The New Instagram new feed layout Update – What It Means for You & How to Adapt

If you've noticed something different on Instagram lately, you're not alone. The platform is rolling out an update that changes how posts appear in the feed, moving further away from the classic square format many of us have carefully curated. So what do we do now!?!?

The latest Instagram update is here, shifting the focus to a more immersive, full-screen experience. This image highlights the new recommended dimensions: 4:5 for posts and 9:16 for full-screen content.

What’s Changed with instagrams feed layout?

Instagram’s latest new feed layout update is pushing a more immersive, full-screen experience in the feed. This means your content might not appear exactly as you designed it, especially if you’ve built your page around a clean, grid-style aesthetic – Like us!

What About Desktop Users?

As of now, this update is primarily designed for the mobile app experience. The desktop version of Instagram remains mostly unchanged, but that could shift in the future. If you're a desktop user and want a more mobile-like experience, browser extensions like "Desktop for Instagram" allow you to upload photos and create posts directly from your computer.

What Should You Do?

1. Check Your Feed – Review your past posts to see how they appear in the new layout. Some images may be cropped or displayed differently.
   

2. Adjust Your Posting Strategy – If you’ve been sticking to squares, consider experimenting with 4:5 vertical formats or even full-screen images and videos (9:16) to make the most of the new look.
   

3. Rework Your Future Grid – If your feed’s aesthetic matters to your brand (again like ours!), test how different post sizes align with your overall layout before committing.
   

4. Embrace Video & Reels – Instagram is still favouring video content, so this could be a great time to integrate more motion into your strategy.
   

5. Use Borders or Templates – If you want to maintain a square look, consider using a border around your content to ensure consistency.
   

You’re Not Alone!

Many creators and brands have built their pages around the classic square format (have I mentioned us as well?), and this change is disrupting the way feeds look. While it’s frustrating, adapting early can help you stay ahead.

Tip: Don’t panic! Everyone is in the same situation. Keep testing, tweaking, and engaging with your audience to see what works best. Change is inevitable, but staying flexible will always keep you ahead of the curve.