Instagram Vertical Grid 2026: 3:4 Sizes & How to Adapt

Instagram dropped one of its biggest visual changes in years: the profile grid now displays thumbnails in a 3:4 vertical ratio instead of the classic 1:1 square. If you have been creating split images or puzzle feeds based on square crops, everything needs to be rethought. Here is exactly how to adapt.

What Changed and Why It Matters

Previously, every image on the Instagram grid was cropped to a 1:1 square thumbnail. Creators designed split images around a perfect square grid, typically 1080x1080 pixels per cell.

Starting in early 2026, Instagram rolled out the vertical grid globally. Each thumbnail now shows at a 3:4 aspect ratio, meaning the grid cells are taller than they are wide. This is a direct response to the dominance of vertical content on Reels and Stories.

Old vs. New Grid Comparison

How This Affects Split Images

If you upload split images designed for the old 1:1 grid, Instagram will crop the top and bottom of each piece to fit the 3:4 frame. This means:

• Puzzle feeds break because edges no longer align
• Text near borders gets cut since there is more vertical space shown
• Panoramic splits designed for square cells will have visible gaps

The fix is straightforward: design your source image for the new dimensions from the start.

Step-by-Step: Creating Splits for the Vertical Grid

1. Prepare Your Source Image

For a 3x3 grid, your source image should be 3240 x 4320 pixels. For a 3x2 grid, use 3240 x 2880 pixels. The key multiplier is 1080 wide by 1440 tall per cell.

2. Use the Right Splitter Settings

Open our Instagram Grid Maker and upload your vertical source image. Select the grid size you want (3x1, 3x2, or 3x3). The tool will automatically split each piece to the correct 1080x1440 dimensions.

3. Post in Reverse Order

Just like with square grids, post from bottom-right to top-left. The last image you upload becomes the top-left cell on your profile.

4. Preview Before Posting

Use our preview feature to see exactly how your grid will look on a profile before you commit. This saves you from having to delete and re-upload if something is off.

Adapting Existing Content

If you have an existing puzzle feed or grid layout built for 1:1, you have two options:

Option A: Redesign from scratch. Take your original high-resolution source image, add vertical padding (top and bottom), and re-split it for 3:4. This gives the cleanest result.

Option B: Accept the crop. If the important content of each cell is centered, the 3:4 crop may look acceptable. Check each piece individually before deciding.

New Design Tips for 3:4 Grids

• Keep critical content in the center 70% of each cell to account for any future ratio changes
• Use taller compositions since you now have more vertical real estate
• Test with both feed view and grid view because they display differently
• Consider vertical panoramas by splitting a tall image into a 1x3 column using our Panorama Splitter

What About Carousels?

Carousel posts are unaffected by the grid change in terms of their swiping experience. However, the carousel cover image (first slide) now appears as 3:4 on your grid. Design your first slide accordingly.

For creating carousel content, our Carousel Maker handles the correct dimensions automatically.

Planning Your Grid Strategy Going Forward

The vertical grid actually opens up creative possibilities. Taller cells mean more space for text overlays, product shots, and artistic compositions. Brands that adapt quickly will have a visual edge over competitors still posting square content.

Read our guide on Instagram grid ideas for creative inspiration that works with the new format.

The shift to 3:4 is Instagram signaling that vertical content is the future. Adapt your split images now and your profile will look polished while others scramble to catch up.