Instagram Post Sizes and Dimensions: Your Complete Guide [2025]

Instagram post size directly affects how your content looks. Choosing the wrong size can crop text, cut faces, or blur details. 

The most important Instagram post size and dimension to know in 2025 is 1080 x 1350 pixels with a 4:5 portrait aspect ratio, since it takes up the most space in the feed and often performs best for engagement. However, you may want to use landscape or square posts depending on your goals. 

That’s why I’ve tested formats across feed posts, stories, reels, and ads to see what looks sharpest, and this guide breaks down the exact dimensions you should use. 

Why does my Instagram post size matter?

Your Instagram post size matters because the right dimensions keep your content clear, sharp, and fully visible in the feed. Posts that follow Instagram’s recommendations display correctly across feed, stories, and reels without cropping or missing details. When your content looks complete, people engage more, and that can signal to Instagram’s algorithm to push it further.

When viewers can see the full image or video clearly, they’re more likely to like, comment, and share. Those actions signal to Instagram’s algorithm that your content is engaging, which can increase its reach.

Ad creatives benefit from proper sizing as well. Using the right dimensions keeps visuals clear across placements and prevents distortion, helping your campaigns run as intended.

Instagram post aspect ratio explained

The Instagram post aspect ratio refers to the width-to-height relationship of your image or video. It’s what determines how your content fits inside Instagram’s frame.

The platform supports several ratios depending on the format, including square (1:1), portrait (4:5), and landscape (1.91:1).

Using the correct ratio keeps your post free from black bars or unwanted cropping. The wrong proportions can cut off key parts of your image, shift your composition, or make text harder to read.

If you’re planning posts in advance, knowing the right Instagram size ratio for each format helps you design with confidence. It keeps your feed consistent and makes sure your ads and organic posts look the same across all devices.

Instagram post sizes and best dimensions for 2025

If you want your posts and ads to display correctly, start with the right dimensions. Here’s a quick-reference table for the main Instagram post dimensions, including some Instagram ad sizes:

Now, let’s go into detail about each type of post and its best dimensions to help you develop a tailored content strategy for your business.

Portrait posts

The standard portrait or tall Instagram post size is 1080 x 1350 pixels with a 4:5 aspect ratio. This is now the default for getting your content seen. Portrait posts take up more vertical space in the feed, which can help grab attention and keep viewers focused longer. I find this format is also ideal for visuals with fine details.

Here’s when to use portrait formats:

• When you have detailed images: Small elements are easier to see clearly.
  
  
• Infographics: Extra height allows for more text without sacrificing readability.
  
  
• For portrait photography: Best for people shots and vertical compositions.

Don’t forget to make sure to center important elements so nothing gets cropped in the feed preview!

Landscape posts

The standard landscape or wide Instagram post size is 1080 x 566 pixels with a 1.91:1 aspect ratio.

Landscape works best for wide shots but takes up less space in the feed, so the content needs to stand out visually to draw attention. I usually only like landscape when I have group photos or a wide shot to show.

The landscape format is ideal for:

• Scenic landscapes: Great for travel or nature photography.
  
  
• Group photos: Fits multiple people comfortably in one frame.
  
  
• Wide graphics or banners: Works well for horizontal layouts.

Square posts 

The standard Instagram square post size is 1080 x 1080 pixels with a 1:1 aspect ratio. Square was the platform’s original format, and it still works well for balanced layouts that keep everything centered. I find it easy to design for, but it’s no longer the default.

Here’s when to use square formats:

• For product shots: Keeps focus on the item without extra distractions.
  
  
• For text-based posts or quotes: Square framing supports clean, readable layouts.
  
  
• Infographics: Compact shape makes information easy to follow.

Note: Instagram’s grid layout displays feed images at a 3:4 aspect ratio rather than square, bringing the platform’s look more in line with today’s common vertical format. 

Instagram carousel size guide

The standard Instagram carousel post sizes match the main formats, including portrait, landscape, and square post formats. 

Instagram locks all carousel slides to the aspect ratio of the first image you upload. If you mix square, portrait, and landscape formats, later slides will get cropped or bordered automatically. To avoid this, pre-crop every slide to the same ratio before uploading.

I like carousels for creating a cohesive story in my posts. In my experience, the most reliable format for carousels in 2025 is portrait at 1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5).

Remember that in grid view, Instagram uses a 3:4 ratio image (1012 x 1350 px), so keep everything important within that centered area to avoid cropping.

Here’s when to use carousel posts:

• Step-by-step tutorials: Break down instructions into swipeable slides.
  
  
• Before-and-after series: Show changes or transformations over time.
  
  
• Product highlights: Share multiple angles, colors, or related items.

Tip: Keep all slides in the same aspect ratio, pre-crop images before upload, and design for smooth, seamless transitions between slides.

Instagram Stories and Reels sizes

The standard Instagram story size is 1080 x 1920 pixels with a 9:16 aspect ratio. The same dimensions apply to the Instagram reel size, so you can create one vertical asset and use it for both formats.

Stories show short, temporary content that disappears after 24 hours, while Reels stay on your profile and appear in Instagram’s Explore feed for longer-term visibility.

I like using Stories for content that feels personal and relatable. The 24-hour limit makes viewers feel more involved, as if they’re seeing something exclusive. The drawback is that once it expires, it’s gone unless you save it to a highlight.

Here’s when to use Stories and Reels:

• Stories: Share behind-the-scenes moments, quick updates, or interactive stickers.
  
  
• Reels: Post tutorials, trending audio clips, or highlight videos that stay visible longer.

Tip: Keep key visuals and text inside the central safe zone to avoid profile icons, captions, and buttons blocking important details.

Instagram Live

Instagram Live streams use a vertical 9:16 aspect ratio, similar to Stories and Reels. The platform adjusts resolution based on your connection, usually delivering an HD-quality stream when your upload speed is strong. 

For a smooth stream, use a bitrate between 4,000 and 5,000 kbps and a frame rate of 30 fps. I’ve found that hitting these numbers keeps the video clear and prevents lag for viewers.

Many creators go live to share announcements, give behind-the-scenes looks, or spend time with their audience. I like using Live for casual chats, and inviting a guest often makes the conversation flow better. It feels more like a real hangout than a broadcast.

If you plan to go live, keep in mind:

• Instagram saves your stream as a Reel after you finish so people can watch it later.
  
  
• Viewers can comment, react, and use Q&A in real time.
  
  
• A stable internet connection matters. 10 Mbps upload or higher is a good speed to have to avoid drops or poor quality.

Instagram Ads image and video sizes

Getting Instagram ad sizes right changes how your campaigns look and perform. I’ve had ads rejected for being slightly off-size, and I’ve seen strong creatives lose impact when cropped in certain placements. 

Correct sizing also helps ads display consistently across placements, which can improve performance and help campaigns leave the learning phase more quickly.

Here’s a quick primer on what you need to know:

Instagram profile picture size and dimensions

The recommended Instagram profile picture size is 320 x 320 pixels, but the image displays as a 110 x 110 px circle. 

Upload a square image with the subject centered so Instagram can crop it without cutting off important details. A high-resolution file keeps the picture sharp on both mobile and desktop, and it makes a logo or face easy to recognize, which helps with brand visibility.

Profile images that work well for personal brands often feature a close-up headshot with a clear expression and a simple background. For businesses, a clean, high-contrast logo centered in the frame creates a professional look and stays recognizable at smaller sizes.

Best practices for Instagram post optimization

Using the right Instagram post size is only part of the equation. I’ve seen sharp, well-designed content lose quality because of poor uploads or settings. Keep your posts clear and professional by controlling both how you create and how you upload.

Here are a few tips to try that I’ve personally tested myself:

• Improve your filming: Film in good lighting so colors stay true, especially for Lives where you can’t edit afterward. Keep movement smooth by using a tripod for stationary shots or a gimbal when moving. 
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• Save in the right formats: Save videos in MP4 format with the H.264 codec, AAC audio, and a bitrate between 3,500 and 5,000 kbps.
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• Work around Instagram compression: Instagram compresses images and videos to reduce file size, which can blur details. Save images as JPEG with an sRGB color profile and under 1MB, or use PNG for graphics and text-heavy designs. Avoid heavy filters that reduce clarity before upload.
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• Upload at the highest quality: Go to your profile and tap the menu icon, open Settings and Privacy, tap Media Quality, then turn on Upload at highest quality.

If that isn’t enough, you can also use a strong internet connection so the uploads process at full resolution. Plus, try A/B testing ad creatives with ad automation tools to find top performers before scaling campaigns.

Recommended design tools

Creating high-quality posts is much easier when you’ve got the right tools. These are the ones I keep coming back to:

• Canva: My go-to for quick posts, Stories, and Reels. Fast and easy, but limited for advanced edits.
  
  
• VistaCreate: Great for templates and animations. I use it when I want extra motion in my designs.
  
  
• Adobe Lightroom: Best for fine-tuning photos. It’s powerful, but takes time to learn.
  
  
• CapCut: Solid free video editor with plenty of effects. It can feel busy for beginners.

Tip: Combine your design tools with some FB Ads tools to optimize your ads’ performance.

Want to use ads to grow your IG following? Bestever can help

Using the right Instagram post size sets your content up for success, but reach often comes from running ads. 

I use Bestever to design creatives that fit perfectly across placements and to track how they perform once they’re live. If I’m unsure about my campaign’s current health, I start with a quick ad audit to spot targeting, creative, or sizing issues before putting in more budget.

We designed Bestever to make ad creation and analysis faster, clearer, and more effective. Here’s how it can help:

• Analyze how effective your post or ad is: You can boost almost any post to turn it into an ad. Just make sure you're tracking the right ad metrics, then use Bestever to analyze how well it performs. The Ad Analysis Dashboard gives instant feedback on your ad and its visual impact, sales orientation, brand alignment, and audience engagement.
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• Know your target audience: Whether posting ads or curating your feed, Bestever’s audience analysis tools offer insights to help your messaging and your targeting. Share your website URL and it’ll tell you more about who wants to hear from you.
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• Rapid asset generation: If you’re struggling to come up with ideas, you can use Bestever to fetch brand-fitting AI-generated images, stock photos, and video clips you can share with your design team to create multiple ad variations faster.
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• Get actionable recommendations: Bestever gives you data-based, concrete suggestions on what you can do to improve your visuals or calls-to-action.
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• Instant feedback: If an ad or post underperforms, you can immediately find out more about its performance and make changes before wasting time or money.

Ready to see how top-performing ads can help you grow your following? Let our team show you how to easily create batches of ads and then analyze them to find the winners. 

Try a demo of Bestever for free. 

Frequently asked questions

Can I upload 4K images to Instagram?

Yes, you can upload high-resolution images. But there’s not much point in uploading in 4K since Instagram will compress them down to 1080 px width for feed posts. 

Does image size impact engagement rates?

Yes, image sizes can lead to higher engagement. Portrait posts (4:5) often perform better than other formats because they take up more screen space, encouraging viewers to look at them longer.

Can I post horizontal images on Instagram?

Yes, but they’ll appear smaller in the feed. Landscape posts (1.91:1, 1080 x 566 px) work, but they don’t take up as much screen space, which can impact engagement.