Instagram offers several image and video formats. Instagram post size, Stories, Instagram Reels… 🤓 Given the competition of platforms, Instagram is evolving and so are the tips for achieving optimal results on the platform.
This article explains the different Instagram image and video formats and the various rules to follow to publish effectively on this social network. ⚡
What size is an Instagram Post?
Here are the recommended sizes for Instagram posts in pixels (aspect ratio) and cm (print): ⏬
Instagram post size in pixels
- Instagram profile photos must measure at least 110 × 100 pixels.
- Instagram posts can be square (1080 × 1080 pixels, aspect ratio 1:1), landscape (1080 × 566 pixels, aspect ratio 1.91:1) or portrait (1080 × 1350 pixels, aspect ratio 4:5).
- The correct size for the Story thumbnail is 161 × 161 pixels.
- Stories published on Instagram must be 1080 × 1920 pixels, i.e., a 9:16 ratio.
- Videos posted on your Instagram feed should have a 16:9 to 4:5 ratio and last up to 1 minute.
- IGTV videos can be in portrait format at 1080 × 1920 pixels (9:16 ratio) or landscape format at 1920 × 1080 pixels (16:9 ratio).
- The recommended aspect ratio for Reels is the portrait, with an aspect ratio of 9:16.
- For ads, we recommend a ratio of 9:16 for stories, 1:1 for publications and 9:19 for publications in the Explorer tab.
- The minimum image resolution is 1080 × 1080 pixels and the file size is 30 MB.
Instagram post size in cm
Here is a list of recommended image sizes for different types of content on Instagram, expressed in centimeters (cm). 📏
Note that image dimensions are usually given in pixels, but I’ve converted them to cm assuming a standard print resolution of 300 dpi (“dots per inch”), ✍️ what is common for a high-quality printing:
- Instagram post (square): The standard size is 1080 × 1080 pixels. Converted to cm, this gives approximately 9.14 × 9.14 cm.
- Instagram profile photo: The recommended image size is 110 × 110 pixels, equivalent to approximately 0.93 × 0.93 cm.
- Instagram posts (portrait format): the typical size is 1,080 × 1,350 pixels, or approximately 9.14 × 11.43 cm.
- Instagram Story Thumbnail: stories generally have an ideal size of 1,080 × 1,920 pixels, or 9.14 × 16.26 cm.
- Instagram videos: videos in your News Feed often measure 1,080 × 1,350 pixels (like portrait publications), or 9.14 × 11.43 cm.
- IGTV Instagram: The recommended size for IGTV videos is 1080 × 1920 pixels, or 9.14 × 16.26 cm.
- Instagram Reels: Reels also use a format of 1080 × 1920 pixels, or 9.14 × 16.26 cm.
- Instagram ads: ad sizes vary, but often follow the usual publication dimensions: 1,080 × 1,080 pixels for square (9.14 × 9.14 cm) and 1,080 × 1,350 pixels (9.14 × 11.43 cm) for portrait.
However, the dimensions in centimeters may vary slightly depending on the exact print resolution for images in PNG or JPEG format. 🖨️
For digital use, ✅ it’s best to stick to the dimensions in pixels.
Instagram Post Size
In 2023, the images on Instagram will lose ground to video, but they will remain the very essence of the platform. 📸
The “Story” format is particularly popular. 👉 Here are the rules to follow when it comes to Instagram image formats:
IG post size: Profile picture
The format of the Instagram profile photo is 150 × 150 pixels or 110 × 110 pixels.
Profile photos are not clickable and appear smaller. 💡 Choose easily recognizable images, such as brand logos or personal brand portraits (“personal branding” or influencers), to avoid any misunderstandings.
Size of Instagram post in the Feed
The recommended format for portrait images in your feed Instagram is 1080 × 1350 pixels. In general, photos taken in portrait mode on your phone are easier to publish in this format.
Instagram currently supports this format, portrait images directly in your News Feed. 📣 It’s important to use this feature, as publications take up more space in a user’s feed and therefore have better visibility than the square format.
It is also the recommended format for Instagram Stories. 💥
Size of IGTV videos
Cover photos optimized for video (ex-IGTV) must respect an aspect ratio of 1:1.55 with a format of 420 × 654 pixels. 😉
When you share your IGTV video on your Insta feed, you must keep the 1:1 ratio in mind and consider centering it so that essential elements are visible without being cropped. 👌
Instagram Story size
The format of Instagram Stories is 1080 × 1920 pixels. 💡 Once again, photos and video content taken vertically on a cell phone can be used with this format.
Horizontal format is not recommended, as it will be cropped. 🤫
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Tips for Instagram Post Format
Below you will find a set of tips for optimizing the size of Instagram images, including profile photos, News Feed posts, stories, Reels, and ads on the platform. 🌈
Insta profile picture size
Instagram profile photos are displayed at 180 × 180 pixels on the desktop. To optimize image quality, the platform recommends the following format, 200 × 200 pixels. 🔍
Note: Instagram automatically crops visuals to fit the circular format. 👉 So make sure the main elements are placed in the center of the photo, so they don’t get cut out.
Size for posting photos on Instagram
Whether your image is square, portrait or landscape, use a width of 1080 pixels for the best possible display. 💡 This avoids quality loss when Instagram compresses images (this is an issue, especially if you’re an influencer).
Video on Instagram size
If you would like to share a video on Instagram, it must have a frame rate of 30 frames per second and be limited to a maximum of 4 GB. 📈
Size of Carousel post on Instagram
Visit Instagram carousels allow you to publish multiple content items in a single publication 🎠 (photos and videos in square, landscape or portrait formats).
On the other hand, the format of the first content in the carousel defines the format of all the following images. 🧐
Reels on Instagram size
Reel information (profile name, description, audio title) will be displayed at the bottom of the screen. ⚡ Note: important information should not be written here, as it may be hidden.
Ads on Instagram size
Instagram recommends a minimum resolution of 1,080 × 1,080 pixels for sponsored publications. 🤑
For Stories, 250 pixels should be left at the top and bottom of the content so that critical elements are not obscured by “call-to-action” or profile icons. 👱
Now take note, folks! 🪶
Conclusion: Instagram Post Sizes
To conclude, here’s a summary table with all the Instagram post dimensions (number of pixels) you need: 🥸
| Type of Instagram content | Dimensions in pixels |
| Square image publication | 1080 × 1080 pixels |
| Vertical photo publishing | 1080 × 1350 pixels |
| Horizontal photo publication | 1080 × 566 pixels |
| Instagram Story | 1080 × 1920 pixels |
| Instagram carousels | 1080 × 1350 pixels |
| Reels Instagram | 1080 × 1920 pixels |
| Instagram video (IGTV) | 1080 × 1920 pixels |
| Square Instagram video | 1080 × 1080 pixels |
| Vertical Instagram video | 1080 × 1350 pixels |
| Horizontal Instagram video | 1080 × 608 pixels |
Don’t forget to use the call to action Instagram! 📣
FAQ : Instagram post Dimensions
What dimensions are Instagram posts?
The default size of square Instagram posts is 1080 × 1080 pixels. 👉 This measurement in centimeters is equivalent to approximately 9.14 × 9.14 cm for a high-quality print with a typical print resolution of 300 dpi.
This size is ideal for optimal viewing on mobile devices, and images are crisp and clear in applications and printouts. 📱
How do I resize a photo for Instagram?
Resize your photos for Instagram is a simple but critical process to ensure that your images are displayed with the best possible quality on the platform. 👉 It’s done like this:
- Understanding Instagram dimensions: Instagram prefers images with a resolution of 1080 pixels wide. Common formats are square (1:1), portrait (4:5) and landscape (1.91:1).
- Use a photo editor: you can resize photos using software like Photoshop, Lightroom, or free apps like Canva. 👑 Select the “Resize or Crop” option and enter the desired dimensions.
- Respect proportions: to avoid stretching or compressing your image, keep your photo’s original proportions by locking the proportions.
- Image quality: make sure image quality is not affected. 🤔 While it’s ideal to keep the resolution at 300 dpi when printing, Instagram reduces the resolution for on-screen display.
- Use a mobile app: if you’re using a cell phone, you can use apps like Instasize and Square Fit to quickly and efficiently resize images for Instagram.
- Test before you post: before you post, check what your photo looks like on your Instagram profile to make sure it looks good in your chosen format. 🤩
By following these steps, you can easily adapt your photos to Instagram’s requirements and share your images with your followers at their best. 🌞
How do you format Instagram posts?
For format publications Instagram, follow these key steps: 🗝️
- Use high-quality images with a resolution of 1080 pixels wide.
- Select the appropriate format: square (1:1), portrait (4:5), or landscape (1.91:1).
- Use applications such as Canva or Photoshop for resizing and cropping.
- Be sure to maintain proportions to avoid distortion.
- Add filters or adjustments to improve aesthetics. 🖼️
- Give your images captivating captions and use relevant emojis and hashtags.
- Finally, plan your publications to ensure visual consistency across your profile.
Now you know all about Instagram post size. 😘
