Instagram Grid (Feed) Layout Change: 4:5 Reels and Grid - How to Fix 'Fit to Feed' Issues!
- Jeong Hyeon
- Jan 27
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 30
The Instagram grid area, visible on an Instagram profile, is where all previously uploaded content is displayed in one view. As shown in the image below, it plays a crucial role in shaping first impressions by showcasing brand or product images through the 'Fit to Feed' feature. This element significantly impacts whether users decide to follow the account. Keeping the grid clean and consistent enhances visual appeal and helps convey professionalism.
[Instagram Grid and Reels 'Fit to Feed' View]
Mobile grid | Mobile reels | PC grid |
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*Check it out on Instagram! (ID: @ama_allmarketingagency)
Q1. Changes to the Instagram Grid Layout
PC Version: The grid layout remains the same, keeping the original 1:1 aspect ratio. There are no changes here.
Mobile Version: The feed aspect ratio has been changed to 4:5.
Previously, both PC and mobile used the same 1:1 aspect ratio, but this update has resulted in a difference between the PC and mobile feed layouts.
Q2. Issues Caused by the Recent Update
Limitations of the 'Fit to Feed' Feature
The change from a square (1:1) aspect ratio to 4:5 has caused images to be automatically enlarged or cropped at the top and bottom, making it harder to precisely align the feed.
Lack of Consistency Between PC and Mobile
While PC still retains the 1:1 ratio, mobile now uses the 4:5 ratio. This inconsistency has made it challenging to optimize images for both platforms simultaneously.
Impact on Brand Strategy and Feed Design
Many brands and creators have relied on grid-based layouts (e.g., puzzle feeds) to showcase their brand identity with a unified visual style. However, this update makes it difficult to maintain previous strategies, potentially leading to negative effects on branding and content visibility.
Q3. How to Adjust Grid and Reels with the 'Fit to Feed' Feature
Follow these steps to align your feed for both PC and mobile:
[Steps for 'Fit to Feed']
1.Prepare Your Image
Create an image with dimensions of 3240px x 3840px. (Additional steps can follow depending on your instructions.)
2.Split the Image into Sections
Split image from PineTools
Setting
Upload image
Split by: Both(grid)
Vertically: 2, Horizontally: 3
3.List up
Organize it in reverse order, starting with the most last piece.
4.Upload way
Have to upload by phone from reels upload.
For grid view adjust from preview mode
(* Due to image enlargement, it can currently only proceed in a 3x2 format.)
Q5. General Review of the Instagram Update
The latest update aimed to enhance the feed experience for mobile users, but in reality, it has made the user experience more inconvenient. In particular, the mismatch between PC and mobile layouts has caused confusion for creators and brand marketers, compounded by the lack of clear guidelines.
Ultimately, this update has not only failed to improve user experience but has also introduced various challenges for marketing and brand management.
While updates to enhance user experience are essential and important, it would have been better if this process had been handled more carefully and accompanied by clearer guidelines.
Q6. How Should We Respond Moving Forward?
Content Creation to Adapt to the New Ratios Consistently test and experiment internally to find the most suitable upload formats.
Track Updates and Wait Monitor changes closely, as a new update may be released that ensures consistency between PC and mobile platforms.
Strengthen Communication with Followers Inform your followers about any inconveniences caused by the update and share the process of adapting to the new format with them.
We Want to Hear From You!
What are your thoughts on Instagram’s switch to the 4:5 aspect ratio?
If you have any creative feed design ideas that fit the new ratio, share them in the comments!
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