By Guest 
Instagram’s new profile layout now supports 4:5 vertical previews – learn how to optimize your grid for maximum visual impact and professionalism.
The Importance of Profile Previews
Your Instagram profile isn’t just a collection of photos – it’s a “visual storefront” that communicates your aesthetic brand identity. For content creators, businesses, and anyone wanting to elevate their presence, how posts appear in your profile grid significantly impacts audience engagement and retention.
Instagram’s New Preview Format
Unlike the previous square (1:1) previews, Instagram now displays vertical 4:5 images in their full format without cropping. This particularly benefits users who primarily share vertical content, as their posts now appear complete in the profile view.
If you’ve previously designed your grid around square previews, this change may have disrupted your visual harmony. You’ll need to manually adjust existing posts to maintain a cohesive look.
Content Creation for the 4:5 Ratio
To optimize future posts for the new profile layout:
- Use 4:5 aspect ratio (1080×1350 pixels)
- Center your main subject to avoid accidental cropping
- Manually adjust previews before posting
Adjusting Existing Post Previews
To update older posts:
- Open the desired post from your profile
- Tap the three-dot menu (⋮)
- Select “Adjust Preview”
- Reposition your image within the frame
- Confirm with the checkmark
Managing Carousel Post Previews
For carousel posts, only the first image appears in your profile grid. To change the displayed image:
- Tap ⋮ and select “Edit”
- Delete the first image (trash can icon)
- The second image automatically becomes the new preview
Final Optimization Tips
Instagram’s new display format offers unprecedented opportunities for professional content presentation. By adjusting existing posts and creating new content in 4:5 ratio, you can build a visually cohesive profile that properly represents your brand identity.
Have you customized your Instagram post previews? Share your experiences in the comments!