Trying to keep up with Instagram updates can feel like a never ending game of cat and mouse. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We’ve done all the hard work and pulled together a list of Instagram’s latest updates so you can stay ahead of the game.

Horizontal is the new black

The update you’ve probably heard the most buzz about is the new grid size. Instagram is making profile grids taller to match the style of posts people are sharing the most right now.   

So, what does this mean for you? It’s time to start using the recommended post size if you’re not currently: 1080 x 1350px. That way, your content will fit into the updated grid layout. 

But there’s a catch…

The grid view on your profile is actually slightly narrower than the new post size. While posts are uploaded at 1080 x 1350px, they appear in the grid at 1015 x 1350 px. 

This means that the edges of your posts might get cut off in your profile grid. So, if you’re adding text or important details, make sure they’re centered and within the safe margins. 

What about reels?

The reels thumbnail size stays the same at 1080 x 1920 px, but here’s the tricky part, the grid view will crop it to 1015 x 1350 px. This means the top and bottom of your reel thumbnails will get cut off when viewed on your profile. If you add text or visuals to your thumbnails, be sure to keep them in the center so they are visible. 

One of Instagram’s other exciting updates is the ability to customise your profile grid. This means you’ll soon be able to rearrange posts, adjust your reel Thumbnail and make your former square post within the new grid size. This is giving you more control over the aesthetic and flow of your profile.

Reorder your grid 

This update is still to come but such an exciting update! Instagram knows we love a good aesthetic, so they’re finally letting us rearrange our grids. That means you can move your posts around however you want to make your profile look perfect. No more posting in a weird order and regretting it later!

Reel Thumbnails

Noticing your reel thumbnails looking a little off since the new grid update? You’re not alone! Instagram now lets you adjust your reel thumbnails.

If you have text that is cut out, you can now reposition your thumbnail so the text or picture to make sure nothing important gets cut off. Just keep in mind that the grid view is slightly shorter, so double check your placement, especially if you have text! You want it to look good both in the feed and on your profile. You still have the option to upload a new thumbnail.

What about posts?

Unlike reels, you don’t have as much freedom when it comes to changing the first image in your posts or carousels. You can still swap it out in the same place as reels, but there’s a catch… if your text gets cut off, you have two choices: 

1. Leave it as is (not ideal if important details are missing). 

2. Adjust it to fit, but this will add a border (either white or black).

Trial reels

Okay, this one is a game changer! Trial reels are basically like your secret testing zone. These are reels that only non followers will see, which gives you a chance to test out new ideas or content without it going straight to your followers. Think of it as a dress rehearsal for your Insta content. The best part? You can see what sticks before committing. Trial reels are all about experimenting!

Views over time 

This feature lets you compare how your reels are doing over time. When you’re looking at a reel, head to its insights and you’ll see how it stacks up against your other content. It helps you track what’s hitting the mark and what’s maybe not so much. It’s a super helpful way to figure out what your audience (both followers and non followers) is vibing with!

View rate past first 3 seconds

The view rate after the first 3 seconds insight is a big deal because it shows if people are actually hooked by your reel. If you scroll past too quickly, Instagram won’t push it out to more people. But if they stay? That means your hook is working, and your reel has a better chance of reaching a bigger audience. This insight helps you figure out which hooks grab attention so you can create more content that keeps viewers watching.

Highlights are moving

Instagram is all about that clean, simple look, so they’re moving highlights down in your profile grid. Instead of seeing them front and center when someone lands on your profile, your content will be the first thing they see. Don’t worry, they’re not disappearing! They’ll have a little icon in the corner, just like reels and carousels, so people can still find them easily.

Profile update

Nothing major here, just a slight tweak to make profiles look more minimal and polished. It won’t change how you use Instagram, so no need to stress about this one.

Instagram is constantly changing, and while it can feel like a lot to keep up with, these updates are actually giving us more creative control than ever before. From refining our grids to testing content before committing, there are so many new ways to make sure our profiles look and perform their best! If you ever get stuck or need a little inspo, you know where to find us.