Instagram is much more than a photo-sharing app—it’s a powerful platform for brands, creators, and entrepreneurs alike. And one of the most critical aspects of creating a strong Instagram presence lies in understanding the right Instagram sizes. Whether you’re posting a story, a reel, or updating your profile picture, using the correct image and video dimensions can make a big difference in how your content looks and performs. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Instagram sizes to help you create polished, professional, and impactful posts that stand out in your audience’s feed.

Why Instagram Sizes Matter

If you’ve ever uploaded a crystal-clear photo only to see it appear blurry on Instagram, you’re not alone. That usually happens because the image wasn’t resized properly to fit Instagram’s format. When images and videos don’t match the platform’s preferred dimensions, Instagram resizes them automatically, which can lead to unwanted cropping, compression, and a loss of quality.

Using the correct Instagram sizes ensures:

Higher engagement from clean, visually pleasing content
Better overall brand perception
No unexpected cropping or content being cut out
Professional and consistent aesthetic across your feed

Instagram Post Sizes: The Complete Guide

1. Instagram Square Post Size

The classic square post is the original format and still popular today. Use the following specs:

Recommended dimensions: 1080 x 1080 pixels
Aspect ratio: 1:1
File type: JPG or PNG for best results

2. Instagram Portrait Post Size

Portrait images take up more vertical space in the feed, grabbing more attention.

Recommended dimensions: 1080 x 1350 pixels
Aspect ratio: 4:5

3. Instagram Landscape Post Size

Landscape photos are less common but great for wide shots or scenic visuals.

Recommended dimensions: 1080 x 566 pixels
Aspect ratio: 1.91:1

Pro Tip: Always upload your images at 1080 pixels in width to maintain clarity.

Instagram Story Sizes: Maximize Vertical Space

Stories are a huge part of engagement on Instagram, especially with features like polls, questions, and swipe-ups. To maintain sharpness and centering, use the following:

Recommended dimensions: 1080 x 1920 pixels
Aspect ratio: 9:16
File size: Max 30MB for images and 4GB for videos

Word of caution: Keep key elements like text and logos away from the edges to avoid overlapping with Instagram UI elements.

Instagram Reels and IGTV Sizes

1. Instagram Reels Size

Reels are optimized for mobile viewing, so vertical formatting is crucial.

Recommended dimensions: 1080 x 1920 pixels
Aspect ratio: 9:16
Safe zone: Keep text in the center third of the screen

2. Instagram IGTV Video Size

While IGTV is being phased out in favor of longer Reels, businesses still use this format occasionally.

Minimum resolution: 720p
Vertical aspect ratio: 9:16
Horizontal aspect ratio: 16:9
Video length: Up to 15 minutes from mobile or up to 60 minutes via desktop

Instagram Profile Picture Size

Your profile picture is a key part of your brand identity. Make it count.

Recommended size: 320 x 320 pixels
Format: Circular crop, so keep your logo or face centered

Even though the image appears smaller on the app, uploading a high-res version ensures it will look crisp across all devices.

Instagram Carousel Sizes

A carousel allows up to 10 images or videos in a single post. Choose from:

Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1)
Portrait: 1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5)
Landscape: 1080 x 566 pixels (1.91:1)

All slides in one carousel must have the same dimension, so plan accordingly before uploading.

Instagram Ad Sizes: Paid Promotions That Stand Out

1. Feed Ad

Size options: Square (1080 x 1080), Portrait (1080 x 1350), Landscape (1080 x 566)
Format: JPG, PNG for images; MP4, MOV for videos

2. Story Ad

Dimensions: 1080 x 1920 pixels
Length: Max 15 seconds per slide

3. Reels Ad

Recommended dimensions: 1080 x 1920 pixels

Instagram Video Size Guidelines

When posting videos to any format—feed, stories, reels—always keep size limits and formats in mind.

File size: Up to 4GB
Format: MP4 (H.264 codec)
Max duration: 90 seconds for regular posts, up to 10 minutes+ for Reels or IGTV

Be mindful of framing, especially with text overlays—ensure important elements are within Instagram’s “safe zones.”

Tips for Creating Content With the Right Instagram Sizes

Following the correct Instagram dimensions is just the beginning. Make your content truly shine with these best practices:

Use design tools like templates tailored for Instagram sizes
Keep mobile in mind—design vertically for Stories and Reels
Optimize composition—center text, logos, and faces
Use high-quality images—light, sharp, and not overly compressed
Leverage batching—create several posts in one session to speed productivity

Automation tools like ViralPulseAI can help you schedule posts in the correct formats while saving time and boosting engagement.

Instagram Dimensions at a Glance (Cheat Sheet)

Quick reference guide:

Profile picture: 320 x 320 px
Square post: 1080 x 1080 px
Portrait post: 1080 x 1350 px
Landscape post: 1080 x 566 px
Stories/Reels: 1080 x 1920 px
IGTV: 1080 x 1920 px (vertically)

Bookmark this page or download the Instagram size guide (Coming Soon via