Instagram Adds Native Support for 3:4 Images

Here’s a small, but potentially handy new IG update.

Instagram has announced that the platform now supports 3:4 aspect ratio photos, which is the native format for more phone cameras.

As you can see in these examples, now, when you post an image to IG that’s been created in 3:4 format, it will be presented as such in-stream, as opposed to stretching it to fit, ensuring a more direct, accurate translation of your original image.

As explained by Instagram (via the Instagram Creators channel):

“Going forward when you upload a 3:4 image it’ll now appear exactly as you shot it. This works with both single-photo posts and carousels.”

I mean, for most people this is probably not a huge consideration, but for those who are taking care to craft the most effective visuals in the app, this could be a significant presentation update.

Instagram further notes that you can still share 1:1 (square) and 4:5 aspect ratio photos, but the addition of 3:4 will provide another consideration for your images.

Though video is where it’s at on IG these days either way.

For the past few years, Instagram has been looking to reiterate that the platform is no longer for photo sharing, with video and messaging being the dominant drivers of engagement. That’s become even more pronounced over the last year, with more than 50% of the content in Instagram feeds now made up of AI-recommended Reels.

Reels help keep users engaged for longer, and messaging is where more and more interaction is happening, so still images really aren’t the focus of Instagram anymore.

That said, photos are still a significant engagement option among friends, and many photos are still posted to the app. But if you were looking to maximize reach (which brands, in general, are), then photos wouldn’t be your primary focus either way.

But it’s another consideration, and another option for your IG strategy moving forward.