Blog Post: Instagram’s New Dimensions — What You Need to Know (2025 Update)
Blog Post: Instagram’s New Dimensions — What You Need to Know (2025 Update)
Instagram keeps evolving, and what worked visually last year might not cut it anymore. If you’ve noticed different grid previews, taller posts, or those ultra-wide cinematic slivers, you’re not imagining things — the platform’s layout is shifting. Here’s what’s new, what’s trending, and how you should adapt.
📐 What’s Changing: From Squares to Taller & Ultra-Wide
Instagram has moved away from the classic 1:1 (square) grid view toward a taller grid preview format.
Posts are now better shown in a 4:5 aspect ratio (1080 × 1350 px) for feed and carousels, with the grid preview showing roughly a 3:4 central portion (~1012 × 1350 px)
Stories and Reels still use 9:16 (1080 × 1920 px), but their grid thumbnails follow the new grid style
On top of that, a new cinematic format (5120 × 1080 px) is gaining popularity — stretched, ultra-wide “sliver” videos/photos intended to grab attention.
✅ Pros of the New Layouts & Trends
More vertical space for expression — taller images give you room to show context, full body, scenes, or extended visuals.
Better alignment with phone-first content — Instagram is leaning into how people really consume content (mostly vertical).
Fresh creative tools — the cinematic “sliver” format (5120 × 1080) gives you a strong visual twist to break the feed monotony.
More control over what shows in grid preview — Instagram has introduced “Adjust Preview” features, letting you reposition how your post looks in the grid.
Remember to not put important information within the areas that will be blocked by the instagram features and app layouts. The top, the right side and the bottom. This could be the difference of a great post and a waste of time.
⚠️ Challenges & Things to Watch
Older square content may be cropped awkwardly — Key visuals or text near edges may disappear.
Ultra-wide formats come with constraints — The 5120 × 1080 ratio is striking, but often only a narrow slice is visible in the feed; you’ll need to design with safety margins and test readability on mobile.
Not everyone sees the update yet — Instagram rolls out features gradually. Some profiles may still display square grids.
Tools and templates may lag behind — Some scheduling/design tools still default to square or older ratios — always double-check before exporting.
🧠 Tips for Slag Tag Media followers & Welders to Rock the New Sizes
Design with the center “safe zone” in mind
Place your main content (text, subject, branding) in the center vertical area so it shows cleanly in grid previews.Use 1080 × 1350 (4:5) for most feed posts
It’s the sweet spot for balance and visibility across grid & feed.Test one or two ultra-wide posts using 5120 × 1080
Use it for announcements, cinematic visuals, or brand statements. Don’t use it all the time — it’s more for visual impact than everyday content.Use “Adjust Preview” post-upload
After posting, use Instagram’s built-in tool to shift how your image appears in the grid — so nothing important gets cut off.Keep your templates updated
Rework your graphic/Canva templates to use the new ratios so you're always posting clean. Don’t force old templates into new formats.
🧩 Final Thoughts & Strategy
Instagram’s layout changes are more than cosmetic — they push creators to rethink storytelling, cropping, and visual hierarchy. For welders, makers, and brands in trades:
The extra vertical space means you can show full machines, shop setups, step-by-step visuals.
The cinematic 5120 × 1080 format gives you a standout tool to break the scroll with bold visuals.
But always prioritize readability, clarity, and intentional design — visuals that look good and communicate clearly will win more than ones that just fit the format.
Slag Tag Media tried to share with you all the updates to give you the tools you need to manage your social media as much as you can. As you grow when you're looking for some help managing your social media, contact us, we would love to help even more.
Embrace what’s new, adapt with care, and let your work, your welds, your shop, your process — always be ahead of the game..