Instagram Introduces Native 3:4 Photo Aspect Ratio Support on iOS and Android

Instagram, the Meta-owned social media giant, has introduced a significant update that caters directly to photographers and mobile users. For years, Instagram confined users to square (1:1) or slightly taller (4:5) photo dimensions. However, the platform is now officially supporting 3:4 aspect ratio photos, aligning with the default vertical format used by most smartphone cameras.

Announcement Confirmed by Instagram Head

Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, confirmed the rollout via a post on Threads. He stated, “Instagram now supports 3:4 aspect ratio photos – the format that almost every phone camera defaults to. From now on, if you upload a 3:4 image, it’ll appear just exactly as you shot it.” This update is available for both iOS and Android users, and applies to single images as well as carousel posts.

No More Cropping Hassles Before Upload

Until now, users uploading photos often had to crop or manually adjust their images to fit Instagram’s restrictive formats. This process compromised the original framing, resolution, and artistic intent behind many photos. With the new update, those challenges are gone.

Whether it’s a single vertical shot or a carousel of travel memories, Instagram will now display them as captured—without forced cropping, thereby preserving the composition, quality, and creative intent of each image.

Embracing the Era of Vertical Content

This change aligns with Instagram's broader push towards vertical-friendly content. With the rise of Reels and full-screen Stories, vertical formats have become dominant on the platform. The new 3:4 photo aspect ratio is a logical addition, offering users more control and compatibility when sharing mobile-first visuals.

Instagram has also started redesigning its profile grid layout to reflect rectangular image previews rather than only square crops. This adjustment will further benefit users by giving their work more breathing room and visual appeal on mobile devices.

Why 3:4 Matters for Mobile Photographers

Most smartphone cameras—whether iPhone or Android—default to the 3:4 aspect ratio for still images. As mobile photography advances with better sensors and AI enhancements, users naturally want to share their content in the format it was captured. This update empowers mobile photographers, influencers, and content creators to maintain their vision without compromise.

The change is especially impactful for professional creators who rely on accurate framing and storytelling through visuals. By preserving the native format, Instagram is not only enhancing the aesthetics of the feed but also recognizing the shift toward mobile-first content creation.

How to Use the New 3:4 Format on Instagram

Making use of this new feature is simple:

1. Open Instagram on your iPhone or Android device.

2. Upload a photo that was taken in the 3:4 aspect ratio (the default on most phone cameras).

3. Instagram will automatically detect and retain the 3:4 dimensions in your post.

4. No need to crop, pinch to zoom, or edit – your image stays as you intended.

This intuitive functionality ensures your feed showcases your photos in the highest quality and most authentic format.

A Win for User Experience and Authentic Content

By introducing native support for 3:4 images, Instagram is taking a step toward supporting more authentic, user-centric content. Rather than force users to adapt to platform constraints, the app is evolving with its user base—giving more room for expression, creativity, and originality.

This update is also a positive move for brands, artists, and photographers who now have the flexibility to present their work exactly as shot, without resorting to third-party editing tools.