Instagram Post Size Dimensions

In today's digital landscape, social media platforms have become powerful tools for visual content creators and marketers. Among these platforms, Instagram stands out as a prominent hub for sharing captivating images and videos. To ensure your Instagram posts make a lasting impression and reach a wider audience, it's crucial to optimize their visual quality and adhere to the platform's specific size requirements. In this article, we delve into the world of Instagram post sizes, exploring the various dimensions for photos, videos, Stories, Reels, and IGTV, and providing you with the insights and tips you need to craft visually stunning and impactful content.
Instagram Photo Post Dimensions

Instagram photo posts are the cornerstone of visual content sharing on the platform. To ensure your photos look their best and are properly displayed, it’s essential to understand the recommended dimensions for this format. Here’s a breakdown of the ideal Instagram photo post dimensions:
- Recommended Size: 1080 pixels by 1350 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 4:5
- Minimum Width: 320 pixels
Instagram photos can be displayed in various ways, depending on the context. For example, in a grid, the ideal aspect ratio is 1:1 (square), with a recommended size of 1080 pixels by 1080 pixels. However, when a photo is displayed as a single post, it can take advantage of the full width of the feed, which is why the 4:5 aspect ratio is recommended.
It's important to note that Instagram will automatically crop or scale your photos to fit the feed, but maintaining the recommended dimensions will ensure your visuals look their best and are displayed as intended.
Photo Sizing Tips
When creating Instagram photo posts, keep these tips in mind to enhance the visual appeal and impact of your content:
- Utilize High-Resolution Images: Aim for photos with a resolution of at least 1080 pixels on the shortest side. This ensures your images look sharp and detailed when displayed on high-resolution screens.
- Avoid Excessive Compression: While file size is important for online sharing, avoid over-compressing your photos, as this can lead to loss of image quality and detail.
- Explore Different Aspect Ratios: While the 4:5 aspect ratio is recommended, Instagram allows for various aspect ratios, including 1:1 (square), 3:4, and even landscape formats like 16:9. Experiment with different ratios to find the best fit for your content.
- Pay Attention to Composition: Compose your photos with the intended aspect ratio in mind. Ensure that the key elements of your image are positioned within the visible area to avoid crucial details being cropped out.
Instagram Video Post Dimensions

Instagram has become a popular platform for sharing engaging videos, offering various formats to suit different content styles and lengths. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the recommended dimensions for each type of Instagram video post:
Standard Video Posts
Standard video posts on Instagram are similar to photo posts in terms of aspect ratio and dimensions. Here are the key specifications:
- Recommended Size: 1080 pixels by 1350 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 4:5
- Minimum Width: 320 pixels
- Maximum Length: 60 seconds
It's important to note that Instagram allows for longer videos, but they are typically trimmed to the first 60 seconds when displayed in the feed. For longer-form video content, consider using Instagram's IGTV feature, which we'll explore later in this article.
Video Sizing Tips
When creating Instagram video posts, consider these tips to enhance the visual quality and engagement of your content:
- Utilize High-Quality Footage: Aim for videos with a resolution of at least 1080p (Full HD). This ensures your videos look crisp and detailed when displayed on high-resolution screens.
- Optimize for Mobile Viewing: Instagram is primarily a mobile platform, so ensure your videos are optimized for mobile screens. Avoid including excessive fine details or text that may be difficult to read on smaller devices.
- Explore Creative Editing: Instagram offers various editing tools and filters to enhance your videos. Experiment with different effects, transitions, and overlays to add a unique touch to your content.
- Consider Vertical Orientation: Instagram videos are often viewed on mobile devices in a vertical orientation. While horizontal videos are supported, consider creating content specifically for vertical viewing to enhance the user experience.
Instagram Stories Dimensions
Instagram Stories are a popular feature that allows users to share short, engaging content that disappears after 24 hours. To ensure your Stories stand out and capture the attention of your audience, it’s essential to optimize their visual presentation. Here’s a breakdown of the recommended dimensions for Instagram Stories:
- Recommended Size: 1080 pixels by 1920 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16
- Minimum Width: 320 pixels
- Maximum Length: 15 seconds (for videos)
Instagram Stories are displayed in a vertical orientation, and the recommended dimensions ensure that your content fills the screen, creating an immersive viewing experience. When creating Instagram Stories, keep in mind that you can add multiple frames or pages to a single Story, allowing you to tell a more extended narrative.
Story Sizing Tips
To make your Instagram Stories more captivating and engaging, consider these tips:
- Focus on Vertical Composition: Compose your Stories with a vertical orientation in mind. Place important elements and text towards the center of the frame to ensure they are visible and readable on mobile devices.
- Utilize Story Stickers: Instagram offers a wide range of interactive stickers, such as polls, questions, and location tags, that can enhance user engagement. Experiment with these stickers to create interactive and dynamic Stories.
- Add Creative Effects: Instagram Stories provide various editing tools and effects, including filters, text overlays, and drawing tools. Use these features to add a personal touch and make your Stories visually appealing.
- Consider Audio: Audio can enhance the impact of your Stories. Whether it's background music, sound effects, or voiceovers, adding audio can make your content more immersive and engaging.
Instagram Reels Dimensions
Instagram Reels is a relatively new feature that allows users to create and share short, creative videos similar to TikTok. Reels have become a popular format for sharing engaging and entertaining content on Instagram. Here’s a closer look at the recommended dimensions for Instagram Reels:
- Recommended Size: 1080 pixels by 1920 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16
- Minimum Width: 320 pixels
- Maximum Length: 60 seconds
Instagram Reels are designed for vertical viewing, and the recommended dimensions ensure that your content is displayed prominently and fills the screen. This format is ideal for creating engaging and creative videos that capture the attention of your audience.
Reels Sizing Tips
To create successful Instagram Reels, consider these tips:
- Keep It Short and Engaging: Instagram Reels are meant to be short and snappy. Aim for videos that are under 30 seconds to maintain viewer engagement. Focus on creating content that is captivating and easily digestible.
- Utilize Editing Tools: Instagram provides various editing tools for Reels, including speed adjustments, transitions, and audio options. Experiment with these features to add a unique and professional touch to your videos.
- Explore Creative Effects: Instagram Reels offer a range of creative effects and filters that can enhance your content. These effects can add a fun and dynamic element to your videos, making them more engaging and visually appealing.
- Consider Audio and Music: Audio is a crucial element in creating engaging Reels. Choose music or sound effects that complement your content and help set the mood or tone of your video.
Instagram IGTV Dimensions

Instagram IGTV (Instagram TV) is a feature that allows users to share longer-form video content, similar to YouTube. IGTV is ideal for sharing in-depth tutorials, interviews, or other forms of content that require more time to deliver. Here’s a look at the recommended dimensions for Instagram IGTV:
- Recommended Size: 1080 pixels by 1920 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16
- Minimum Width: 320 pixels
- Maximum Length: 60 minutes (for verified accounts), 15 minutes (for standard accounts)
IGTV videos are designed for vertical viewing, and the recommended dimensions ensure that your content is displayed prominently and fills the screen. This format is perfect for creating immersive and engaging longer-form videos.
IGTV Sizing Tips
When creating IGTV content, keep these tips in mind:
- Focus on Quality: IGTV is an opportunity to showcase your expertise and create high-quality, engaging content. Invest time in planning, scripting, and editing your videos to ensure they are visually appealing and informative.
- Optimize for Vertical Viewing: IGTV videos are primarily viewed in a vertical orientation. Ensure that your content is composed with this orientation in mind, placing important elements and text towards the center of the frame.
- Explore Interactive Features: Instagram IGTV offers interactive features such as comments, likes, and shares. Encourage viewer engagement by incorporating these features into your videos and responding to comments to create a community around your content.
- Consider Series or Themes: IGTV is an excellent platform for creating video series or themed content. By creating a consistent format or theme, you can build a dedicated audience that looks forward to your next video.
Instagram Post Size Dimensions: A Recap
Instagram offers a diverse range of content formats, each with its own specific size requirements. Here’s a quick recap of the recommended dimensions for each type of Instagram post:
Type | Recommended Size | Aspect Ratio | Minimum Width | Maximum Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
Photo Posts | 1080px x 1350px | 4:5 | 320px | N/A |
Standard Video Posts | 1080px x 1350px | 4:5 | 320px | 60 seconds |
Instagram Stories | 1080px x 1920px | 9:16 | 320px | 15 seconds (videos) |
Instagram Reels | 1080px x 1920px | 9:16 | 320px | 60 seconds |
Instagram IGTV | 1080px x 1920px | 9:16 | 320px | 60 minutes (verified), 15 minutes (standard) |

FAQs
Can I use different aspect ratios for Instagram posts?
+Yes, Instagram supports various aspect ratios, including 1:1 (square), 3:4, 4:5, and 16:9. While the 4:5 aspect ratio is recommended for standard posts, you can experiment with different ratios to find the best fit for your content and audience.
What happens if I upload a photo or video with different dimensions than recommended?
+Instagram will automatically crop or scale your content to fit the recommended dimensions. However, to ensure your visuals look their best and maintain their intended composition, it’s best to follow the recommended sizes and aspect ratios.
Can I upload landscape-oriented photos or videos to Instagram?
+Yes, Instagram supports landscape-oriented content, particularly for standard video posts and IGTV. However, keep in mind that these formats are displayed in a vertical feed, so the recommended aspect ratio is 9:16 to ensure your content fills the screen and looks visually appealing.
Are there any specific guidelines for using text in Instagram posts or Stories?
+Yes, when using text in Instagram posts or Stories, it’s important to consider readability. Ensure that your text is large enough to be easily read, especially on mobile devices. Additionally, avoid placing text near the edges of the frame, as it may be cropped out when displayed.
How can I ensure my Instagram videos look good on different devices and screens?
+To ensure your Instagram videos look their best across various devices, aim for a high-resolution format (at least 1080p) and avoid excessive compression. Additionally, consider the orientation of your content and the intended viewing experience. Vertical videos are optimized for mobile viewing, while landscape videos may be better suited for larger screens.