Your complete handbook to mastering Instagram dimensions for feed posts, carousels, Reels, Stories, ads, and profile visuals.

Getting your visuals to look perfect on Instagram has become more important than ever. With the platform supporting multiple orientations, formats, and placements, the size of your images plays a massive role in how your posts appear—and how well they perform.

Think of it this way: choosing the right Instagram image size is like choosing the right frame for a photograph. When the sizing matches the format, your visuals look sharp, professional, and scroll-stopping. When they don’t, you end up with blurry images, awkward crops, or key details cut off.

This 2026 guide breaks down every Instagram image size you need to know—whether you’re posting feed content, carousels, Reels, Stories, or ads.

Instagram Image Sizes at a Glance (2026)

Here’s a quick overview of all recommended Instagram image sizes and aspect ratios:

These sizes ensure your visuals stay clear, sharp, and perfectly displayed across Instagram’s layout.

Image Size vs. Aspect Ratio — What’s the Difference?

Image Size

Measured in pixels, this determines how crisp and detailed your post looks. Instagram generally compresses anything beyond 1080 px width, so uploading at or near the recommended size ensures high quality.

Aspect Ratio

This defines the shape of the image—whether it’s square, vertical, or wide. Instagram displays content based on aspect ratio, not just pixel dimensions.

Using the correct ratio prevents unwanted cropping and maintains the intended composition of your visuals.

1. Instagram Feed Post Sizes

Instagram supports three main feed formats: square, portrait, and landscape. Each serves a different purpose depending on your content style.

Square Post (1080 × 1080 | 1:1)

Still the most versatile and widely used format. Works well for text-based graphics, product posts, minimal layouts, and branded visuals.

New Addition: 3:4 Grid Preview (1080 × 1440)

Instagram now shows taller previews in some grids, but in-feed the image still displays at a max of 4:5 height.

Portrait Post (1080 × 1350 | 4:5)

Perfect for creators who want more vertical space and higher engagement. This format visually dominates the feed and is the most recommended for performance.

Instagram also supports:

• 1080 × 1440 (3:4) in grid previews
  But the main feed still crops to 4:5.

Landscape Post (1080 × 566 | 1.91:1)

Ideal for wide, cinematic frames:

• Landscape photography

• Panoramic shots

• Group photos

• Wide-angle views

Keep in mind: landscape posts appear smaller in the feed compared to square or portrait.

2. Instagram Carousel Post Sizes

Carousels are one of Instagram’s most engaging formats. You can mix images and videos, but every slide after the first is cropped to match the initial slide’s ratio.

Recommended:

• 1080 × 1350 (4:5) for a full-height carousel

• 1015 × 1350 (3:4) for taller grid previews

Carousels work great for:

• Step-by-step guides

• Event or product highlights

• Before/after transformations

• Multi-part announcements

3. Instagram Profile Photo Size

• 320 × 320 px
  Displayed as a circle with about 110 px diameter.

Keep your logo or face centered to avoid cropping.

4. Instagram Highlight Cover Size

• 1080 × 1920 px (9:16)

Highlights appear circular on the profile, so center your icons or visual elements. No need to upload them to Stories—Instagram allows direct uploads.

5. Instagram Ad Image Sizes

Your Instagram ads must blend seamlessly with organic posts. Using the right size boosts engagement and improves CTR.

Feed Ads

• 1080 × 1080 (1:1)

• 1080 × 1350 (4:5) — recommended for performance

Story Ads

• 1080 × 1920 (9:16)

Use clean visuals, limited text, and strong CTAs to ensure viewers don’t skip instantly.

6. Instagram Stories Image Sizes

• 1080 × 1920 px (9:16)

Stories are perfect for real-time announcements, updates, or interactive posts. Higher-resolution images look more crisp and professional.

7. Instagram Reels Size & Specs

• 1080 × 1920 px (9:16)

• Grid Preview Crop: 1080 × 1440 (3:4)

Reels offer full-screen vertical immersion and perform best when text and subjects are centered to avoid cropping in the feed preview.

8. Instagram Video Specifications

To avoid poor playback or cropping, stick to these recommended sizes:

Feed & Carousel Videos

• 1080 × 1080 (1:1)

• 1080 × 1350 (4:5)

• 1080 × 566 (1.91:1)

Reels

• 1080 × 1920, up to 15 minutes, MP4/MOV, ≤4GB

Stories

• 1080 × 1920, split into 15-second segments

Carousel Videos

• 1080 × 1080 or 1080 × 1350

• Up to 60 seconds

Live Replay

• 1080 × 1920

• Up to 4 hours

Correct video sizing ensures smooth playback and prevents awkward cropping.

How to Choose the Right Instagram Post Size

✔ 1. Focus on Aspect Ratio

This determines how your post fits into the feed.

✔ 2. Match Size to Content

Use:

• Portrait for people

• Landscape for scenery

• Square for graphics

• Carousels for multi-step content

✔ 3. Use Taller Formats for Higher Engagement

Vertical content takes up more screen space and drives more views.

✔ 4. Keep Your Visual Style Consistent

Switching between too many formats can make your feed look unorganized.

Parting Thoughts Before You Post

Choosing the right image size is a simple but powerful way to improve your content quality. When your visuals fit perfectly, they look better, perform better, and build trust with your audience.

A well-optimized image:

• Preserves clarity

• Increases engagement

• Enhances branding

• Prevents cropping issues

With the correct dimensions and ratios, every post—from Reels to carousels—stands out with a polished, professional look.

FAQs

1. What’s the best size for Instagram posts?
   1080 × 1350 px (4:5) gives maximum screen coverage and gets higher engagement.
2. How do I avoid cropping?Always stick to Instagram-supported aspect ratios:
   1:1, 4:5, 3:4, 1.91:1, or 9:16.
3. What is the 4:5 ratio?
   A vertical orientation where width is 4 units and height is 5 units—perfect for portrait posts.
4. Does Instagram compress images?
   Yes. Uploading at 1080 px width minimizes quality loss.