How to make your 4:5 Instagram grid work in 2025

The new Instagram updates include off-center follower counts and the awkward name placement at the top of your profile – And don't even get started on those misaligned stats.

But the biggest plot twist Instagram has thrown at us isn't about those profile aesthetics - it's what they've done to your grid, changing it into a 4:5 Instagram grid ratio.

If you're like thousands of other creators, you're probably searching for solutions to fix your Instagram grid. 

Many are trying to salvage their carefully crafted posts, especially those created using image splitter apps. With the new Instagram update, these tools, once a favorite for creating eye-catching mosaics, haven’t kept up with Instagram's new 4:5 grid format. 

Most splitter apps still default to the old square settings, leaving users frustrated as their posts now appear cropped.

So yes – this 4:5 grid change feels like Instagram's ultimate "hold my beer" moment when it comes to testing just how much chaos users can handle. 

Keep reading, and you’ll find a solution to handle your Instagram grid.

Table of contents

What is the new Instagram update 2025 & what's really going on with your grid?

Here's the thing about Instagram's new grid layout - it's not just another minor tweak. 

This time, they're going full TikTok on us, prioritizing vertical content in what seems like their latest attempt to chase the short-form video trend.

You are probably raking your brain on decision-making since some of your business accounts have the update while others don't (classic Instagram A/B testing, right?)

And if you're wondering why some of your carefully crafted Instagram grid layout suddenly looks off – you're experiencing what happens when platforms prioritize algorithm preferences over creator needs:

1. Branding challenges

For businesses and brands, the new 4:5 Instagram grid disrupts the polished, professional look they’ve carefully cultivated. Profiles that once appeared balanced now seem cluttered or misaligned, risking a negative impact on their visual identity and audience perception.

2. Post planning disruptions

Creators who depended on the 1:1 grid for scheduling and design now face cropped visuals and disrupted campaigns. Pre-planned content, including weeks of carefully crafted shots and designs, may no longer work, forcing a complete rethink of future strategies.

3. Aesthetic adjustments

For photographers and designers, the new layout changes how visuals interact in the grid. Portraits, illustrations, and product photos often lose their flow, requiring resizing or redesigning to maintain storytelling and impact.

Want to know the exact steps for turning this Instagram curveball into your competitive advantage? Let's dive into some practical solutions that won't require hours of extra work.

Step-by-step: How to design a 4:5 Instagram grid with Kittl

But here's what's interesting - while everyone's busy complaining (and trust us, the complaints are valid), there's actually a massive opportunity here if you're willing to adapt quickly. 

If adapting to Instagram’s new grid layout feels overwhelming, Kittl, an intuitive Instagram grid maker online, offers the perfect solution. 

Its user-friendly features allow you to create polished designs tailored to the 4:5 aspect ratio, saving time while maintaining a cohesive look for your profile. 

Here’s how you can make the most of Kittl to update your grid with ease.

1. Start with Kittl’s Instagram templates

Kittl’s extensive library of pre-designed templates takes the guesswork out of creating visually engaging Instagram posts. Instead of starting from scratch, browse professionally designed layouts that are already optimized for Instagram aesthetics.

Why templates work: These ready-made designs are ideal for maintaining quality and consistency across your grid.

2. Resize for 4:5 perfection

With Instagram’s shift to a 4:5 vertical grid, resizing is key to ensuring your posts fit seamlessly. Kittl makes this process effortless with its canvas resizing tools.

Steps to resize:

1. Open your chosen template in Kittl.
2. Adjust the canvas dimensions to 1080x1350 pixels by dragging the corners of the canvas (the optimal size for 4:5 posts). If you are creating a new project, you can adjust the dimensions in the Artboard Settings.
3. Check your design to ensure no elements are cut off or misaligned.

3. How to position your content for Instagram's new grid layout

When it comes to making your posts work in this new 4:5 grid preview, the secret lies in strategic positioning. 

But here's the tricky part - you need your content to look great in both the 4:5 grid preview AND the classic 1:1 square when someone taps on your post. Sounds impossible? Don't worry, there's a smart way to approach this.

Text placement

• If you predominantly use quotes in your posts, position your main text in the middle third of the image - this area stays visible in both 4:5 grid previews and 1:1 post views
• Create a "golden zone" template that marks where your content will be visible in both formats
• When using longer text like quotes, keep it centered but compact - this ensures readability regardless of how Instagram decides to crop it.

Visual elements

• Center your key visuals in that middle square area - this spot is safe in both aspect ratios
• Use background elements that can handle being cropped differently without losing impact
• Consider creating layered designs where the core message stays in the safe zone while supporting visuals can flex with different crops

Branding elements

• Move your logo to the center-bottom and center-top of the safe zone instead of the traditional bottom corner
• Design with "flexible edges" - elements that look intentional whether they're fully visible or partially cropped
• Use repeating patterns or gradients that work regardless of where they get cut off

Here's the genius part - by designing this way, you're future-proofing your content. Whether Instagram sticks with this 4:5 grid view or reverts to the classic 1:1, your posts will maintain their impact. Smart, right?

4. Test drive your Instagram grid before posting

Let's talk about one of the biggest rookie mistakes in the Instagram game - posting without previewing how your content will look in the grid. With this new 4:5 preview situation, testing your layout is more crucial than ever. Here's how to avoid any grid mishaps:

Create visual flow

• Try the "every third post" rule - make every third post visually similar to create diagonal patterns
• Test how different post sequences look before committing
• Remember that with the new vertical format, your grid tells a different kind of story - use it to your advantage

Pro planning tips

• Keep a backup folder of "emergency posts" that work with your grid aesthetic
• Save multiple versions of your grid plan - sometimes what looks good in preview hits differently when live
• Consider how your grid looks at first glance (the top 9-12 posts) - that's your prime real estate
• Take screenshots of your current grid, then use a simple photo editing app to mock up new posts in the 4:5 format.

Why is Kittl your go-to grid maker for Instagram?

Adapting to Instagram’s new 4:5 layout doesn’t have to be stressful.

Free grid makers and basic splitters might offer a quick fix, but Kittl provides professional tools designed by designers for designers, giving you full creative control over your Instagram aesthetic.

With adjustable artboard resizing, you can set your canvas to Instagram’s exact 1080x1350 dimensions, ensuring every post fits seamlessly into the new grid. Kittl’s upcoming 4:5 Instagram-specific templates will further simplify the process, making it easy to create cohesive, standout profiles.

Kittl is built to grow with you—whether you’re exploring its free features or upgrading for advanced design options, you’ll find everything you need to craft a polished, professional grid. 

Now’s the time to elevate your content and take back control of your Instagram aesthetic.