No social media marketing strategy is complete without incorporating Instagram in the plan. It is one of the most popular platforms that brands need to grow their presence on. Instagram lets you share your amazing photos and videos with the world in different formats including feed posts, feed videos, reels, stories, and IGTV. With so many options available, it can be a bit difficult to know which Instagram post size to use and when.
Instagram is a platform that is centered around visually appealing content. Thus, knowing the right sizes is necessary if you want to give your posts the best chance of getting engagement and building an aesthetic feed.
In this blog by RecurPost, a social media scheduler, you can schedule Instagram posts with much more than the standard answer: “a width of at least 1080 pixels with an aspect ratio between 1.91:1 and 4:5” for Instagram post size dimensions, making this your complete guide to Instagram image sizes for all post formats.
Instagram post sizes:
Before discussing ideal Instagram dimensions, examine how your current photos and videos appear. Check if images are high-quality, blurry, missing parts, or have added backgrounds to fit the feed.
You need to consider aspect ratio and size. The aspect ratio is the image’s width to height ratio. It’s represented in the form of a ratio – for example, 1:2. The first digit is the width, while the second is the height. While image size is the number of pixels that make up your image or video’s height and width.
Instagram automatically crops or enlarges images with unsupported aspect ratios. The platform accepts images with widths between 320 and 1080 pixels, enlarging smaller images and cropping wider ones.
You also need to work on the best time to post on Instagram to get maximum engagement on your posts.
Here are the recommended Instagram image sizes and dimensions for all content types
Post Types | Size in Inches (W x H) | Size in cm (W x H) | Size in Pixels (W x H) | Aspect Ratio |
---|---|---|---|---|
Instagram Story Post | 5.4 x 9.6 | 13.71 x 24.38 | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 |
Instagram Feed Post | 5.4 x 5.4 | 13.71 x 13.71 | 1080 x 1080 | 1:1 |
Instagram Photo Post | 5.4 x 5.4 | 13.71 x 13.71 | 1080 x 1080 | 1:1 |
Instagram Portrait/Vertical Post | 5.4 x 6.75 | 13.71 x 17.14 | 1080 x 1350 | 4:5 |
Instagram Horizontal/Landscape Post | 10.8 x 5.4 | 27.43 x 13.71 | 1080 x 566 | 1.91:1 |
Instagram Square Post | 5.4 x 5.4 | 13.71 x 13.71 | 1080 x 1080 | 1:1 |
Instagram Reels Post | 5.4 x 9.6 | 13.71 x 24.38 | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 |
Instagram Video Post | 5.4 x 6.75 | 13.71 x 17.14 | 1080 x 1350 | 4:5 |
Instagram feed size
Initially, users were only able to upload square images on Instagram. But now, you can upload square, horizontal, or vertical images on Instagram, each with its own optimal Instagram photo size ratio.
Instagram feed post sizes for each of these types of pictures are as follows:
1. Instagram square photo size

The square format remains most popular despite horizontal and vertical image options.
- Instagram post size in inches: 5 x 5 (width x height) for square format
- Instagram post size in cm: 12.7 x 12.7 (width x height) for square format
- Instagram post size in pixels: 1080 x 1080 (width x height) for square format
- Instagram Square Photo Aspect Ratio: 1:1 (width x height)
Use the recommended ratio to prevent image cropping. Instagram now supports multiple aspect ratios beyond its original square format (1:1).
2. Instagram Horizontal/Landscape post size

Use the correct dimensions for horizontal or landscape photos to ensure proper display across all devices. Instagram supports a 1.91:1 aspect ratio for horizontal posts, creating wider images that display well in the feed.
- Instagram Horizontal/Landscape Photo Size in Inches: 10.8 x 5.65 (width x height)
- Instagram Horizontal/Landscape Photo Size in cm: 27.43 x 14.35 (width x height)
- Instagram Horizontal/Landscape Photo Size in Pixels: 1080 x 566 (width x height)
- Instagram Horizontal/Landscape Photo Aspect Ratio: 1.91:1 (width x height)
IG Horizontal Format: JPEG or PNG (recommended formats for best quality)
3. Instagram Portrait/Vertical Post Size

The optimized instagram portrait post size is 1080 px by 1350 px. As a result, the aspect ratio is 4:5, making it the ideal Instagram vertical aspect ratio to avoid cropping. A study has found out that portrait photos receive more engagement as compared to square and horizontal photos. This is because portrait pictures take up more space on the feed.
Thus, by using portrait orientation, your brand can take up more space on the screens of users’ smartphones. Moreover, their size makes them more eye-catching, and people notice them, ultimately increasing their engagement rate.
Instagram Video sizes:

Videos typically receive more interaction on Instagram compared to still images. And just like photos, you can post them in three different orientations: square, vertical, and horizontal. Here are the best dimensions and aspect ratios of Instagram video post size for designing videos for your marketing strategy:
- Square videos: They should have an aspect ratio of 1:1 and dimensions of 1080 px by 1080 px.
- Horizontal videos should have an aspect ratio of 1.9:1 or 16:9 and dimensions of 1080 px by 607 px.
- Vertical videos should have an aspect ratio of 4:5 and dimensions of 1080 px by 1350 px.
Buffer research shows square videos receive 30-35% higher views and 80-100% more engagement than horizontal and vertical videos.
- Instagram Video Size in Inches: 5.4 x 9.6 (width x height)
- Instagram Video Size in cm: 13.71 x 24.38 (width x height)
- Instagram Video Size in Pixels: 1080 x 1920 (width x height)
- Instagram Video Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (width x height)
For those managing multiple platforms, ensuring your LinkedIn videos are optimized is just as important. Check out our LinkedIn Video Sizes Guide to keep your content consistent across all channels.
What size is an Instagram story?

Instagram stories require vertical/portrait videos. If you create a picture or video in landscape orientation, your videos and photos will show up much like landscape IGTVs — with a lot of dead space around them.
For optimal Instagram Stories, use the following dimensions:
- Instagram Story Size in Inches: 5.4 x 9.6 (width x height)
- Instagram Story Size in cm: 13.71 x 24.38 (width x height)
- Instagram Story Size in Pixels: 1080 x 1920 (width x height)
- Instagram Story Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (width x height)
You should share images and videos with a minimum aspect ratio of 1.91:1 and a maximum of 9:16. In case you wish to cover the entire screen, the best Instagram story size dimensions in pixels would be 1080 px by 1920 px. That’s a 9:16 ratio.
Instagram stories are designed for vertical phone viewing. Portrait videos utilize full screen display without requiring users to rotate phones or skip content due to extra space in landscape format.
Read: How to Make Instagram Stories Longer?
Instagram Reels sizes:

Just like stories, Instagram reels must be shot vertically in portrait orientation. In IGTVs, you get an option of playing the videos in full-screen mode. However, there is no such option for reels. Reels play directly in the repost on Instagram timeline; thus, you need to record them in portrait mode.
- Instagram Reels Size in Inches: 5.4 x 9.6 (width x height)
- Instagram Reels Size in cm: 13.71 x 24.38 (width x height)
- Instagram Reels Size in Pixels: 1080 x 1920 (width x height)
- Instagram Reels Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (width x height)
The best Instagram post size in pixels for reels would be 1080 px by 1920 px, i.e, a 9:16 ratio. (source)You can make your reels appear in the profile grid too, but it will only appear in square size on the feed.
Instagram Reels Thumbnail/Cover Dimensions: When uploading a Reel, you can choose a thumbnail (or cover) image to display on your profile grid. The ideal size for this image is 1080 x 1920 pixels, maintaining the same 9:16 aspect ratio as the Reel itself. However, remember that it will appear in a square format (1:1 aspect ratio) on your profile grid, so make sure to crop the image accordingly to maintain your feed aesthetic.
Instagram Reel Minimum Length: The minimum length for an Instagram Reel is 3 seconds, while the maximum length is 90 seconds. Keeping this in mind will help you craft content that fits within Instagram’s guidelines and holds your audience’s attention.
Instagram Reels Resolution Size: To ensure your Reels are high-quality, the recommended resolution is 1080 x 1920 pixels. This resolution aligns with the aspect ratio and ensures your video is sharp and clear.
Instagram Reel Format Size: Instagram Reels should be uploaded in MP4 or MOV formats, with a maximum file size of 15 MB. Ensuring your video fits within these parameters will make uploading smooth and keep the quality intact.
For a comprehensive guide on scheduling IG Post at peak engagement times, check out our Instagram Scheduler
Instagram profile picture size:

Your profile picture makes the first impression when people visit your profile, so it needs to be high quality. Profile pictures on Instagram are displayed in a 1:1 aspect ratio and the dimensions for this should be 110 px by 110 px. The maximum aspect ratio should be 180 px by 180 px.
- Instagram Profile Picture Size in Inches: 1.1 x 1.1 (width x height)
- Instagram Profile Picture Size in cm: 2.79 x 2.79 (width x height)
- Instagram Profile Picture Size in Pixels: 320 x 320 (width x height)
- Instagram Profile Picture Aspect Ratio: 1:1 (width x height)
Whether people search for your profile or discover you from ads, your logo/headshot should be well-positioned in the profile picture. You can choose a larger picture but make sure that the parts you want visible lie within the recommended ratio.
Along with your profile picture, make sure your bio is also up to the mark. To see some inspiration, here are 301 Instagram bio ideas you can refer to.
Instagram ad specs:

Instagram ads require more attention to detail than standard posts. Create ads with optimum post sizes to reach a wider audience and maximize engagement. If you’re looking for inspiration, exploring Instagram post ideas for business can also help craft more effective and engaging ads.
Here are the Instagram story ideas & post size ratios for ads:
Specifications for Instagram image ad formats:
Instagram Landscape Image Ads Specs
- Landscape Image Size in Pixels: 1200 x 628 (width x height)
- Landscape Image Aspect Ratio: 1.9:1 (width x height)
Instagram Square Image Ads Specs
- Square Image Size in Pixels: 1080 x 1080 (width x height)
- Square Image Aspect Ratio: 1:1 (width x height)
Instagram Vertical Image Ads Specs
- Vertical Image Size in Pixels: 1080 x 1350 (width x height)
- Vertical Image Aspect Ratio: 4:5 (width x height)
These specifications ensure optimal ad display across Instagram with clear visibility and maximum impact.
Specifications for Instagram Video ad formats:
Instagram Landscape Video Ads Specs
- Landscape Video Size in Pixels: 600 x 315 (width x height)
- Landscape Video Aspect Ratio: 1.9:1 (width x height)
Instagram Square Video Ads Specs
- Square Video Size in Pixels: 600 x 600 (width x height)
- Square Video Aspect Ratio: 1:1 (width x height)
Instagram Vertical Video Ads Specs
- Vertical Video Size in Pixels: 600 x 750 (width x height)
- Vertical Video Aspect Ratio: 4:5 (width x height)
These dimensions optimize video ad display and performance across different viewer preferences and device orientations.
- Story ads: Story images and video ads should have an aspect ratio of 9:16 and dimensions of 1080 px by 1920 px.
- Carousel ads: Carousel image ads should have an aspect ratio of 1.9:1 and dimensions of 1080 px by 1080 px. Video carousel ads should have an aspect ratio of 1:1 and dimensions of 1080 px by 1080 px or 600 px by 600 px.
For optimizing images on other platforms, be sure to explore our comprehensive guides on facebook post size, gmb post size, twitter post size , and LinkedIn post sizes.
Instagram Post Size Updates and Changes
Instagram periodically updates its supported dimensions and aspect ratios to enhance user experience across different devices. The most recent significant update to Instagram post sizes occurred in 2022, when Instagram expanded the maximum length of Reels from 60 to 90 seconds. The platform has maintained consistent support for the 1:1 (square), 4:5 (portrait), and 1.91:1 (landscape) aspect ratios for feed posts since 2015.
Instagram typically announces major changes to post sizes through their official blog and developer documentation. The platform tends to maintain backward compatibility, meaning older posts with previously supported dimensions continue to display properly even after updates. For the most current specifications, the dimensions listed throughout this guide reflect Instagram’s latest requirements as of 2025.
When Instagram does implement changes to post sizes, they generally focus on:
- Expanding creative options (such as supporting new aspect ratios)
- Optimizing display across new device types and screen sizes
- Improving quality standards for uploaded content
If you notice unexpected cropping or formatting of your posts, first verify you’re using the recommended dimensions outlined in this guide. If issues persist despite using correct dimensions, Instagram may have implemented recent changes to their platform specifications.
Why do you have to worry about Instagram Post size?
1. For better visual storytelling

Correct image sizing ensures your visual storytelling remains intact. Improper sizing causes posts to display incorrectly, potentially losing parts of your message.
2. To avoid cropping out images

This is the most important reason why you need to focus on the Instagram post size. While uploading an image, you might have noticed that it gets severely cropped, and sometimes, this can be highly detrimental to your story and the message you want to give.
3. To make sure your text appears fine

When you are adding text to your Instagram post, you would want all of it to be properly seen on your profile. And when you are not using the right image size to create your post, you might lose a few words when the image gets cropped. Or else, you might have to pinch the image and make it too small so that it fits without losing any letters or words.
4. To keep logos and other elements intact

Brand logos and elements require proper placement within Instagram posts. Knowing correct post sizes helps balance logo visibility without overwhelming the image.
Read More: How to download Instagram video?
How to Upload the Right-Sized Images on Instagram
The various dimensions for Instagram post sizes might seem overwhelming. Creating right-sized posts for your profile is simpler than it appears.
Resizing images for different formats can seem time-consuming. Photo editing tools simplify this process. You can use tools like Square Pic, Square InPic, or No crop & square for Instagram.
Instagram can auto-crop images if feed aesthetics aren’t a priority. Ideally, shoot images and videos in recommended ratios to avoid editing.
How to Change Instagram Post Size Before Uploading
When preparing content for Instagram, you may need to adjust your images to match the platform’s recommended dimensions. Here’s how to change your Instagram post size before uploading:
Using Instagram’s Built-in Editor:
- Open Instagram and tap the “+” icon to create a new post
- Select your photo or video from your gallery
- Tap “Next” and then tap “Edit”
- Use the resize icon (usually shown as expanding arrows) to adjust the size
- For aspect ratio changes, tap the format button at the bottom (shown as overlapping squares)
- Select between square (1:1), portrait (4:5), or landscape (1.91:1) formats
- Adjust the position of your image within the frame by dragging
- Tap “Next” to proceed with filters and posting
Using Your Phone’s Native Photo Editor:
- Open your device’s photo gallery app
- Select the image you want to resize
- Tap “Edit” or the edit icon
- Look for “Crop” or “Resize” options
- Select the aspect ratio that matches Instagram’s requirements (1:1, 4:5, or 1.91:1)
- Save the edited image
- Upload the properly sized image to Instagram
Remember that Instagram will automatically resize images that don’t match its supported dimensions, which may result in unwanted cropping. For best results, always resize your images to the recommended dimensions before uploading.
Instagram Post Sizing in Popular Photo Editing Software
Many professional content creators use dedicated photo editing software to prepare their Instagram posts. Here’s how to set up the correct Instagram dimensions in popular editing programs:
Sizing Instagram Posts in Photoshop:
- Open Adobe Photoshop and create a new document
- For square posts: Set width and height to 1080 x 1080 pixels
- For portrait posts: Set width and height to 1080 x 1350 pixels
- For landscape posts: Set width and height to 1080 x 566 pixels
- Set resolution to 72 pixels/inch for web optimization
- Select RGB color mode
- Click “Create” to generate your canvas
When working in inches in Photoshop:
- Square posts: 5.4 x 5.4 inches at 200 PPI
- Portrait posts: 5.4 x 6.75 inches at 200 PPI
- Landscape posts: 10.8 x 5.4 inches at 200 PPI
Sizing Instagram Posts in Illustrator:
- Launch Adobe Illustrator and create a new document
- Select “Web” as your profile
- For square posts: Set artboard to 1080 x 1080 pixels
- For portrait posts: Set artboard to 1080 x 1350 pixels
- For landscape posts: Set artboard to 1080 x 566 pixels
- Ensure RGB color mode is selected
- Click “Create” to generate your artboard
When working in inches in Illustrator:
- Square posts: 5.4 x 5.4 inches
- Portrait posts: 5.4 x 6.75 inches
- Landscape posts: 10.8 x 5.4 inches
Sizing Instagram Posts in Canva:
- Open Canva and click “Create a design”
- Search for “Instagram Post” in the search bar
- Canva will automatically create a 1080 x 1080 pixel canvas
- To change to portrait or landscape, click “Resize” in the top menu
- Enter custom dimensions: 1080 x 1350 pixels for portrait or 1080 x 566 pixels for landscape
- Design your content within these dimensions
- Download as PNG or JPG for uploading to Instagram
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What size is best for Instagram post?
The optimized Instagram image size for photos is 1080px by 1080px. As a result, the aspect ratio is 1:1. For horizontal photos, it is 1080 px by 566 px. As a result, the aspect ratio is 1.9:1, but you can also use 16:9. For vertical photos, the recommended size is 1080 px by 1350 px while the aspect ratio is 4:5.
2. How do you post different sizes on Instagram?
On Instagram, if you want to post images of different sizes in the same post, you would have to select the size and resize the image individually for your feed. In order to do that, you can use a photo editing tool to change the sizes of your images as per the recommended dimensions.
3. What is the recommended image size on Instagram?
The optimized Instagram image size for photos is 1080 px by 1080 px. For horizontal Instagram images, the size is 1080 px by 566 px. The Instagram image size for vertical photos is 1080 px by 1350 px.
4. What is the best image size for an Instagram ad?
Landscape image ads should have an aspect ratio of 1.9:1 and dimensions of 1200 px by 628 px. Square image ads should have an aspect ratio of 1:1 and dimensions of 1080 px by 1080 px. Vertical image ads should have an aspect ratio of 4:5 and dimensions of 1080 px by 1350 px.
5. How do you fit a full size picture on Instagram?
The best way to fit in a full picture on Instagram would be to first click on the plus sign that allows you to upload a picture or a video. Then you can select the picture that you want to upload from your gallery. Next, you will see a format button using which you can crop, toggle and zoom in or out for the full picture to fill the frame of your Instagram post.
6. What is the size of an Instagram post in inches?
The size of an Instagram post is not measured in inches but in ratios and pixels. However, here is the dimensions converted into inches.
– Square Instagram post dimensions (1080 X 1080 pixels ) = approx. 6 inches x 6 inches
– Horizontal Instagram post dimensions (1080 x 566 pixels ) = approx. 6 inches x 3.14 inches
– Vertical Instagram Post dimensions (1080 x 1350 pixels ) = approx. 6 inches x 7.5 inches
– Instagram Stories dimensions (1080 x 1920 pixels ) = approx. 6 inches x 10.67 inches
7. What is the size of an Instagram post in centimeters (cm) ?
The size of an Instagram post is not measured in centimeters but in ratios and pixels. However, here is the dimensions converted into centimeters.
– Square Instagram post dimensions (1080 X 1080 pixels ) = 7.43 cm x 27.43 cm
– Horizontal Instagram post dimensions (1080 x 566 pixels ) = 27.43 cm x 14.37 cm
– Vertical Instagram Post dimensions (1080 x 1350 pixels ) = 27.43 cm x 33.86 cm
– Instagram Stories dimensions (1080 x 1920 pixels ) = 27.43 cm x 48.77 cm
8. What is the best Instagram reel size ration ?
The recommended aspect ratio for Instagram Reels is 9:16. This means that for every 9 units in width, there are 16 units in height.
9. What is the best size for Instagram post ?
The optimal size for Instagram posts can depend on the type of content you’re posting. However, a commonly used size for images in square format (1:1 aspect ratio) , 1080 pixels wide x 1080 pixels tall.
10. What are the best aspect ratio for Instagram ?
– Square Instagram post dimensions 1:1 aspect ratio
– Horizontal Instagram post dimensions 4:5 aspect ratio
– Vertical Instagram Post dimensions 1.91:1 aspect ratio
– Instagram Stories dimensions 9:16 aspect ratio
– Instagram Reels dimensions 9:16 aspect ratio
11. What is the Instagram portrait post size ?
An Instagram portrait post typically has a 4:5 aspect ratio. The recommended dimensions for a portrait post are 1080 pixels wide x 1350 pixels tall.

Dr. Dinesh Agarwal, founder of RecurPost, transformed from academic researcher to social media technology innovator in 2013. With a doctorate in Cloud Computing, he applied scientific principles to develop a pioneering social media management tool that streamlined content scheduling processes for digital marketers, leading to its successful acquisition. Today, his RecurPost platform serves as an enterprise-grade social media automation solution helping over 100,000 businesses optimize their online presence. Dr. Agarwal actively contributes to the social media marketing ecosystem through educational content, including conference presentations, podcast interviews, and in-depth articles focusing on social media optimization techniques and algorithmic content distribution strategies.