Instagram Post Size Guide 2026: Dimensions for All Format Types

No social media marketing strategy is complete without Instagram. Instagram has over 3 billion monthly active users, according to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s announcement in September 2025, placing it alongside Facebook and WhatsApp as one of Meta’s 3 platforms to cross the 3 billion user milestone. With 3 main content formats (feed posts, reels, and stories), each with distinct dimension requirements, knowing the correct Instagram post size is essential for visibility and engagement.

Each Instagram post size uses a specific aspect ratio (the width-to-height proportion) and image size (the pixel count). If you upload an unsupported combination, Instagram automatically crops or stretches your content. A study by Fohr, an influencer marketing platform, found that posts using the recommended Instagram post size received up to 30% more engagement than improperly sized uploads.

This guide breaks down the exact Instagram post size dimensions, aspect ratios, and pixel specifications for 8 content types, including feed posts, videos, reels, stories, profile pictures, ads, carousels, and thumbnails.

Instagram Post Sizes

Instagram post sizes vary based on 8 content types: feed photos, feed videos, stories, reels, profile pictures, ads, carousel posts, and thumbnails. Each content type has a specific pixel dimension and aspect ratio optimized for how it displays across the app, whether in the feed, on the profile grid, or in full-screen mode.

Instagram operates entirely in pixels, but for designers working in physical units, the table below also includes dimensions in inches and centimeters, calculated at 200 PPI (pixels per inch). The recommended Instagram post size for each content type is listed below.

Instagram Feed Size and Post Dimensions

The Instagram feed size supports 4 aspect ratios: square (1:1), portrait (4:5), tall (3:4), and landscape (1.91:1). When Instagram launched in 2010, the platform only supported square Instagram post dimensions. Instagram introduced landscape and portrait support in 2015, and in 2025, Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, announced the grid preview shift from 1:1 square to 3:4 tall rectangles, adding support for the 3:4 Instagram post size ratio.

Portrait and tall Instagram post dimensions occupy more vertical screen space on mobile, making them the highest-engagement feed formats. Landscape Instagram post dimensions suit wide-angle and cinematic content. Square posts remain the most versatile Instagram post size across platforms. The recommended Instagram feed post sizes for each format are listed below.

1. Instagram Square Photo Size (1:1 ratio)

The Instagram square photo size is 1080 x 1080 px with a 1:1 aspect ratio, also called the standard Instagram square dimensions. In inches, this measures 5.4 x 5.4 at 200 PPI, and in centimeters, 13.71 x 13.71. The recommended file formats are JPEG or PNG.

The 1:1 square was Instagram’s original Instagram post size from 2010 to 2015. Square Instagram photo dimensions display without any cropping in both the feed and the profile grid. The 1:1 ratio is also a standard format on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter), making it the most practical Instagram post size for creators who repurpose content across multiple platforms.

2. Instagram Horizontal / Landscape Post Size and Dimensions

The Instagram landscape post size is 1080 x 566 px with a 1.91:1 aspect ratio. In inches, this measures 5.4 x 2.83 at 200 PPI, and in centimeters, 13.71 x 7.19.

The 1.91:1 ratio matches the standard display ratio used by Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) for link preview images, making landscape Instagram post dimensions ideal for cross-platform campaigns. Instagram also supports 16:9 landscape uploads (1080 x 608 px) following the 2025 update, which aligns with YouTube and standard video production formats. Landscape is the only Instagram post size where width exceeds height, so important elements like text or logos need to be centered to avoid cropping on the profile grid, which now previews all posts in a taller 3:4 ratio.

3. Instagram Portrait / Vertical Post Size and Dimensions

The Instagram portrait post size is 1080 x 1350 px with a 4:5 aspect ratio. In inches, this measures 5.4 x 6.75 at 200 PPI, and in centimeters, 13.71 x 17.14.

Portrait Instagram post dimensions take up 67% more vertical screen space than square posts in the feed. The 4:5 ratio was the tallest Instagram post size available until 2025, when Instagram introduced the 3:4 ratio (1080 x 1440 px). Portrait remains the recommended Instagram photo size for most feed content because both 4:5 and 3:4 fall within the profile grid’s 3:4 preview frame, meaning neither format gets cropped on your profile.

Instagram Video Size and Dimensions for Posts

Instagram video posts support 3 aspect ratios: square (1:1) at 1080 x 1080 px, portrait (4:5) at 1080 x 1350 px, and landscape (1.91:1) at 1080 x 566 px. The recommended video file format is MP4 or MOV, with a maximum file size of 4 GB.

Videos on Instagram receive more interaction than static images. According to a 2024 Social insider study analyzing over 36 million posts, Instagram Reels averaged a 1.23% engagement rate compared to 0.70% for image posts. All videos uploaded to the Instagram feed now automatically post as Reels, regardless of aspect ratio. However, the aspect ratio you choose still determines how the video appears in the feed and on your profile grid.

Square Instagram video dimensions (1:1) display at the same size as a standard square photo post. Portrait video at 4:5 occupies more screen space and is the most commonly used Instagram video post size for feed content. Landscape video at 1.91:1 is the least used format, but it works for repurposing content originally produced for YouTube or other 16:9 platforms.

If you manage content across platforms, make sure to optimize beyond Instagram. Use our LinkedIn Video Sizes Guide to keep videos consistent and high-quality everywhere.

What Size is an Instagram Story?

The Instagram story size is 1080 x 1920 px with a 9:16 aspect ratio. In inches, the Instagram story dimensions measure 5.4 x 9.6 at 200 PPI, and in centimeters, 13.72 x 24.38. Instagram’s help center confirms that stories support aspect ratios between 1.91:1 and 9:16.

Stories are full-screen vertical content. The 9:16 ratio is the only Instagram stories size that fills the entire mobile screen without black bars or cropping. Landscape or square uploads display with empty space on either side. Over 500 million Instagram accounts use Stories daily, according to Meta’s 2024 earnings report.

The Instagram app overlays UI elements on every story, including the account name, profile picture, reply bar, and action buttons. These elements cover approximately 250 px at the top and 500 px at the bottom. This leaves a safe zone of roughly 1080 x 1170 px in the center where text, logos, and key visuals remain fully visible. Hootsuite’s 2026 social media image guide recommends leaving 14% of the top and 35% of the bottom free from important Instagram post size elements.

Instagram Reels Sizes

The Instagram Reels size is 1080 x 1920 px with a 9:16 aspect ratio. The Instagram Reels dimensions in inches are 5.4 x 9.6 at 200 PPI, and in centimeters, 13.71 x 24.38. Reels share the same Instagram post size as Stories but serve a different function within the app.

Reels play vertically in full-screen mode in the Reels tab and Explore page. On the profile grid, Reels display as 3:4 thumbnails. Under the dedicated Reels tab on a profile, thumbnails display at the full 9:16 ratio. According to Instagram’s help center, the minimum Reel length is 3 seconds and the maximum is 90 seconds. The supported file formats are MP4 and MOV, with a maximum file size of 4 GB.

Instagram allows a custom cover image for each Reel. The ideal Reel cover size is 1080 x 1920 px, matching the 9:16 Instagram Reels dimensions. On the profile grid, this cover crops to 3:4, so key elements like text and faces need to be positioned in the center of the frame. According to Buffer’s 2025 Instagram image guide, selecting a clear, high-resolution cover image rather than an auto-selected frame improves profile aesthetics.

For a comprehensive guide on scheduling IG Post at peak engagement times, check out our Instagram Scheduler

Instagram Profile Picture Size

The Instagram profile picture size is 320 x 320 px with a 1:1 aspect ratio. The Instagram profile picture dimensions in inches are 1.6 x 1.6 at 200 PPI, and in centimeters, 4.06 x 4.06. According to Meta’s developer documentation, the minimum accepted Instagram profile picture size is 110 x 110 px.

The profile picture is uploaded as a square but cropped into a circle by Instagram. Any elements positioned in the corners of the image, such as text or logo edges, are cut off by the circular crop. For brands using a logo as their Instagram profile picture, centering the design within the square frame ensures full visibility after cropping.

The Instagram profile picture appears across multiple surfaces within the app, including the profile page, the feed alongside every post and comment, Stories ring, Explore page, and Direct Messages. Each surface renders the profile picture at a different size, ranging from 40 px in comment threads to 180 px on desktop profile views. Uploading at the full 320 x 320 px ensures the image remains sharp across all display sizes.

Instagram Ad Specs

Instagram ad sizes follow the same Instagram post size dimensions as organic posts, with additional specifications for each ad placement. According to Meta’s Ads Guide, Instagram supports 5 ad placements: feed ads, Stories ads, Reels ads, Explore ads, and carousel ads. Ad images with excessive text overlay may receive reduced delivery according to Meta’s ad specifications.

Specifications for Instagram Image Ads:

Instagram Landscape Image Ads:

• Instagram Landscape Image Ads Size in Pixels: 1080 x 566 px (width × height)
• Instagram Landscape Image Aspect Ratio: 1.9:1

Instagram Square Image Ads Specs

• Instagram Square Image Ads Size in Pixels: 1080 × 1080 px
• Instagram Square Image Aspect Ratio: 1:1

Instagram Vertical Image Ads Specs

• Instagram Vertical Image Ads Size in Pixels: 1080 × 1350 px
• Instagram Vertical Image Aspect Ratio: 4:5

These Instagram ad image dimensions keep visuals sharp and impactful across all devices.

Specifications for Instagram Video Ads:

Instagram Landscape Video Ads Specs

• Instagram Landscape Video Ads Size in Pixels: 600 × 315 px
• Instagram Landscape Video Aspect Ratio: 1.9:1

Instagram Square Video Ads Specs

• Instagram Square Video Ads Size in Pixels: 600 × 600 px
• Instagram Square Video Aspect Ratio: 1:1

Instagram Vertical Video Ads Specs

• Instagram Vertical Video Ads Size in Pixels: 600 × 750 px
• Instagram Vertical Video Aspect Ratio: 4:5

Using these Instagram video ad sizes helps ensure strong performance across viewing preferences.

• Story Ads: The recommended Instagram Story ad size is 1080 × 1920 pixels with a 9:16 aspect ratio for full-screen display.
• Carousel Ads:
  • Image carousel ads: 1080 × 1080 pixels, aspect ratio 1.9:1
  • Video carousel ads: 1080 × 1080 or 600 × 600 pixels, aspect ratio 1:1

These Instagram carousel ad specs help maintain visual consistency and engagement.

Instagram Carousel Post Size

Instagram carousel posts support up to 20 images or videos in a single post, according to Instagram’s help center. The recommended Instagram carousel post size is 1080 x 1350 px at a 4:5 aspect ratio, though square (1:1) at 1080 x 1080 px and landscape (1.91:1) at 1080 x 566 px are also supported.

The first slide in a carousel determines the aspect ratio for all remaining slides. If the first slide is square, Instagram crops every following slide to 1:1 regardless of its original Instagram post size dimensions. Mixing orientations within a single carousel is not supported. All slides must use the same file format, either JPEG or PNG for images, or MP4 and MOV for videos.

Instagram Thumbnail Grid Size

The Instagram thumbnail grid is the mosaic of post previews displayed on every profile page. As of the 2025 update announced by Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, the grid previews posts in a 3:4 ratio instead of the previous 1:1 square format.

On mobile devices, each grid thumbnail renders at approximately 293 x 390 px. Posts uploaded in square (1:1), portrait (4:5), or tall (3:4) formats are cropped to fit this 3:4 preview window. Landscape posts (1.91:1) lose the most content in the grid preview since the wide format is significantly shorter than the 3:4 crop frame. Reels display as 3:4 thumbnails on the main grid and as 9:16 thumbnails under the dedicated Reels tab.

For cross-platform campaigns, also review our guides on Facebook post size, Twitter post size, GMB post size, and LinkedIn post size.

Instagram Post Size Updates and Changes

Instagram has made 4 major changes to its supported Instagram post size dimensions since the platform launched in 2010.

In 2010, Instagram launched with only square posts at a maximum resolution of 640 x 640 px. In 2015, Instagram introduced landscape (1.91:1) and portrait (4:5) support, giving creators 3 aspect ratio options for feed posts. In July 2015, Instagram also increased the maximum upload resolution from 640 x 640 px to 1080 x 1080 px, according to a report by The Verge.

In 2022, Instagram increased the maximum Reel length from 60 to 90 seconds, according to an announcement by Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram. In January 2025, Mosseri announced the profile grid preview shift from 1:1 square to 3:4 tall rectangles, adding support for the 3:4 aspect ratio (1080 x 1440 px) as a new Instagram post size.

Instagram maintains backward compatibility across all updates. Posts uploaded with previously valid Instagram post size dimensions continue to display correctly. Major Instagram post size changes are announced through the official Instagram blog, Meta’s developer documentation, or Adam Mosseri’s public channels on Instagram and Threads.

Why should you care about Instagram post size?

There are 4 reasons why the correct Instagram post size matters: visual consistency, cropping prevention, text readability, and design element preservation.

1. For Better Visual Storytelling

Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes content that generates engagement, according to Meta’s 2024 transparency report on how Instagram ranks content. Posts with sharp, correctly sized visuals receive more likes, comments, and shares than pixelated or cropped content. Using the correct Instagram post size dimensions keeps your visual storytelling consistent across your feed, profile grid, Stories, and Reels. Incorrect Instagram image sizes result in distortion, which causes parts of your content to disappear or lose clarity.

2. To Avoid Cropping Images

Instagram automatically crops any image uploaded outside the supported aspect ratio range of 1.91:1 to 3:4, according to Instagram’s help center. This means a photo uploaded at 16:9 (1080 x 608 px) will lose portions of the image on both sides when displayed on the profile grid. For carousel posts, all slides are locked to the first image’s aspect ratio. If the first slide is square and the second is portrait, Instagram crops the portrait slide to match the square format.

3. To make sure your text displays properly

Text overlays on Instagram posts require precise placement within the Instagram post size frame. On Stories and Reels, the app’s UI elements cover approximately 250 px at the top and 500 px at the bottom. Text placed in these zones is hidden behind the account name, reply bar, or action buttons. On feed posts, text placed near the edges of a landscape image risks being cropped on the 3:4 profile grid preview.

4. To keep logos and design elements intact

Brand logos, icons, watermarks, and call-to-action buttons need to fall within the visible area of each Instagram post size format. The profile grid now previews posts at a 3:4 ratio, which crops the sides of landscape posts and the top and bottom edges of content wider than 3:4. According to Meta’s ad specifications, this also applies to promoted posts, where incorrectly placed design elements reduce ad effectiveness and click-through rates.

Read More: How to download Instagram video?

How to Upload the Right-Sized Images on Instagram

Instagram accepts image uploads between 320 and 1080 pixels wide, with aspect ratios between 1.91:1 and 3:4, according to Instagram’s help center. Images uploaded above 1080 px are automatically sized down. Images below 320 px are enlarged, which causes visible pixelation and quality loss.

While Instagram can auto-crop posts to fit supported aspect ratios, this often removes important parts of the image. Resizing to the correct Instagram post size before uploading gives full control over which parts of the content remain visible.

How to Change Instagram Post Size Before Uploading

There are 4 ways to resize images to the correct Instagram post size before uploading: RecurPost’s image editor, Instagram’s built-in editor, your phone’s native editor, or professional design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Canva.

Using RecurPost’s Image Editor

1. Log in to RecurPost and create a new post.
2. Upload your image.
3. Open the built-in image editor.
4. Select the Instagram post size you need: square (1:1), portrait (4:5), or landscape (1.91:1).
5. Adjust the crop frame to position your content.
6. Schedule or publish directly to Instagram from RecurPost.

RecurPost combines image cropping and scheduling in a single workflow, which eliminates the need to resize in one tool and publish from another.

Using Instagram’s Built-in Editor

1. Open Instagram and tap the “+” icon to create a new post.
2. Choose your image or video from the gallery.
3. Tap “Next” then “Edit.”
4. Tap the resize icon (expanding arrows) to adjust the Instagram post size.
5. Tap the format button (overlapping squares) to switch between square (1:1), portrait (4:5), or landscape (1.91:1).
6. Drag the image to adjust framing within the selected aspect ratio.
7. Tap “Next” to proceed with filters and posting.

Instagram automatically resizes content that does not match its supported post ratios, which may lead to unwanted cropping. Always preview the crop before posting.

Using Your Phone’s Native Editor

1. Open your gallery app.
2. Select the photo you want to resize.
3. Tap “Edit” then “Crop” or “Resize.”
4. Select an aspect ratio that matches Instagram’s supported range: 1:1, 4:5, 3:4, or 1.91:1.
5. Save the resized image.
6. Upload to Instagram with the correct Instagram post size dimensions.

Instagram Post Sizing in Popular Photo Editing Software

Professional design tools like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Canva offer precise control over Instagram post size dimensions. Each tool allows you to set exact pixel values, aspect ratios, and resolution before designing, which ensures your content matches Instagram’s specifications from the start.

Sizing Instagram Posts in Photoshop

1. Open Adobe Photoshop and select Create New Document.
2. Set the canvas to the Instagram post size you need: 1080 x 1080 px for square, 1080 x 1350 px for portrait, 1080 x 1440 px for tall, or 1080 x 566 px for landscape.
3. Set resolution to 72 PPI for web use.
4. Set color mode to RGB.
5. Click “Create” to generate the canvas.
6. Export as JPEG or PNG for uploading.

For designers working in inches in Photoshop, set the resolution to 200 PPI and use: 5.4 x 5.4 in for square, 5.4 x 6.75 in for portrait, 5.4 x 7.2 in for tall, and 5.4 x 2.83 in for landscape.

Sizing Instagram Posts in Illustrator

1. Open Adobe Illustrator and select New Document.
2. Choose profile: Web.
3. Set the artboard to the Instagram post size you need: 1080 x 1080 px for square, 1080 x 1350 px for portrait, 1080 x 1440 px for tall, or 1080 x 566 px for landscape.
4. Set color mode to RGB.
5. Click “Create.”
6. Export as JPEG or PNG for uploading.

For designers working in inches in Illustrator: 5.4 x 5.4 in for square, 5.4 x 6.75 in for portrait, 5.4 x 7.2 in for tall, and 5.4 x 2.83 in for landscape.

Sizing Instagram Posts in Canva

1. Open Canva and select “Create a design.”
2. Search “Instagram Post” for the default 1080 x 1080 px canvas.
3. To switch to a different Instagram post size, click “Resize” and enter 1080 x 1350 px for portrait, 1080 x 1440 px for tall, or 1080 x 566 px for landscape.
4. Design your content within the canvas.
5. Export as PNG or JPG for uploading.

Canva’s resize feature requires a Canva Pro subscription. Free users can create a new custom-sized design instead of resizing an existing one.

FAQs on Instagram Post Size

Dinesh Agarwal

Dr. Dinesh Agarwal, founder of RecurPost, holds a PhD in Cloud Computing and transitioned from academia to social media innovation in 2013. He built RecurPost into an enterprise-grade automation platform now used by over 100,000 businesses worldwide. Beyond leading RecurPost, Dr. Agarwal shares insights on social media marketing through talks, podcasts, and articles, with a focus on content optimization and algorithm-driven distribution.