Instagram is changing how your photos show up, and it’s all good news if you like to shoot on your phone. Currently, you can post pictures with a 3:4 aspect ratio, and they’ll display just how you took them – no more unwanted cropping.
Instagram head Adam Mosseri shared the update on Threads, saying, “It’ll now appear just exactly as you shot it.” He explained that this is because “almost every phone camera defaults to” the 3:4 ratio, which is a more natural fit for most users.
View on Threads
If you’ve ever uploaded a portrait-style photo and found the top or bottom cut off, this new update aims to fix that. Instagram previously allowed a 4:5 aspect ratio for vertical images, which was better than square but imperfect. The new 3:4 ratio is taller, so your entire photo stays in the frame.
What’s changing with your uploads
Instagram’s broadcast channel clearly showed how this update makes a difference. With 3:4 photos, your images keep their original look. You can now share these types of photos both as single-image posts and in carousels (multiple-photo posts) without worrying about your content getting clipped.
You can still choose to upload in square (1:1) or 4:5 formats if you prefer those, but now you have more flexibility, especially if you’re trying to show off full-body shots, tall architecture, or anything that looks better without the crop.
This change is already live and doesn’t require an app update. Just upload your 3:4 photo, and Instagram will handle the rest. The new format applies across Android and iOS devices, giving you a smooth experience no matter your phone.
Why Instagram made the switch
This isn’t the first time Instagram has shifted away from its signature square look. Back in January, the platform updated profile grids to use rectangles instead of just squares. It’s a clear move towards adapting to how people take pictures.
Mosseri said, “At this point, most of what’s uploaded, both photos and videos, are vertical in their orientation.” People are capturing moments on their phones, which naturally shoot in vertical modes. Instagram is simply following this trend to make posting easier and more accurate.
For years, Instagram was known for its square format. However, with changes in how people create content – especially with the rise of Stories and Reels – the platform has slowly embraced vertical content in all forms.
How this affects your content
If you like to take pictures using your phone’s camera without editing or cropping, this update is a win. You no longer have to worry about resizing your image or losing part of it when uploading to Instagram.
For creators, brands, and photographers, this means more creative freedom. Your content can now appear exactly as you imagined it. The new 3:4 support allows you to maintain complete control over how your photos look on your feed.
And if you’re just someone who loves sharing moments from your life, you’ll find it easier to do so without thinking twice about aspect ratios. Just snap, upload, and post.
With this update, Instagram ensures that your photos stay true to what you capture. A small change makes a big difference in your visual storytelling.
