Instagram has transformed the way we connect with audiences and share visual content. Whether you’re a small business owner, content creator, or someone just beginning your digital journey, one thing’s for sure: getting your **Instagram post size dimensions** right is non-negotiable. Images that don’t fit Instagram’s specifications can be cropped awkwardly, appear pixelated, or worse—fail to grab attention. In this guide, we break down every type of Instagram post and their optimal dimensions, so your content looks sharp, professional, and fully optimized for performance.
Why Instagram Post Size Dimensions Matter
Instagram is a visual-first platform, and beauty—not just in content, but in presentation—is what drives engagement. Understanding the correct Instagram post size dimensions ensures that:
- Your visuals look crisp and clear on all devices.
- You avoid auto-cropping issues that hide parts of your content.
- You maximize your post’s engagement potential with full-screen visuals.
- Your brand appears more polished and professional.
Accurate image sizing isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about optimizing for user experience and engagement.
Standard Instagram Post Sizes: A Complete Breakdown
Instagram supports a variety of post formats, including square, portrait, and landscape images—as well as Stories, Reels, and IGTV. Below, we detail the ideal size dimensions for each post type.
1. Square Posts (Feed)
- Recommended size: 1080 x 1080 pixels
- Aspect ratio: 1:1
Square posts are the classic Instagram format. They’re visually balanced and look clean in every profile grid. Great for consistency and branding, this format is still popular for product shots, quotes, and more.
2. Portrait (Vertical) Posts
- Recommended size: 1080 x 1350 pixels
- Aspect ratio: 4:5
Portrait images are ideal if you’re looking to create a stronger visual impact. Because they take up more vertical space in the feed, they keep users engaged longer and can result in better performance.
3. Landscape (Horizontal) Posts
- Recommended size: 1080 x 566 pixels
- Aspect ratio: 1.91:1
Landscape images are best when showcasing wide visuals, like panoramic shots or group photos. Keep in mind they take up less height in the feed, which could reduce scroll-stopping power.
Instagram Story Dimensions
- Recommended size: 1080 x 1920 pixels
- Aspect ratio: 9:16
Stories are ephemeral, disappearing after 24 hours, but their impact is lasting. With over 500 million people using Instagram Stories daily, it’s vital to ensure correct sizing for maximum eye-catching value.
Use the entire vertical space wisely—add engaging elements like stickers, CTAs, or polls for interaction. To make your Stories more consistent and professional-looking, consider using pre-designed templates from ViralPulseAI’s content templates and automation tools.
IGTV Video Dimensions
- Recommended size: 1080 x 1920 pixels (vertical), 1920 x 1080 pixels (horizontal)
- Aspect ratio: 9:16 (vertical) or 16:9 (horizontal)
IGTV accommodates both vertical and horizontal videos, although vertical is often the preferred choice for mobile-friendly viewing. If you’re a business or creator that produces long-form content, this format is valuable for detailed explainers, interviews, and product demos.
Instagram Reels Dimensions
- Recommended size: 1080 x 1920 pixels
- Aspect ratio: 9:16
Reels have become one of Instagram’s most engaging features, showcasing short, viral videos in a full-screen vertical format. To maximize reach, always aim for high-resolution Reels that take up the full vertical space and maintain central alignment for key visual elements and text.
Instagram Profile Picture Size
- Recommended size: 320 x 320 pixels
- Displayed as: Circular image
Your profile photo speaks volumes about your brand identity. Ensure that your image is high resolution, and keep crucial elements like logos or facial features centered to avoid cropping in the circular frame.
Instagram Thumbnail Sizes
- Feed post preview (grid): 161 x 161 pixels on mobile
- IGTV preview: 420 x 654 pixels
- Reels preview: 1080 x 1920 pixels
Having optimized thumbnails makes your grid look cohesive and encourages users to click. Design thumbnails using the correct Instagram post size dimensions so they’re not auto-cropped incorrectly.
Instagram Carousel Post Size
Carousel posts, or swipeable images, follow the same guidelines as single image posts. You can choose square, portrait, or landscape for the entire carousel, but you can’t mix and match within a single carousel.
- Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels
- Vertical: 1080 x 1350 pixels
- Horizontal: 1080 x 566 pixels
This format is perfect for storytelling, before-and-after comparisons, tutorials, or showcasing multiple products. Align the imagery for smoother transitions between slides.
Best Practices for Instagram Image and Video Quality
Even with the right dimensions, your content can suffer if the file size or formatting is off. To ensure your posts look professional and high-quality, follow these tips:
- Use **JPEG** for images and **MP4 (H.264 codec)** for videos.
- Keep image file sizes below 1MB if possible for fast loading.
- Use high-resolution assets; Instagram often compresses uploads.
- Keep text within the “safe zone” (centered) to avoid trimming.
Using a tool like ViralPulseAI’s all-in-one content scheduler and optimizer can help you automatically crop and resize content for all post types.
Quick Reference: Instagram Dimensions Cheat Sheet
Here’s a handy cheat sheet for fast access to all recommended Instagram post sizes:
| Post Type | Recommended Dimensions (px) | Aspect Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Square Image | 1080 x 1080 | 1:1 |
| Portrait Image | 1080 x 1350 | 4:5 |
| Landscape Image | 1080 x 566 | 1.91:1 |
| Instagram Stories | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 |
| Reels | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 |
| IGTV Video | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 or 16:9 |
| Profile Picture | 320 x 320 | 1:1 (Displayed circular) |