Written by
Mackenzie TaylorPosted 10 months ago
With feed posts to Reels to Stories to everything in between, it seems like you have to resize and reformat every part of Instagram (insert dramatic sigh here). When it comes to finding the perfect Instagram image size, it can be a challenge! That’s why we’ve made you this handy dandy guide! Discover all the dimensions and sizes for Instagram on every post you can make.
When it comes to Instagram’s sizing, they deal with aspect ratio and size. How? Well, let’s dive in:
What is Instagram’s Aspect Ratio (dimension)?
The aspect ratio is the width of a photo related to its height. Usually, this is expressed as a ratio, like 4:5 or 9:16. The first digit is the width while the second is the height.
When adding photos or videos to Instagram, you must take into account their aspect ratio or you could risk getting your content cropped and that’s definitely not what you’re wanting!
What is Instagram’s Image Size (resolution)?
When it comes to size, it does matter on Instagram. Yes, Instagram will compress your photos and videos when you post. However, it’s still best to share the image at the most optimal resolution that way when it gets compressed, it doesn’t affect the image quality!
Image Size Guide:
When it comes to Instagram photo sizes, there are quite a few options to choose from. Here are the recommended sizes for each type of Instagram post you want to make:
Instagram feed post sizes
While you used to ONLY be able to share square photos, Instagram allows you to post three different sizes (alas, my shoes still get cut off in the OOTDs I post).
Horizontal post (16:9)
While Instagram states a landscape photo should be 1.91:1 ratio, you can scale it up to 16:9. This is the exact same size as a Facebook link preview image (hmm, strange, almost like Facebook owns Instagram).
We recommend the height be at least 1080 that way when Instagram compresses the image, it won’t ruin the quality.
Square post (1:1)
Still one of the popular choices on Instagram (especially as the grid is still in square format). Again, like horizontal images, we recommend optimizing and making your square photos 1080px in size. Again, when Instagram compresses, your image quality will still remain high. This is the perfect ratio and size for images like business logos and icons.
Vertical post (4:5)
We would have to say this is probably the best and most popular choice on Instagram as the photo takes up more real estate on a news feed. Vertical photos should be 4:5 (anything larger than that will get cropped) but do keep in mind what this photo will look like as a 1:1 when it’s in your profile grid.
Like the others, we recommend going with the optimization of 1080×1350.
Instagram Video size for feed posts
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Like photos, videos can go anywhere between 16:9 to 4:5. If you want to make sure that your video is optimized in the best way possible, make sure it has a frame rate of 30 frames per second and a max file size of 4GB. Anything less or more than that will either not upload or be blurry. Both things you don’t want to happen!
Instagram carousel posts size
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With a carousel post, you can choose one of the three option formats to post: horizontal, square, or vertical. However, once you’ve selected your first photo or video, all of the following photos of videos you select will be cropped to the same aspect ratio. So make sure you’re okay with the photos/videos you select being all the exact same size.
Ex: If the first photo you choose is square, all of them will be square, etc.
💡 Flick tip: You can now schedule your carousel posts over on Flick! Click here to learn how to schedule.
Instagram Stories Size
One thing we love about Instagram Stories? You can share pretty much anything as long as it’s the minimum dimension of 1:91:1 and a max of 9:16.
If you’re like most people, you’ll want the Story to take up the full screen, and in this case, the aspect ratio should be 9:16 with a size of 1080×1920.
Instagram Reels Size
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ICYMI: Reels are viewed vertically and should be full-screen. When shooting your Reels content, make sure that you’re using an aspect ratio of 9:16.
💡 Pro tip: The bottom part of the Reel will be covered by the caption you write, so keep that in mind when filming and posting!
Instagram Live VideosSize
When it comes to your Instagram Lives, they are meant to be shot vertically as they are designed to be broadcast straight from your phone.
So what does that mean? Your aspect ratio will always be 9:16. This can’t be changed at all, so definitely one to not worry about!
How to resize images to Instagram Size
Now that you have this handy dandy guide to help you with all of your future Instagram posts, you can start making sure everything is pitch-perfect for Instagram.
If you’re looking for help with making sure your posts are optimized and don’t know where to start, Flick has a cropping tool with all of the correct dimensions for Instagram. All you have to do is find your perfect crop while you schedule your content.
Head to the scheduling tool on your Flick account, upload your media, and click the “edit” tool. If your media is ever in the incorrect dimensions, Flick will let you know so you’re not posting anything in the wrong size.
FAQ on Instagram Size and Dimensions
What is the best size photo to post on Instagram?
It depends on what kind of photo you’d like to post! For horizontal, you should upload a photo that is 16:9. For a square post, upload a photo that is 1:1. For a vertical post, upload a photo that is 4:5.
Why is my Instagram profile photo blurry?
One of the biggest questions a lot of people have is if Instagram lowers image quality. If you’re noticing that your photos are uploading blurry or fuzzy, you might be uploading images that are more than 1080px.
If that’s the case, you’ll want to optimize your photos so that they are in the correct resolution and don’t upload blurry and fuzzy.
Can I post 1920×1080 to Instagram?
Yes, 1920×1080 is an aspect ratio of 16:9, which Instagram allows you to post.
Now that you know exactly how to size each of your posts on Instagram, it’s time to start posting some great content. If you’re struggling to figure out what time to post, what to write for your caption or anything about Instagram Reels, read through our blog posts to get all the information you need to know!
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