When it comes to creating stunning, high-performing content on Instagram, understanding Instagram post dimensions is no longer optional—it’s essential. Whether you’re a seasoned marketer, a small business owner, or a creator just starting out, getting your image and video sizes right can vastly improve engagement, impressions, and brand perception. Poorly sized content can be cropped awkwardly, look pixelated, or altogether miss the mark. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the latest Instagram post dimensions for 2024 so that your content shows up perfectly—every time. Let’s dive in and get your feed looking professional and polished.
Why Correct Instagram Post Dimensions Matter in 2025
Instagram is a visually driven platform, and first impressions are everything. Using the correct dimensions isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about:
- Ensuring your visuals don’t get cropped or distorted
- Maximizing engagement with clear, eye-catching content
- Maintaining a consistent and professional brand appearance
Platforms like Instagram update their specifications frequently, which makes it essential to stay informed of the latest Instagram post dimensions.
Instagram Post Dimensions: The Basics
There are several types of Instagram posts, and each has its own ideal size. Let’s explore the most common types one by one.
1. Standard Instagram Feed Post Dimensions
Instagram feed posts can be square, portrait, or landscape. Here are the recommended sizes:
- Square Post: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1 aspect ratio)
- Portrait Post: 1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5 aspect ratio)
- Landscape Post: 1080 x 566 pixels (1.91:1 aspect ratio)
Pro Tip: For maximum impact, go with a portrait post. It takes up more screen space and often leads to higher engagement.
2. Instagram Stories Dimensions
With over 500 million users engaging with Stories daily, optimizing for Stories is crucial.
- Dimensions: 1080 x 1920 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16
- File Formats: JPG, PNG, MP4, MOV
Make sure to leave room at the top and bottom of your design for your profile info and call-to-action buttons like “Swipe Up” or “Link.”
3. Instagram Reels Dimensions
Instagram Reels has exploded in popularity, and the sizes mirror those of Stories:
- Dimensions: 1080 x 1920 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16
Note: For the best results, keep key visual elements within the center safe zone to avoid overlapping with captions or UI elements.
4. Instagram Carousel Post Dimensions
Carousel posts use the same aspect ratios and sizes as square, portrait, and landscape feed posts:
- Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels
- Portrait: 1080 x 1350 pixels
- Landscape: 1080 x 566 pixels
Tip: Consistency is key. Ensure each slide in your carousel is the same size for a cohesive look.
5. Instagram IGTV & Video Post Dimensions
Instagram’s video format specs have evolved. Here’s what to know for video posts:
- Feed Video (Short-form): 1080 x 1350 pixels recommended
- Aspect Ratios Supported: 4:5, 1:1, and 1.91:1
- IGTV Vertical: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16)
- IGTV Horizontal: 1920 x 1080 pixels (16:9)
Your choice depends on how and where users consume your video content. Mobile-first? Stick to vertical formats.
Instagram Profile and Highlight Covers Dimensions
1. Instagram Profile Picture Dimensions
- Size: 320 x 320 pixels
- Displayed as a circle, so keep important details centered
2. Instagram Highlight Cover Dimensions
- Size: 1080 x 1920 pixels
- Displayed in a 1:1 circle format, so design accordingly
Having crisp, branded highlight covers enhances brand credibility and keeps your profile cohesive.
Best Practices for Instagram Image and Video Dimensions
Beyond just number-crunching pixel sizes, consider these best practices to make the most of your content:
- Use High-Resolution Images: Avoid pixelated or blurry posts
- Stick to Instagram-Supported Formats: JPG, PNG for images; MP4, MOV for videos
- Keep File Sizes Optimized: Instagram compresses uploads, so maintain quality without massive file sizes
- Edit for Mobile: Always preview your content on a mobile screen before posting
- Use Templates: Design tools or apps (like ViralPulseAI) can streamline dimension-perfect content creation
How to Resize Instagram Images and Videos the Easy Way
Don’t worry if your content isn’t the perfect size from the start. Here’s how to adjust it correctly:
- Use Canvas Tools: Many image editors offer social media sizing templates
- Resize in Photo Editing Apps: Tools like Adobe Photoshop or Canva make it simple
- Maintain Aspect Ratio: Avoid squashing or stretching—scale proportionally
- Utilize ViralPulseAI: Our platform automatically optimizes your content dimensions for every type of Instagram post
The Impact of Correct Instagram Post Dimensions on Engagement
Still wondering whether optimizing your Instagram post dimensions really matters? Here’s what the data tells us:
- Portrait posts get up to 10% more engagement than square posts
- Full-screen Stories result in higher tap-through and link clicks
- Clean, pixel-perfect posts appear more professional and trustworthy
When your content looks polished and displays perfectly, users are more likely to engage, follow, and convert.
Why Use Tools Like ViralPulseAI for Perfect Instagram Dimensions?
Creating dimension-perfect content for Instagram manually can eat up time. That’s where platforms like ViralPulseAI help you scale smartly:
- Automated Resizing: Upload once, and our AI auto formats for any post type
- Template Library: Choose from professionally designed Instagram post templates
- Real-Time Previews: See exactly how your content will display on Instagram
- Efficiency: Save hours of guesswork and editing by using the right tools
Instagram Aspect Ratios Cheat Sheet (2024 Edition)
Bookmark this quick-reference table to ensure you’re always using the right sizes:
Post Type | Recommended Dimensions | Aspect Ratio |
---|---|---|
Square Feed | 1080 x 1080 px | 1:1 |
Portrait Feed | 1080 x 1350 px | 4:5 |
Landscape Feed | 1080 x 566 px |