Adapting to Instagram’s Vertical Grid Layout: Strategies for the Equestrian Industry
Instagram’s ongoing evolution keeps marketers and businesses on their toes. Among its latest developments is the testing of a vertical grid layout, replacing the traditional square format with vertical rectangles. For equestrian businesses and influencers, this change introduces exciting opportunities to revolutionise social media strategies and captivate audiences through immersive, visually stunning content.
Let’s explore how equestrian brands can adapt to this shift and utilise the vertical grid layout to amplify their social media presence.
What Is the Instagram Vertical Grid Layout?
Instagram’s vertical grid layout aligns with the increasing dominance of vertical content like Stories and Reels. As users scroll through their feeds, they interact more frequently with full-screen, vertical media that commands attention. For example, equestrian businesses often use Stories to share behind-the-scenes footage of grooming sessions or training routines, while Reels are ideal for capturing the excitement of a competition jump or the artistry of a dressage performance. The transition to a vertical profile grid optimises the platform for these preferences, providing a streamlined experience for creators and viewers alike.
The vertical grid presents an opportunity for equestrian businesses to showcase the dynamic and graceful elements of their industry—whether it’s the fluid movement of horses in competition, the intricate details of equestrian fashion, or the stunning landscapes that accompany horseback riding. For example, a dressage stable might use a sequence of posts to highlight the preparation, execution, and celebration of a Grand Prix performance, while a tack shop could craft a visually striking series showcasing their best-selling saddles in action.
Why the Vertical Grid Matters for the Equestrian Industry
In the equestrian world, visual storytelling plays a pivotal role in engaging audiences. Instagram’s vertical grid allows brands to:
Create Immersive Experiences: Vertical media dominates the screen, offering an engaging and immersive view of content. For equestrian brands, this means showcasing the elegance of horses and riders without distractions.
Enhance Visual Impact: With a larger visual canvas, businesses can highlight intricate details of products, from saddle craftsmanship to apparel stitching, or emphasise the energy of an equestrian event.
Build a Stronger Connection: Equestrian enthusiasts are drawn to authenticity and emotional resonance. Vertical grids facilitate storytelling that draws viewers deeper into the world of horses and riding.
Strategies for Optimising Instagram’s Vertical Grid Layout
To successfully transition to the vertical grid, equestrian businesses should consider the following steps:
1. Optimise Visual Content
The vertical grid favours vertical formats, such as 4:5 for photos and 9:16 for videos. Transitioning to these dimensions ensures that content fills the screen as intended, avoiding awkward cropping or black bars.
Equestrian content ideas to explore:
Dynamic Action Shots: Highlight thrilling moments from showjumping, dressage, or cross-country events.
Up-Close Features: Showcase the beauty of a horse’s mane, a finely detailed saddle, or a rider’s elegant posture.
Behind-the-Scenes Stories: Offer a glimpse into the training, grooming, and preparation that define equestrian life.
2. Plan Your Grid Layout
The vertical grid format encourages a more cohesive and strategic approach to grid planning. Utilise layout preview tools to organise content, ensuring that each post contributes to an aesthetically pleasing profile.
For equestrian brands, this might mean:
Creating a sequence of posts that tell a story, such as a horse’s journey from training to competition.
Arranging product showcases to flow seamlessly across the grid.
Highlighting special events with themed layouts that leave a lasting impression.
3. Maintain Consistent Branding
Consistency is key to building trust and recognition. From colour schemes to typography, ensure that all content aligns with your brand’s identity.
Examples for equestrian businesses:
Use a signature filter or preset to create a unified look.
Incorporate your brand logo subtly into images and videos.
Leverage brand-specific language in captions, ensuring that posts resonate with your audience’s values and interests.
4. Leverage Video Content
Video continues to dominate Instagram’s algorithm, and the vertical grid enhances its impact. For equestrian brands, Reels and Stories provide opportunities to:
Share tutorials, such as saddle fitting or grooming tips.
Showcase rider training routines or horse care practices.
Highlight event coverage with dramatic music and high-energy editing.
Updated: January 2025
Whether you love it or hate it, it seems the vertical grid layout is here to stay! The information we shared a while ago above is still relevant, but we thought we’d share some specific ways to help you navigate the new change, now that it is being rolled out for more and more users:
1. Adjust How Your Posts are Previewed
If you tap on the three dots on the top right corner of your post, you will see “Adjust preview” which gives some flexibility in editing how the posts appears on your profile. If it’s a reel, then you will be able to adjust and zoom in or out of the cover image to make it better fit the portrait grid. If it’s a carousel or image post, you can add a black or white border so that the post fits within the preview.
2. Upload New Reel Covers
If you post lots of reels with text and graphics on the cover, the new grid layout might have misaligned or cropped your designs so that your feed now looks messy or confusing. Although it may seem tedious, you can fix this by tapping the three dots, then “Edit” and upload a new reel cover designed specifically for the portrait grid. We recommend doing this for at least the most recent posts, so that users have a good first impression when they visit your profile.
3. Optimise Future Posts
Ensure your carousels and image posts are sized at 1080x1350 pixels (4:5 ratio) to display with minimal cropping. It’s important to note that the ratio of the new grid isn’t exactly 4:5 (instead it is 3:4) and the sides of your posts will be cropped ever so slightly, so make sure there isn’t any text or important features reaching too close to the sides of the post. The vertical layout also emphasises the flow of your feed even more, so consider the consistency and cohesiveness of your posts and cover images.
Conclusion
Instagram’s vertical grid layout is more than just a format change; it’s a chance for equestrian brands to elevate their visual storytelling and connect with audiences on a deeper level. Start planning your vertical grid strategy today to make the most of this exciting opportunity! By optimising content, planning cohesive layouts, and embracing consistent branding, equestrian businesses can harness this feature to stand out in a competitive social media landscape.
As Instagram continues to evolve, staying adaptable and innovative will be key to thriving. For equestrian brands, the vertical grid offers an exciting opportunity to share the magic of horses with the world, one captivating post at a time.
