At a glance, your Instagram Grid creatively conveys everything about you and your brand to prospective followers. Grids are a quick way to showcase your content strategy and boost engagement. That is if your grid design is well-designed and skillfully executed.

Net Influencer introduces you to the trending Instagram grid styles. We share guidelines to make your Instagram Grid pop and convey the correct brand message. With some easy steps, and links to useful tools and apps, you can achieve a creative and captivating grid in record time.

Instagram Grid Options

Establish your Color Combo

https://www.canva.com/p/templates/EAFS-NN2nBM-beige-grey-minimalist-aesthetic-simple-grid-photo-collage/

Pairing or combining colors can create a sense of synergy and style. Opt for complementary colors such as grays and yellow or contrasting or vibrant colors such as neon- the choices and combos are endless. Play with tones, shades, and palettes to achieve a combo that suits your brand and niche.

The Checkerboard Effect

https://www.canva.com/p/templates/EAE3UJLBU4M-styled-photos-for-your-instagram-feed-large-size-template/

This grid style is created by focusing on the background colors and playing on the contrast of the individual photo – light followed by dark or vice versa. Alternating between two colors or a solid color and a non-color creates the checkerboard effect. You can also alternate between words and images for a more creative take on the Checkerboard Effect.

Row by Row

https://www.canva.com/p/templates/EAFJIxYhT2Q-white-black-minimalist-collage-instagram-post/

When you post three images at a time, you achieve perfect alignment and create the row-by-row effect. Use images, words, colors, and tones to tell your brand story, with each row.

Play with Shapes

https://www.freepik.com/free-psd/style-fashion-template-psd-set-social-media-ads_18422571.htm#page=2&query=instagram%20grid&position=26&from_view=search&track=ais

By design, Instagram grids are squares. While you may be limited to the shape, you can use other shapes within the box to create some interest and distinction.

Font-Forward Grids

https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/flat-inspirational-quotes-instagram-post-collection_13818933.htm#page=2&query=instagram%20grid&position=17&from_view=keyword&track=ais

Use a single word or a short phrase to elevate your grid. Excellent for a quick setup, as words don’t require much planning or designing. For a more time-effective grid setup, use the same background and font for every word or phrase. We recommend the 2:1 text tile grid, which suits nearly any brand, from education to entertainment.

The Rainbow Grid

This grid style lets you play with colors. It may not be the easiest grid to create, but it is worth the effort. You must regularly post, starting with an image in a saturated color and slowly transitioning to the next shade in the rainbow. It requires planning and careful attention to the colors used. 

Border Application

https://www.freepik.com/free-psd/collection-card-template-with-spa-concept_4049671.htm#query=instagram%20grid&position=22&from_view=keyword&track=ais

Try the border application to tie up your grid, or add some detail or a twist. The grid gives off a vintage chic look. Your border can be any color or style. You can even experiment with photo formats- either a square or rectangle. The framing effect creates a focal point that draws the viewer’s eye in. It also adds consistency.

Puzzle Pieces

https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/instagram-puzzle-feed-collection_10426519.htm#query=instagram%20grid&position=13&from_view=keyword&track=ais

This grid style is probably the most popular. It is super creative and requires much strategy, as it can be tricky. While this is too much for a daily grid, it is excellent for large campaigns and announcements. You will need some expert assistance with this one.

Take a look  tools that can assist you:

• Planable
• Canva

Creative Chaos

https://www.canva.com/p/templates/EAFRW3XzVg0-bright-sunset-cityscape-photo-grid-instagram-story/

Chaos grids are imaginative but still require design and planning. They shouldn’t be sloppy or completely unhinged. This style is fun and is all about mixing it up. It is great for a brand that is less serious and more artistic.

Planning your Instagram Grid

Define your Brand Personality

What are the ‘character traits’ associated with your brand? Your grid must align with this. You will have to consider your niche and target audience as well. Neon images and funky fonts in a flamboyantly styled grid will not represent a health and wellness brand well. Your grid must embody the colors, tones, textures, words, and creative language that perfectly describes your brand. 

Select an Instagram Grid Layout

Select the most appropriate grid layout rather than randomly selecting any options from our list. While this is a guideline, you must explore other options and find what works best for you and your brand.

For example, the checkerboard grid style using bold colors and textures suits a corporate or business brand better. The Rainbow Grid suits travel or lifestyle niches more appropriately. 

Choose your Colors

Choose colors that best suit you and tell us about you. We advise that you do not exceed three shades. Research and draw inspiration from the palettes used by other creators within your niche. 

Filters can be applied to add interest. This also allows you to stand apart from other grids within your niche but adds some consistency. Remember, the filter must match your brand personality. 

Image Editing Tools are your Friend

Image editing tools will help you attain the best image quality. It ensures that every photo is of the highest standard. You do not have to be an expert to accomplish this. Experiment with some of the tools available for a professional and customized look.

Here are some links for image editing tools:

• Creative Market
• Be Funky
• Snapseed

Reels are Part of your Grid

Selecting a reel cover photo that aligns with your plan is crucial for creating the grid of your dreams. You can opt for a professional reel cover template that will maintain the style of the grid.

Look at the templates available at these sites:

• Canva
• Wepik
• Easil
• Vista

Preview your Grid

This is a necessary step. It is made easier with assistance from more tools on the market that allow you to preview your grid layout before going live.

Have a look at the apps available for this:

• Sked Social
• Preview
• Planable

Schedule your Posts in Advance

You can maintain your grid, and keep it active by updating it with help from a scheduling tool. These tools allow you to drop selected pictures, three at a time, according to your schedule.

These tools will assist you in scheduling your posts:

• Unum
• Planoly
• Pallyy

How do you post a 3×3 Grid on Instagram?

Upload your photo to the tool of your choice. Picsplit is a great option. Select the number of parts you wish to divide it into. The tool crops and formats your image into the number of parts you requested. You simply upload this to Instagram in the correct order.

How do I Change my Grid on Instagram?

Again, we look at our brand