Instagram Size: Complete Guide to Optimized Dimensions and Formats

Struggling with blurry Instagram posts? You’re not alone! This complete guide breaks down every Instagram size you need to create scroll-stopping content that actually converts.

Tired of your Instagram posts looking pixelated or cropped? Getting the Instagram size right can be the difference between content that goes unnoticed and posts that truly connect with your audience.

In 2025, with over 2 billion active users, Instagram continues evolving its formats. This guide will save you hours of trial and error, providing all the exact Instagram post size specifications you need to create impactful visual content from day one.

Content Type	Dimensions (pixels)	Instagram Aspect Ratio
Profile picture	320 x 320	1:1
Square post	1080 x 1080	1:1
Vertical post	1080 x 1350	4:5
Instagram Stories	1080 x 1920	9:16
Highlights covers	1080 x 1920	9:16
Instagram Reels	1080 x 1920	9:16
Square feed video	1080 x 1080	1:1
Vertical feed video	1080 x 1350	4:5
Vertical IGTV	1080 x 1920	9:16

Instagram Post Size: Correct Dimensions for Maximum Impact

Did you know that 65% of businesses using correct Instagram post size specifications see a significant increase in engagement? Getting the right Instagram size isn’t just about technical numbers—it’s the key to making your content look professional and capture attention in a feed saturated with information. Success on Instagram goes beyond correct dimensions. A comprehensive digital marketing strategy should consider both technical aspects and creative content to maximize social media ROI.

Instagram Profile Picture Size

The profile picture is the first element users see when visiting your account. The correct Instagram size for profile pictures is:

Recommended size: 320 x 320 pixels
Minimum size: 110 x 110 pixels
Instagram aspect ratio: 1:1 (square)
Format: JPG, PNG, or GIF
Maximum file size: 30 MB

It’s important to remember that Instagram displays profile pictures in circular format, so you need to ensure important elements of your image are centered and won’t be cut off at the edges.

Don’t make the mistake of uploading low-resolution profile pictures thinking the difference won’t be noticeable. It’s very noticeable!

For maximum visual quality, always upload your profile picture at 320 × 320 pixels resolution.

Instagram Post Dimensions

Instagram post dimensions vary depending on the format you choose for your post. Instagram accepts three main formats for feed posts, each with a different Instagram aspect ratio: Square format (1:1 Instagram aspect ratio)

Instagram post size: 1080 x 1080 pixels
Ideal for: Balanced content, quotes, products
Advantage: Maximum visibility in feed

Vertical format (4:5 Instagram aspect ratio)

Instagram post dimensions: 1080 x 1350 pixels
Ideal for: Portraits, extensive informational content
Advantage: Takes up more visual space in mobile feed

Horizontal format (1.91:1 Instagram aspect ratio)

Instagram post size: 1080 x 566 pixels
Ideal for: Landscapes, cinematic content
Advantage: Natural format for camera photos

Resizing Your Instagram Post Size

To optimize your Instagram post dimensions, you can use various tools: Free online tools:

Canva: Pre-designed templates with exact Instagram size specifications
GIMP: Free editor with resizing options for any Instagram aspect ratio
Photopea: Free Photoshop alternative

Recommended mobile apps:

VSCO: Professional filters and cropping tools
Snapseed: Google’s complete editor
InShot: Specifically optimized for social media Instagram size requirements

Professional web design tools: If you’re looking for more advanced results, consider using specialized web design services that can create custom templates optimized for your specific Instagram post size needs. Basic resizing steps:

Open your preferred editing tool
Select desired Instagram aspect ratio (square, vertical, or horizontal)
Adjust composition keeping important elements visible
Export in high quality (minimum 1080px width)

Avoid images with small text or very fine details, as they can become illegible when reduced to standard viewing size. Your profile picture appears in comments, likes, and searches, so make sure it professionally represents your brand at any size.

Instagram Story Dimensions

Instagram story dimensions are crucial for ensuring your content displays correctly across all devices. The standard Instagram story size specifications are:

Instagram story dimensions: 1080 x 1920 pixels
Instagram aspect ratio: 9:16 (vertical)
Format: JPG, PNG, MP4, MOV
Maximum video duration: 15 seconds per Story
Maximum file size: 30 MB for photos, 4 GB for videos

Instagram story size content takes up the entire mobile screen, so it’s crucial to consider safe areas for text and important elements. Leave a margin of approximately 250 pixels at the top and bottom to prevent them from being hidden behind the user interface.

Instagram Highlights Cover Size

Instagram highlights covers appear on your profile and must follow these Instagram story dimensions:

Size: 1080 x 1920 pixels (same as standard Instagram story size)
Visible area: Central circle of approximately 400 x 400 pixels
Instagram aspect ratio: 9:16
Recommendation: Design thinking in circular format
Consistency: Maintain uniform style across all covers

To create effective covers, design centered elements that work well in circular format. Use consistent brand colors and clear iconography that represents the content of each highlight.

Instagram Reels Size

Instagram Reels have gained prominence as a short video format. Their Instagram size specifications are:

Dimensions: 1080 x 1920 pixels
Instagram aspect ratio: 9:16 (vertical)
Duration: Up to 90 seconds
Format: MP4, MOV
Recommended quality: Minimum 720p, ideal 1080p
Frame rate: 30 FPS

Reels are displayed full screen on mobile devices, similar to Stories. However, they also appear in the main feed, where they’re cropped to square format, so it’s important to keep main elements in the center of the composition.

Instagram Video Size

Instagram accepts different video formats depending on where you plan to post them, each requiring specific Instagram post dimensions: Feed videos:

Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1 Instagram aspect ratio)
Vertical: 1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5 Instagram aspect ratio)
Horizontal: 1080 x 566 pixels (1.91:1 Instagram aspect ratio)
Maximum duration: 60 seconds
Format: MP4, MOV

Long-form videos (IGTV):

Vertical: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 Instagram aspect ratio)
Horizontal: 1920 x 1080 pixels (16:9 Instagram aspect ratio)
Duration: Up to 60 minutes for verified accounts
Maximum file size: 15 GB

Instagram size optimization for videos should be based on content and distribution strategy. Vertical videos work better on mobile, while horizontal ones are ideal for more cinematic content.

Instagram Ads Size Requirements

Instagram size specifications for advertising require special attention, as different ad formats have unique requirements to maximize effectiveness.

Instagram Feed Ads Size

Instagram feed ads follow the same Instagram post size as organic posts, but with additional considerations: Technical specifications:

Single image: 1080 x 1080 pixels (square) or 1080 x 1350 pixels (vertical)
Carousel: 1080 x 1080 pixels per image
Video: 1080 x 1080 pixels, duration 1-120 seconds
Text: Maximum 125 characters recommended
Call-to-action: Required button

Best practices:

Use high-quality images without excessive text
Text should occupy less than 20% of the image
Include a clear call-to-action that’s relevant
Maintain consistency with your brand identity

Instagram Profile Feed Ads

Although there’s technically no specific “profile feed ads” format, promoted posts that appear on your profile should be optimized for visual cohesion:

Maintain consistent Instagram post size (preferably square 1080 x 1080)
Ensure ads integrate naturally with your organic content
Use a coherent color palette
Consider how ads will look in the profile’s grid view

Instagram Explore Ads

Ads in the Explore tab appear among organic content and must be especially visually appealing. To maximize effectiveness, it’s essential to integrate them within a well-planned digital advertising strategy:

Instagram size: 1080 x 1080 pixels (square)
Instagram aspect ratio: 1:1
Format: JPG, PNG for images; MP4, MOV for videos
Video duration: 1-120 seconds
Maximum file size: 30 MB for images, 4 GB for videos

Explore ads compete directly with highly engaging organic content, so they must be visually impactful and relevant to the target audience.

Instagram Stories Ads Size

Stories ads require a full-screen approach and should integrate naturally with organic content using proper Instagram story dimensions: Specifications:

Instagram story size: 1080 x 1920 pixels
Instagram aspect ratio: 9:16
Maximum duration: 15 seconds per ad
Formats: Single image, video, carousel, collection

Design elements:

Leave safe margins of 250 pixels top and bottom
Use large, legible text
Include interactive elements when appropriate
Keep branding subtle but present

Instagram Reels Ads

Reels ads are designed to integrate seamlessly with organic video content:

Instagram size: 1080 x 1920 pixels
Instagram aspect ratio: 9:16
Duration: 15-30 seconds (optimal), up to 90 seconds maximum
Format: MP4, MOV
Frame rate: 30 FPS minimum
Quality: 1080p recommended

Reels ads should feel authentic and entertaining, similar to the platform’s organic content. Avoid making them appear overly promotional and focus on telling a story that resonates with your audience. Final tips for optimizing Instagram size:

Visual consistency: Maintain coherent style across all Instagram post dimensions
Superior quality: Always use maximum recommended resolution for each Instagram size
Testing: Try different Instagram aspect ratio options to see what works best
Updates: Instagram size requirements may change, stay current with latest specifications
Tools: Use pre-designed templates to ensure correct Instagram post size

Remember that Instagram size optimization is just one part of social media success. A complete digital marketing strategy should include audience analysis, content planning, and continuous optimization based on performance metrics.

Need Professional Help with Instagram Size Optimization?

If managing all these Instagram post dimensions and Instagram story size specifications feels overwhelming, consider working with specialists. Professional digital marketing services can help you optimize not only your post dimensions, but your entire digital presence for better results. Mastering the correct Instagram size specifications is essential for maximizing your content’s visual impact and achieving better engagement and conversion results across all formats.