameright.app’s Instagram collection accordingly. Luckily I stumbled upon Molly Balint’s post pointing out that Instagram’s 4:5 is not what it is claimed to be. I found myself in a rabbit hole of scrutinizing and evaluating, can this really be true? Here’s my take on deconstructing what’s happening.
Officially, Instagram states that posts are displayed as 1080 pixels wide by 1350 pixels tall, which would make it a perfect 4:5 ratio. However, this isn’t entirely accurate.
In reality, the real size is circa 1015 x 1350 pixels, so approximately 66 pixels (33 on each side) are cut off when images are displayed in the grid view.
As someone who works with visuals, the inconsistency between Instagram’s “advertised” 4:5 ratio and what actually shows up is deeply frustrating.
Instagram’s incorrect guidelines make it impossible for creators to create smooth, fitting content. Instead of relying on predictable formats, we now have to test, tweak, and preview every post to make sure it looks right.
If Instagram is going to roll out a new format, why not provide clear guidelines to help creators adapt easily? This lack of transparency adds unnecessary complexity. For a visual platform to strive, it would be cool if they would take Image Display Control into account and make the user experience smooth. We have made it really easy gain multitouchpoint control over image display.
And now, back to the original topic: the shift from square to 4:5. For years, Instagram’s classic 1:1 square grid was the standard. Now, with the taller “4:5” format, old images designed for the square grid will likely appear awkwardly cropped or misaligned. This is where Image Display Instructions embedded in metadata would have made a huge difference. If Instagram supported these instructions, layouts could adjust dynamically to new formats, giving creators so much more flexibility.
This is also a great time to consider other websites and platforms, including your own. If images contained embedded Display Instructions and more adaptable pixel data, design renewals, like Instagram’s switch, would be so much smoother.
The new grid format offers exciting creative potential, but only if users understand what’s actually required.
To help with this, we’ve updated Instagram image sizes on frameright.app. These sizes now come with safe area indicators, also for the “4:5 feed size.” Hopefully, this helps you navigate your content creation with confidence and style.
If your organization wants to stay future-proof with its image strategy, let’s chat! With Frameright and IDC, you can focus on the present without worrying about fixing broken structures down the line.
To overcome the challenges posed by Instagram, we are handing out 45 x 3 months pro subscriptions on a first come, first served basis. Sign up for a pro subscription at frameright.app and use the code: SOMESIZEISH to enjoy care-free image publishing.
Cheers,
The Frameright Team
