Instagram Post Size: Cheat Sheet To Boost Your Engagement

By: Tanmay Ratnaparkhe

Last Updated: December 13, 2021

Instagram allows you to share your best photographs and videos in various forms. These include Instagram feed posts, Stories, Reels, IGTV videos, and videos in your feed. So now, you may be wondering what the Instagram post size should be for different types of Instagram posts.

There are several excellent ways to communicate with your audience. You can deliver eye-catching content to take your Instagram marketing to the next level.

Regardless of how unique these many possibilities are, picking the best Instagram post size may be difficult. To encourage even more people to read your content, optimize the size and dimensions of your images. In this blog, we will guide you about the Instagram post size for different types of Instagram posts.

Best Resolution For Instagram

Instagram’s greatest resolution is 1080 pixels wide. It has the highest visual quality you can upload and ensure the best images on your mobile device and the web. No matter if you’re using Instagram from iPhone or Android, we recommend uploading photos at the highest quality i.e., 1080 pixels.

If the width of the photo is between 320 to 1080 pixels, Instagram retains the original resolution as long as the aspect ratio is between 1.91:1 and 4:5. Keep the height between 566 to 1350 px and the width to be 1080 px. If this aspect ratio is not supported, it will automatically be cropped to suit a supported ratio.

Whenever you upload an image with lower resolution, Instagram enlarges its width to 320 pixels. When you upload a picture that has a greater resolution, Instagram will reduce it down to a width of 1080 pixels. Follow these three steps to ensure that your post is shared with a width of 1080 pixels:

Make sure you have updated your Instagram app with the most latest version.
Check that the photo you’re uploading has the least width of 1080 pixels and an aspect ratio of 1.91:1 to 4:5.
As many smartphones have cameras of variable quality, make sure you’re using one with a high-quality camera.

Difference Between Aspect Ratio And Photo Size When It Comes To Instagram Post Size

The basic difference between the aspect ratio and the post size is that the aspect ratio is independent of the unit. For example –

The approximate ratio of an image’s width to height is its aspect ratio. It does not have units associated, but it shows the width in relation to the image’s height. Thus, we can conclude that no matter in which metrics you measure the Instagram post size, the aspect ratio will remain the same.

This is why you can determine the ratio and type of a picture by the relationship between its width and height rather than its actual size.

The aspect ratio of a picture varies based on the media in which it is displayed. The aspect ratio of a photo displayed on the phone, for example, differs from the aspect ratio of the same image seen on a computer. This is why aspect ratios are so important in web content, particularly visual web content. You must post many aspect ratios for different applications, such as Instagram.

Instagram’s most popular aspect ratios are the square aspect ratio of 1:1, Horizontal with an aspect ratio of 1.8:1 (or 16:9), and Vertical with an aspect ratio of 0.8:1. (or 4:5).

If aspect ratio refers to an image’s proportionate relationship, photo size refers to the image’s actual width and height in pixels. It’s the dimensions of a picture, and you may measure dimensions in whatever unit you like. But, Pixels are commonly used for online and digital pictures.

When analyzing aspect ratio and Instagram post size, you must remember that two pictures with the same aspect ratio may not have the same size. For example, if an image with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels has an aspect ratio of 16:9, an image with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels might have the same ratio.

You must remember that selecting the correct Instagram post size guarantees that your image displays as you want. It will not be stretched and will not experience resolution loss.

Instagram Post Size For Every Post Type

When considering the most appropriate Instagram post size, you’ll come across several crucial terms such as pixels as well as the aspect ratio for each post category. The aspect ratio is the width-to-height ratio. A square picture, for example, has a 1:1 aspect ratio since its width and height are the same. In contrast, the recommended Instagram aspect ratio for a landscape post is 16:9.

The Instagram picture size refers to the resolution of the image — the number of pixels (px) in the photo’s height and breadth. Instagram square post dimensions, for example, are 1080 × 1080 px, which is also a 1:1 aspect ratio.

Here’s a better way to think about it: The aspect ratio of your Instagram post (square, vertical rectangle, or horizontal rectangle) relates to the geometry of your post, whereas image size refers to the resolution/quality of the picture file.

There is no single ideal Instagram post size due to the variety of post types. Here’s a list of the best Instagram post size for each post type.

Instagram Feed Post

Instagram allows for three different styles of feed posts: square, landscape, and portrait. While many businesses prefer the standard square post, each type has its own advantages. Square Instagram posts are usually suited for symmetrical images. But, some photos look better in landscape or portrait orientation as well.

As the name implies, landscape orientation is ideal for shots of large landscapes. Your profile page grid will display square photographs regardless of orientation. Carousel posts can use any of these image sizes, but all pictures and videos within the carousel will be oriented the same way as the initial photo. As an example, if your first picture is a 1080 × 1080 px square, all subsequent images and videos will be cropped to the same size.

Instagram Post Size For Feed Image — Source: Let Root

Instagram Video

Individual videos in the Instagram feed might be landscape, portrait, or square. If you include a video in a carousel post, it will be trimmed to suit the orientation of the first post, just the way it is with images.

In general, stay with the orientation you filmed in. If you held your phone and recorded a portrait/vertical video, it will appear best in that same position.

Keep in mind that Instagram feed videos might range from 3 to 60 seconds in length. When you reach the 60-second mark, you must use IGTV.

Instagram Post Size For Feed Video — Source: Invideo

IGTV

While Instagram supports landscape IGTVs, the app prefers portraits. Whatever orientation you choose, all previews in timelines and profile pages will display a 4:5 center cut of your video.

What’s amazing about IGTV posts is that you can customize the preview content. Typically, Instagram will show the first 15 seconds of your video as the preview, but if you choose portrait orientation, you may click “edit preview” to choose between a still image and a 15-second clip for the preview.

You will not get the same option for landscape IGTVs, so remember thing this point before deciding on an orientation.

Instagram Post Size For IGTV — Source: Invideo

IGTV Cover Photo

The IGTV cover photo or thumbnail is a critical component of your video since it shows as a static post on your primary grid,

It’s the first thing people see; therefore, your Instagram cover image should match the appearance and feel of your profile.

While IGTV, like stories and reels, is designed for 9:16 viewing, an IGTV thumbnail must function as both a square post for your grid and a vertical post when IGTV is accessed.

IGTV cover photos are displayed in the vertical 4:5 aspect ratio, 1060 x 1350 dimensions, and also as a square frame in the grid. Your thumbnail must be compatible with both aspect ratios.

Instagram Post Size For For IGTV Cover Photos — Source: Invideo

Instagram Story

The most recommended options for Instagram stories are Vertical/portrait videos. If you choose landscape orientation, your videos and images will appear with a lot of empty space surrounding them.

Instagram Stories are intended to be seen when holding the phone vertically. Using portrait orientation for both videos and images allows you to make use of the whole screen.

Tip: If you have a stunning landscape video or photograph, try posting it as an Instagram feed post rather than a Story.

Instagram Post Size For Stories — Source: Let Root

Instagram Story Highlight Icon

The story highlights is a fantastic Instagram feature that allows you to save your stories so that the excellent ones don’t disappear after 24 hours!

The story highlight icons will look great on your profile page and provide another way to create a compelling visual story about your life or business.

You must be careful to keep it as simple as possible because the circular symbol is so small. Never let Instagram post size dictate quality, anyway. On Instagram, you can’t get away with low-quality photographs!

When you first design the highlight icon, you should make it in a square, which Instagram will crop into a circle when you upload it. But don’t be tricked into thinking that since it’s little, you can get away with inferior quality.

Instagram Reels

Instagram reels have exploded in popularity. It is a fantastic feature that allows you to be really creative and either publish straight from Tik-Tok or videos directly from the Instagram app. You can always upload a previously recorded video from your collection.

Instagram Reels must be filmed vertically and in portrait mode. Unlike IGTVs, these videos cannot be seen in full-screen mode; instead, they play on the Instagram timeline.

Instagram Reels are automatically trimmed to square size for profile grids, but users will see the entire vertical video.

Instagram Reels Dimensions — Source: Preview App

Instagram Live Videos

The live video feature of Instagram allows you to live-stream videos to your followers. Videos must be no more than 60 minutes in length. These videos must be filmed vertically with a 9:16 aspect ratio. It should have a resolution of at least 720 pixels.

Try to be genuine and professional while creating interesting Instagram Live videos. People want to see you live because you’re a real, actual human being. People want a true and honest connection, which the Instagram Live feature provides. It’s also beneficial to maintain consistency with your ongoing series. Whether you upload Live videos weekly or monthly, you need to be consistent with your live stream. It stimulates the interest of your followers.

Instagram Live Video Dimensions — Source: Influencer Marketing Hub

Profile Photo Size

Your Instagram profile photo is an essential component of your Instagram account. For many individuals, it’s the first impression they’ll get of your Instagram account as a whole (and maybe even your entire brand). As a result, whether you use your logo, face, or something else, your photo must deliver an authentic visual image of your organization.

Upload the same profile photo you use on other social media platforms where you have a presence, if possible. Your followers will learn to recognize you anywhere, building consistency and enhancing brand recognition.

So, how large should your Instagram profile photo be? In a nutshell, the higher the resolution, the better — 1000 x 1000 pixels or above is the ideal photo size for Instagram profile photographs.

Your Instagram profile photo will be displayed at a resolution of 110 × 110. Your followers will see your Instagram profile picture at this size on the application.

Source: Quora

However, if someone views your profile on a desktop, the image may appear blurry or low-resolution. To avoid this, choose an image at least 180 × 180 pixels in size, preferably 1000 x 1000 pixels or larger. This ensures that your picture is clear and crisp to everyone.

Instagram Guides

Instagram Guides was introduced in 2020 as a method of categorizing your finest Instagram content and providing viewers with the chance to learn more about a specific topic.

Guides are a collection of images and text. They give essential information or step-by-step instructions to users.

Each guide requires a cover image, which will appear in the grid of your guide. You can use any size image for the cover of an Instagram guide, but portrait photographs work best.

This image shows as a banner at the top of the guide after entering it. However, as you navigate down the tutorial, graphics become square. Square posts look great inside text-heavy guides.

Instagram Post Size: Final Thoughts

Even while deciding on the perfect Instagram post size might be difficult at times, you can indeed have fun in the process!

Consider this a strategy to ensure that your viewers and followers continue to have a positive experience with your content as a social media influencer, content producer, brand ambassador, or social marketer.

Make it a point to integrate your own touch in everything you produce, whether to promote your business, raise awareness, educate, or enhance engagement.

While your 1080 x 1080 square and 1920 x 1350 vertical images are the most prevalent on Instagram, having a guide to refer to, and most importantly, the correct tools to optimize the quality and impact of your posts is beneficial!

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Instagram Post Size: Cheat Sheet To Boost Your Engagement

Best Resolution For Instagram

Difference Between Aspect Ratio And Photo Size When It Comes To Instagram Post Size