Being part of the crowd makes us feel accepted, but separating ourselves and claiming a unique identity helps us grow and give back. That’s true in both the real and digital worlds, and nowhere is it truer than on Instagram – perhaps the world’s most popular social media app.

On Instagram, your profile grid is the face and body of the work you choose to showcase. Casual users may not give their grids much thought. But for businesses, influencers, and coaches, a thematic profile grid that is well-designed, aesthetically pleasing, and conveys the intended message is critical to growing their professional accounts.

If you’re new to Instagram or the world of grid design, there are a few basic things you should know. For that reason, the following guide will briefly introduce Instagram’s grid view, why it’s important, and how to plan your posts and style your grid to wow your audience. Let’s get started.

The Instagram grid is where users land when they tap on a profile. The 3×3 grid layout is the heart of a profile page, where a person’s posts ultimately end up, creating the crucial first impression that determines whether you get those views, likes, and comments.