Instagram's New Post Size for 2025: A Step-by-Step Guide
Instagram is at it again, updating their post sizes to keep us on our toes. But this time, it's a change we can really embrace. As a graphic designer who loves helping businesses make the most of their visuals, I'm thrilled to dive into Instagram's new 3:4 post ratio. This guide will show you how to update your design process within Canva, harnessing this change to make your posts pop without worrying about pesky grid cropping.
Why the New Size Matters
The shift from square posts to the new 3:4 ratio is crucial for any business owner or content creator aiming to stand out in the ever-busy Instagram feed. Square posts have limitations, especially when it comes to capturing attention. The new ratio offers more vertical space, allowing your content to shine.
Step-by-Step Guide to Designing with the 3:4 Ratio in Canva
**1. Understand the New Dimensions**
- The newly recommended size is 1080 x 1440px. This is just slightly taller than the 4:5 ratio, giving you a touch more room to work with.
**2. Set Up Your Design in Canva**
- Open Canva and head to the *Social Media* section.
- Search for Instagram posts. While Canva might still default to older dimensions, you’ll need to create a custom size.
- Navigate to the Custom Size option and enter the dimensions: 1080 for width and 1440 for height. Make sure to select pixels.
**3. Designing Your Post**
- Use the additional space effectively by leaving key elements within the centre to avoid losing content in the square frame of the Explore tab.
**4. Exporting and Uploading**
- Once your design is ready, click on *Share* and then *Download*. Choose PNG for the best quality.
- If Instagram attempts to crop your image when uploading, press the *crop button* to ensure it maintains your full design.
**5. Resizing Existing Designs**
- For those with Canva Pro, resizing older designs is a breeze. Go to the top left corner, select *Resize*, and enter the new dimensions. This keeps your past favourites up to date with current standards.
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**6. Staying Flexible with Grid Layout**
- Although the new size offers a more comprehensive view in the feed, remember that Instagram’s Explore tab still crops to a square. Keep critical content centred.
Final Thoughts
Embracing the 3:4 post ratio means more creative freedom and a stronger Instagram presence without having to fight against grid cropping every time you post. If updating to the new size feels like a hassle, sticking to the 4:5 ratio remains perfectly viable.
I hope you find this tutorial helpful as you navigate Instagram's evolving landscape. Stay tuned for more tips and updates on getting the most from Canva and Instagram for your business.
Jacqui Naunton // White Deer