Instagram now supports full 3:4 photo uploads

Instagram is embracing the natural format of most smartphone cameras by officially supporting photos with a 3:4 aspect ratio. The update, announced by Instagram head Adam Mosseri via a post on Threads, allows users to share images “just exactly as you shot [them],” without any automatic cropping.

This new feature aligns Instagram more closely with the way users capture and store their photos. As Mosseri noted, “almost every phone camera defaults to” the 3:4 aspect ratio, making it the most common format for casual and professional mobile photography. Previously, Instagram prioritized square (1:1) and 4:5 vertical formats, which often resulted in minor but frustrating cropping of 3:4 images—cutting off portions of the photo at the top or bottom to fit Instagram’s preferred frame.

A side-by-side comparison shared on Instagram’s official broadcast channel illustrates the impact of the update. While 4:5 images already allowed for a vertical experience, the newly supported 3:4 format ensures users retain the original composition of their photos without compromise. The change applies to both individual photo uploads and multi-photo carousels, offering greater flexibility and authenticity in visual storytelling.

Despite the new 3:4 support, Instagram users can still choose to upload images in square or 4:5 formats. The platform continues to support a range of aspect ratios, giving creators the option to select the frame that best suits their visual intent.

The adoption of 3:4 is seen as a logical step forward. With smartphones being the primary device for photo and video capture worldwide, Instagram’s design evolution demonstrates its commitment to aligning the user experience with current trends in mobile media. For creators, the update reduces the need for manual cropping or adjusting images before posting, streamlining the publishing process and preserving artistic intent.

While the update is rolling out gradually and may not be immediately visible to all users, it represents a subtle but meaningful enhancement to the app’s functionality. For millions of users who shoot in 3:4 by default, this change will ensure their photos appear exactly as intended—uncropped, unaltered, and fully preserved.