Eliza McElhaney

Instagram Profile Grid Changes: What It Means for Your Business

Instagram is shaking things up again, and this time it’s all about your profile grid. Adam Mosseri, Instagram’s Chief, recently hinted at some upcoming changes to how your profile grid will be displayed. While the specifics are still under wraps, these changes could have a big impact on how your content is presented—and how your audience engages with it.

What’s Changing?

So, here’s the scoop. The profile grid—the layout of images on your Instagram profile—is getting a bit of a facelift. We’re talking about more customization options and the potential to display different aspect ratios within the grid. Up until now, Instagram has stuck with the classic 3x3 square format, which means your images get cropped to fit into those neat little boxes. But with the new changes, we might see a mix of image sizes coexisting within the grid, giving you more flexibility in how you showcase your content.

How Will This Affect You?

Now, I know you’re wondering, “What does this mean for me?” Well, here’s why these updates could be a game-changer:

  1. Enhanced Branding Opportunities: Let’s face it, Instagram is all about visuals. And with the possibility of different aspect ratios being displayed in the grid, you can showcase your products or services in a more eye-catching way. Imagine being able to highlight a tall vertical image without it being awkwardly cropped, or using a wider image that really grabs attention.

  2. Better Storytelling: With this new flexibility, you can craft a more cohesive story across your profile grid. The days of feeling boxed in by the square format could be over, allowing you to get creative with how you present your brand’s story.

  3. Future-Proofing Your Feed: For years, I’ve been telling my clients to post vertical images because they take up more room in the newsfeed—and that extra space means extra attention. If you’ve been following my advice, your profile grid should already be in a good spot to handle this update. Vertical images are likely to keep shining, especially since video content, like Reels, has become the go-to for social media consumption. Fun fact: Vertical videos get 90% more views compared to horizontal ones, so this trend isn’t going anywhere!

Why Should You Care?

So, why should this update be on your radar? Here’s the deal:

  • Profile Aesthetics: If you’ve been curating a perfectly square grid, this change might require some rethinking. But it’s also an opportunity to shake things up and stand out. The update could disrupt that seamless look if different aspect ratios are allowed, so it’s important to start planning how you’ll maintain a cohesive appearance.

  • Content Strategy: Think about how you can use these new layout possibilities to your advantage. Mixing vertical, square, and horizontal images could keep your profile dynamic and engaging. And let's be real—keeping your audience's attention is the name of the game.

  • User Experience: How your audience experiences your profile could shift with these changes. A well-thought-out grid can make your profile more inviting and keep visitors scrolling through your content longer. Did you know that 75% of users take action after visiting a brand’s Instagram profile? Your grid layout could be the difference between a follow and a pass.

Practical Ways to Use This Update to Your Advantage

Now, let’s get into some actionable tips on how you can use these changes to elevate your Instagram game:

  1. Leverage Vertical Content for Maximum Impact

    Vertical is where it’s at, especially with the rise of Reels. Vertical images and videos take up more space on the screen, which means more eyeballs on your content. This is not just about aesthetics—it’s about grabbing attention.

    Takeaway: Start incorporating more vertical images and videos into your content plan. This will not only help you prepare for the upcoming grid changes but also boost your visibility in the feed. Remember, vertical content is viewed more often, and in a world where 81% of people use Instagram to research products and services,visibility is everything.

  2. Tell a Visual Story Across Multiple Posts

    If Instagram allows different aspect ratios on the profile grid, you can create visual stories that span across multiple posts. For example, use a combination of tall vertical images and square images to guide viewers through a story, like a product launch or a behind-the-scenes look at your business.

    Takeaway: Plan a series of posts that tell a cohesive story when viewed on your profile grid. This can create a more engaging and memorable experience for your followers, which is key considering 50% of users are more interested in a brand after seeing an ad on Instagram.

  3. Highlight Key Products or Services

    Use the flexibility of different aspect ratios to highlight your products or services in unique ways. For example, use a wide image to showcase a group of products and follow it up with vertical images that focus on individual items. This can make your offerings stand out in a crowded feed.

    Takeaway: Use the new grid possibilities to make certain products or services stand out. Considering that 65% of top-performing Instagram posts feature products, this strategy could help drive sales and direct attention to your most important offerings.

  4. Mix Static and Dynamic Content

    Reels and videos are dominating right now, so why not blend static images with dynamic content? For example, start with a vertical image introducing a topic, followed by a Reel that dives deeper into it.

    Takeaway: Create a mix of static and dynamic content to keep your profile grid engaging and versatile. This strategy will cater to different types of followers—those who prefer images and those who engage more with video content. With video content making up 82% of all consumer internet traffic, incorporating more videos could be a game-changer.

  5. Create a Branded Grid Theme

    With more options for how images are displayed, you can create a branded theme that ties your entire profile together. Think of your profile grid as a digital storefront where every piece of content aligns with your brand’s identity.

    Takeaway: Start thinking about how you can use different image sizes to create a cohesive, branded look on your grid. This could involve using a consistent color scheme, typography, or layout pattern. A strong visual identity can increase brand recognition by up to 80%.

Final Thoughts

Instagram’s profile grid changes are more than just a tweak—they’re a chance to get ahead and make your brand shine. For those of you who’ve been posting vertical images, congratulations—you’re already ahead of the game. For everyone else, now’s the time to start thinking about how you’ll use this new flexibility to your advantage. Whether it’s enhancing your brand’s story, mixing up your content, or simply making your profile grid more dynamic, these changes are full of opportunities. So, let’s get ahead of the curve and make your Instagram presence stronger than ever!