In the early days of Instagram, your grid was everything. Rows of perfectly color-coordinated posts, quote tiles, and curated themes weren’t just nice to look at—they were a strategy. Planning your feed meant controlling your narrative, building your brand, and attracting the right followers.

But in 2025, Instagram isn’t just a photo-sharing app—it’s a multi-format machine powered by Reels, DMs, Broadcast Channels, and algorithmic discovery. So… does planning your grid still matter?

Let’s break it down.
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The Rise of the Curated Feed

There was a time when your profile grid was everything. Creators spent hours arranging content to create the perfect flow. Color schemes mattered above all else. Every third post had to be a quote. Even high-performing content could get scrapped if it didn’t “fit the feed.” Back then, aesthetics often took priority over value.

The 2025 Landscape: From Aesthetic to Engagement

Today, things look different. Instagram’s homepage is less about who you follow and more about what the algorithm thinks you'll like. Reels and Stories are front and center, and a lot of users engage with your content without ever clicking into your profile.

Trends are moving faster than ever. Raw, off-the-cuff content often performs better than overly produced posts, and brands care more about engagement rate than follower count. And yet, your profile still matters—just in a new way.
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So... Does the Grid Still Matter?

Yes, but it plays a different role than it used to.

Your grid is no longer the main event, but it is your home base. It’s where new followers land when they want to learn more about you. It’s where brands go when considering a partnership. It’s where potential customers decide if they trust you enough to buy.

A cohesive grid can still:

Reinforce your personal brand
Showcase your product offerings
Create trust and professionalism
Guide users to your Link in Bio or Creator Store

Think of it less like a gallery, and more like a landing page for your brand.
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How to Make Grid Planning Work For You

You don’t need to obsess over every pixel. But a little intention still goes a long way. Here’s how to make it work without overcomplicating your workflow:

Plan your pillars, not just your posts. Focus on consistency in themes—like educational tutorials, behind-the-scenes content, or a signature series—rather than making everything “match.”
Mix formats intentionally. Alternate between Reels, static posts, and carousels to create a visual rhythm.
Zoom out. Use planning tools to preview your grid and make sure it feels cohesive, even if every post isn’t perfectly curated.
Take advantage of flexible features. You can edit and adjust your Reels cover photo after you post—so even if your content is fast-moving, your grid can still stay on brand. Plus, Instagram will be rolling out the ability to reorder your grid in the coming months.
Let your grid support your goals. Selling something? Make sure your profile points to it. Introducing yourself? Pin your “start here” post to the top of your profile. Make sure that all the key information you would want a new follower or customer to find is easily accessible on your page.
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Why Visual Planning Still Has a Place

At Planoly, we believe that visual planning isn’t outdated—it’s just evolved. That’s why our Social Planner is designed to help creators schedule across formats and still keep a cohesive feed. You can plan your grid, organize your content pillars, and link your posts directly to your Creator Store.

Whether you’re building a brand, launching a product, or just trying to keep up with the algorithm, your grid can still be a key piece of your content strategy.
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