If you’ve noticed your Instagram profile grid looking a bit different lately, you’re not alone. Last week Instagram rolled out a new vertical grid format, shifting away from the classic square thumbnails. While this update better accommodates the vertical photos and videos most users post, it’s left many profiles—especially carefully curated ones—feeling a little chaotic. I’ve had several clients reach out, asking what they can do to adapt to the new Instagram grid layout changes.
Here’s my advice on keeping your Instagram profile looking great:
Step 1: Audit Your Grid: Take a close look at your profile and identify any posts that don’t quite work in the new layout. Start with the top rows since these are the first thing visitors see. If some posts look out of place or disrupt your overall aesthetic, consider archiving them to clean up your grid while still preserving the engagement metrics. For posts that no longer fit your brand or strategy, you might decide to and delete them.
Step 2: Update Your Thumbnail: For Reels or videos, make sure you’ve selected a thumbnail that works with the new vertical layout. A cohesive look can go a long way in maintaining a polished grid. You can also use Story Highlights to keep important content front and center without relying solely on the grid.
Step 3: Post with Intention: Now is the time to focus on creating content that looks great in the vertical grid. Vertical photos and videos will naturally fit better, but you can also experiment with borders or frames to create a cohesive style across your posts. If you have a specific color palette or theme, lean into it to make your grid feel more intentional and visually appealing.
Step 4: Revisit Popular Posts: Have some older content that performed really well? Reposting it with a refreshed thumbnail or updated format is a great way to reintroduce valuable content to your audience. Use the caption to tell followers why you’re sharing it again, whether it’s because it’s still relevant or just a fan favorite.
Step 5: Stay Updated: Instagram is working on tools to make adapting to the new grid easier. These include:
- Thumbnail Customization: Soon, you’ll be able to customize post thumbnails to better fit the vertical grid, giving you more control over your profile’s appearance.
- Grid Reordering: A feature in development will allow you to rearrange the posts in your grid, making it easier to maintain a cohesive aesthetic.
- Direct Grid Posting: Instagram plans to let you post directly to your grid without the content appearing in followers’ feeds, giving you more flexibility in curating your profile.
These tools aren’t available yet, but keeping an eye on updates will ensure you’re ready to use them as soon as they’re launched.
Social Media Is Always Changing
One thing I always remind my clients is that social media is a movable feast. Platforms evolve constantly, and what works today might look very different tomorrow. That’s why it’s so important for marketing and communications professionals to stay informed about trends and updates. These new Instagram grid layout changes is a perfect example of why flexibility and adaptability are key to maintaining a strong online presence. By keeping up with changes, you can ensure your strategies remain effective and your content resonates with your audience.
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