Getting the right Instagram post size in 2026 is no longer just about aesthetics—it directly impacts how your content is displayed, how your audience engages with it, and whether your visuals look professional across all devices. If you’ve ever uploaded a photo only to see it cropped awkwardly or blurred, the issue usually lies in not following the correct dimensions. Instagram supports multiple formats like square, portrait, landscape, Stories, and Reels, each with its own aspect ratio and resolution requirements. For beginners, remembering all these sizes can feel overwhelming. That’s why having a clear, updated guide is essential for creating posts that stand out.
This Instagram post size dimensions guide is designed to give you simple, beginner-friendly answers while also preparing you for common mistakes and fixes. Whether you’re a creator, brand, or just someone who loves sharing daily moments, knowing the right size ensures your content always looks sharp and scroll-stopping. We’ll also cover the latest updates for 2026, answer frequently asked questions, and provide troubleshooting tips for when things don’t go as planned. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to confidently upload posts without worrying about cut-offs, blurry images, or mismatched previews.
Understanding Instagram Dimensions
Before exploring the different Instagram post specifications, it’s important to understand two core concepts: aspect ratio and pixel size. These two elements determine how your photos and videos appear on the platform and whether they maintain clarity across devices.
Aspect Ratio
The aspect ratio is the relationship between the width and height of an image. It defines the overall shape of your content and how it fits into Instagram’s feed or story layout. For example:
- 1:1 aspect ratio – A perfect square, commonly used for classic Instagram posts.
- 4:5 aspect ratio – Taller than it is wide, ideal for vertical posts that grab more screen space.
- 1.91:1 aspect ratio – A wide, horizontal format best suited for landscape photos and cinematic visuals.
Choosing the right aspect ratio ensures that your content displays correctly without being cropped or distorted.
Pixel Size
Pixel size represents the resolution of your image. Each image is made up of tiny square units called pixels, and the higher the number of pixels, the sharper the image will appear. For best results, Instagram recommends 1080 x 1080 pixels for square posts. Vertical and landscape formats also have their own ideal pixel dimensions, ensuring that your visuals remain crisp and professional.
Why Aspect Ratio and Pixel Size Matter
While the aspect ratio determines the shape of your post, the pixel size defines its quality. Uploading a photo with the wrong dimensions can cause it to look stretched, blurry, or cropped incorrectly. On the other hand, using the correct combination guarantees that your posts look polished, attract attention, and enhance your overall Instagram presence.
Instagram Post Image Sizes
Before diving into the different Instagram post formats, it’s helpful to look at a complete overview of the recommended dimensions and specifications for images. These serve as the foundation for creating content that looks sharp, professional, and perfectly aligned with Instagram’s platform requirements. By following these guidelines, you can avoid issues like unwanted cropping, pixelation, or blurry uploads. Think of this as your go-to reference whenever you design or upload content for Instagram.
Instagram Feed Image Specs
Feed posts are the heart of Instagram and are what most users interact with daily. Since these images often form the first impression of your profile, you’ll want them to look flawless and engaging. Choosing the correct dimensions ensures your photos display properly across different devices without losing quality.
Recommended Dimensions:
- Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1 aspect ratio)
- Landscape: 1080 x 566 pixels (1.91:1 aspect ratio)
- Portrait: 1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5 aspect ratio)
Instagram automatically adjusts images that don’t fit these ratios, which can lead to awkward cropping or reduced clarity. To preserve the best quality, always upload images that are at least 1080 pixels wide. Anything smaller than 320 pixels may appear stretched and pixelated, while anything larger will be compressed by Instagram’s system to save bandwidth.
Pro Tip: Use portrait orientation (1080 x 1350) whenever possible. It takes up more vertical space in the feed, making your post more noticeable and increasing the chances of engagement.
Instagram Carousel Post Specs
Carousel posts allow users to share multiple images or videos in a single post, making them a powerful storytelling tool. Whether you’re showcasing a product catalog, teaching with step-by-step visuals, or posting a panoramic image, carousels are designed for immersive and engaging content.
Recommended Dimensions (same as feed posts):
- Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1 aspect ratio)
- Landscape: 1080 x 566 pixels (1.91:1 or 16:9 aspect ratio)
- Portrait: 1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5 aspect ratio)
To avoid issues, make sure all images within a carousel follow the same orientation as the first slide. If the first image is square, every following image must also be square. Sticking to Instagram’s resolution range of 320–1080 pixels helps maintain quality and prevent distortion.
Pro Tip: The first image acts as the “cover” of your carousel, so pick one that is eye-catching and encourages viewers to swipe. Think of it as your digital book cover.
Instagram Stories Image Specs
Instagram Stories are short-lived but extremely powerful for real-time engagement. Since they disappear after 24 hours, Stories are ideal for promotions, updates, behind-the-scenes moments, or interactive polls. To maximize impact, you need to design them with the right dimensions.
Recommended Dimensions:
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Vertical: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 aspect ratio)
Stories are designed for vertical viewing, so uploading images or videos in landscape orientation will result in unattractive black bars or awkward cropping. To keep your visuals sharp, always create content in full 1080 x 1920 resolution.
Pro Tip: Keep your text and graphics within the “safe zone” (center of the screen), as the top and bottom edges are often covered by Instagram’s interface elements like profile icons and call-to-action buttons. Use bright visuals and bold text to capture attention instantly.
Instagram Photo Thumbnail Specs
Thumbnails might seem like a small detail, but they play a big role in shaping your Instagram profile’s visual identity. These previews appear in your feed grid, Explore page, and hashtags section, making them critical for grabbing user attention.
Recommended Dimensions:
For Carousels:
- Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1 aspect ratio)
- Landscape: 1080 x 566 pixels (16:9 aspect ratio)
- Portrait: 1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5 aspect ratio)
For Reels:
- Thumbnail: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1 aspect ratio)
- Cover Image: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 aspect ratio)
Pro Tip: Since Instagram often crops the edges of thumbnails, keep the main subject or text in the center of the frame. This ensures your thumbnail looks neat and clickable, no matter where it appears.
What’s the Best Instagram Image Orientation: Square, Vertical, or Landscape?
Every orientation serves a different purpose, and choosing the right one depends on your content strategy. Most businesses rely on square posts for simplicity, but other formats can be even more effective when used strategically.
- Vertical Orientation (Portrait, 4:5 aspect ratio): 1080 x 1350 pixels. This format dominates more screen space, making it excellent for tall subjects like portraits, fashion looks, or detailed shots of products.
- Horizontal Orientation (Landscape, 16:9 aspect ratio): 1080 x 566 pixels. Perfect for scenic landscapes, large group photos, or wide shots where you need more horizontal space.
- Square Orientation (1:1 aspect ratio): 1080 x 1080 pixels. Great for clean, balanced visuals that work well in grid layouts.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- On your profile page, all photos are displayed as squares, so portrait and landscape images may appear cropped in the grid.
- Carousel posts must keep the same orientation for every slide, so plan ahead when creating multiple images.
- Choose orientation based on your content goals: square for symmetry, vertical for engagement, and horizontal for cinematic shots.
Instagram Post Video Sizes
To skyrocket engagement on Instagram in 2026, videos are no longer optional—they’re essential. With Instagram prioritizing video content across Reels, Stories, Lives, and even feed posts, creators and brands must master the right video dimensions. Using the correct specs ensures your videos display clearly, avoid awkward cropping, and keep audiences hooked. Whether you’re posting a quick Reel or going live with your followers, understanding Instagram’s video sizes will give your content a polished, professional edge.
Instagram Video Feed Specs
Feed videos follow the same aspect ratios as photo posts, allowing them to blend seamlessly into your profile grid. This means you can choose between square, portrait, or landscape formats depending on the story you want to tell. The key is to balance visual appeal with technical accuracy, so your video looks great no matter where it’s viewed.
Recommended Dimensions:
- Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1 aspect ratio)
- Landscape: 1080 x 566 pixels (1.91:1 or 16:9 aspect ratio)
- Portrait: 1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5 aspect ratio)
To keep playback smooth and avoid quality drops, make sure your videos are between 720p and 1080p resolution, with a maximum file size of 4 GB. Feed videos can be up to 60 seconds long, so plan your content for quick storytelling and immediate impact.
Pro Tip: Portrait videos (1080 x 1350) often perform best in feeds since they take up more vertical screen space, capturing attention before users scroll away.
Instagram Reels Specs
Reels have become Instagram’s star feature, designed to compete with TikTok. They are short, engaging, and highly favored by the algorithm, making them one of the best ways to increase visibility. Since they are designed for mobile-first consumption, Reels always use a vertical format.
Recommended Dimensions:
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Vertical: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 aspect ratio)
For optimal quality, keep your video resolution between 720p and 1080p, and ensure your file size is under 4 GB. Reels can be up to 90 seconds long, but shorter videos (10–30 seconds) often perform better because they encourage replays.
Pro Tip: Your Reel cover photo matters just as much as the video itself. Use a custom image sized at 420 x 654 pixels (1:1.55 aspect ratio) to make your content stand out in both the feed and profile grid.
Instagram Stories Video Specs
Stories remain one of the most popular ways to connect with audiences thanks to their short, full-screen design and interactive features. Since they only last for 24 hours, Stories encourage frequent posting and keep your profile active.
Recommended Dimensions:
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Vertical: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 aspect ratio)
Each Story video can be up to 15 seconds long, but you can string multiple clips together for longer storytelling. Keeping your content vertical ensures it fills the entire screen without black bars or cropping issues.
Pro Tip: Always add captions, stickers, or text overlays. Many users watch Stories with sound off, so making them visually informative boosts accessibility and engagement.
Instagram Live Video Specs
Instagram Live is all about real-time interaction, letting you host Q&As, tutorials, product launches, or casual chats with followers. Since it streams directly from your phone, the format is optimized for mobile viewing.
Recommended Dimensions:
- Aspect Ratio: Vertical (9:16)
- Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels
Instagram Live broadcasts can last up to 4 hours, giving you plenty of time to connect deeply with your audience. Lives can also be saved and shared afterward, extending their reach beyond the live moment.
Pro Tip: Always shoot in portrait mode, since horizontal video doesn’t fit well in Instagram’s Live format. Also, ensure you have strong lighting and stable internet to maintain video quality throughout the stream.
Instagram Ads Dimensions
When it comes to Instagram Ads, the dimensions are nearly identical to regular posts and videos. What sets ads apart isn’t the size, but rather the strategy, presentation, and intent behind them. Ads are labeled with a small “Sponsored” tag above the post, signaling to viewers that it’s a paid promotion. This subtle difference means that while the visual formatting follows the same rules, the content itself must be more intentional, persuasive, and aligned with your marketing goals.
Instagram ads can appear in multiple placements such as feeds, Stories, Explore, and Reels, and each placement requires attention to both technical specifications and creative storytelling. The goal is not just to fit the dimensions, but to use the space effectively to capture attention within seconds.
Instagram Ads Recommended Dimensions
For consistency across devices, Instagram supports the following image and video ad dimensions:
- Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1 aspect ratio)
- Portrait: 1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5 aspect ratio)
- Landscape: 1080 x 566 pixels (1.91:1 or 16:9 aspect ratio)
These formats mirror organic posts, ensuring your ads blend seamlessly into users’ feeds without looking out of place. Among them, the portrait orientation (4:5) is often the most effective since it takes up more vertical screen space, making your ad more eye-catching.
Other Important Specifications
To make sure your ad runs smoothly without quality issues, follow these technical requirements:
- Minimum resolution: 600 pixels (width)
- Maximum file size: 30 MB for images and up to 4 GB for videos
- Supported formats: JPEG, PNG, GIF for images; MP4 and MOV for videos
- Video duration: Up to 60 seconds for feed ads, 15–60 seconds for Story ads, and up to 90 seconds for Reels ads
Keeping within these specs ensures your ads display correctly across all devices and placements.
Pro Tip for Effective Instagram Ads
While dimensions are critical, content strategy is what drives results. Even the sharpest, most vibrant visuals won’t convert if they don’t resonate with your audience. To maximize ROI, focus on:
- Audience targeting: Deliver ads to the right demographic using Instagram’s advanced targeting tools.
- Strong visuals: Use high-quality imagery or video that instantly captures attention in a crowded feed.
- Clear calls-to-action: Guide viewers toward the next step—whether that’s visiting your website, making a purchase, or signing up for a newsletter.
Remember, the best-performing ads feel natural, almost like regular content, while still communicating a brand message and offering value.
Maximise Your Instagram Ads with MagicBrief
Using the right dimensions is only half the battle when it comes to Instagram advertising. To truly make your ads stand out, you need creativity, insights, and data-driven strategies. That’s where MagicBrief comes in—helping you design, analyse, and refine Instagram ads that grab attention and convert.
Key Features of MagicBrief for Instagram Ads
Ad Library for Inspiration
Access a curated library of high-performing Instagram ads across multiple formats, including videos, images, carousels, and mixed creatives. You can filter by brand or performance metrics to find inspiration that aligns with your campaign goals.
Brand Tracking
Keep an eye on your competitors by tracking the types of ad formats they use, the hooks that drive engagement, and the creative strategies fueling their campaigns.
Creative Analytics
Understand what resonates most with your audience by tracking performance across ad sizes and formats. Generate detailed monthly reports to refine and optimise your future ad campaigns.
With MagicBrief, you can ensure your Instagram ads aren’t just the right size—they’re the right fit for your audience.
Final Verdict
Understanding Instagram ad dimensions is the foundation of creating content that looks professional and performs well. However, dimensions alone won’t guarantee results—your ad strategy, creativity, and ability to connect with your audience make all the difference. Tools like MagicBrief give you the edge by combining inspiration, competitor tracking, and analytics to help you craft ads that not only meet the technical specs but also drive real engagement and conversions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best Instagram ad size in 2026?
The best Instagram ad size is 1080 x 1350 pixels (portrait, 4:5 aspect ratio) because it takes up more screen space and captures attention better than square or landscape formats.
Can I use square photos for Instagram ads?
Yes, square ads with 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1 aspect ratio) are fully supported and often look clean in the feed.
What is the maximum file size for Instagram ads?
For static images, the maximum file size is 30 MB, while videos can go up to 4 GB, depending on the format.
Do Instagram ads require different dimensions than regular posts?
No, Instagram ads use the same dimensions as organic posts. The key difference is that ads are marked as “Sponsored” and are designed to achieve specific goals like conversions or brand awareness.
