Instagram's 4:5 Grid Revolution: Redefining Performance Marketing

How Instagram’s New Format Reshapes the Game for Advertisers, Publishers and Creators

Instagram has recently introduced a significant change to its grid format. Posts now display in a 4:5 aspect ratio instead of the traditional square 1:1 format. This update brings opportunities and challenges, particularly for performance and affiliate marketing. Here's how you can leverage it.

Overview of the Update

The 4:5 format optimizes vertical space, aligns with mobile scrolling behavior, and enhances grid aesthetics. This update opens new doors for your content strategy.

Opportunities with the New Format

Extended display area - more space for creative content

• More space means more possibilities: Products, details or even infographics can be presented in an appealing and informative way in a single post. A clear benefit for e-commerce and storytelling.
  

Optimization for affiliate links

• Publishers and creators can use the additional vertical format to place affiliate links and product descriptions more prominently without compromising visual aesthetics.
  

Improved mobile experience and engagement rates

• Vertical content fills the smartphone screen better, draws attention and encourages interactions. This can lead to higher engagement rates as content is fully visible without scrolling.
  

Challenges and adjustments

Redesigning existing content

• Marketers need to redesign their existing content to adapt it to the new format. This requires time and resources, but also provides an opportunity to update and improve content.
  

Adapting the creative strategy

• The change in format also requires a revision of the creative strategy. Vertical elements become more important, which opens up new opportunities for innovative designs.
  

Technical adjustments

• Advertisers and publishers will need to update their content creation tools and templates to accommodate the new format. Ideally, develop flexible concepts that work on multiple platforms.
  

Performance testing

• Test different image compositions to find out which approaches achieve the best engagement and conversion rates.
  

Impact on the affiliate marketing industry

Advertisers

The new format provides more space for detailed product descriptions and clear messaging, increasing the persuasiveness of ads.

Opportunities:

• Ability to present more product details in a single post
  
• Potential for higher conversion rates through improved product presentation
  

Challenge:

• Ad campaigns and creatives need to be redesigned.
  

Publishers

Publishers can integrate affiliate links more effectively by presenting products and their benefits in a visually appealing way.

Opportunity:

• Affiliate links can be integrated more prominently and content layouts optimized.
  

Challenge:

• Maintaining grid aesthetics while utilizing the new format
  

Creator

Influencers benefit from the expanded possibilities of the vertical format for creative storytelling and more intensive follower interactions.

Opportunities: 

• More space for creative product placements and storytelling
  
• Possibility to integrate longer captions directly in the image
  
• Potential for improved performance of sponsored content

Challenge:

• Sponsored content must be adapted to the new layout
  

Best practices

• Use the additional space for meaningful product presentations.
  
• Place clear call-to-actions in the lower image area.
  
• Experiment with content layouts to find the best design.
  
• Pay attention to a consistent visual language for a harmonious grid.
  
• Carry out A/B tests to optimize performance.
  

Customization as the key to success - using the 4:5 revolution

Switching to the 4:5 format gives you the opportunity to grow creatively and strategically. If you act quickly and take advantage of the new format, you can significantly boost your Instagram performance. Now is the time to rethink your strategy and exploit the full potential of the new format!