Posting with the correct Instagram dimensions ensures your images stay sharp, your videos play smoothly, and your design stays platform-native across Feed, Stories, Reels, and Carousel formats. This guide covers exact pixel sizes, recommended aspect ratios, resolution guidelines, and file-size caps, so you can optimize before you upload. Read on to get a format-by-format breakdown you can bookmark and reuse for every campaign.
Instagram Feed Image Dimensions
For Feed photos and single-image posts, Instagram accepts several aspect ratios but displays best within a recommended range. Use at least 1080 pixels on the longest side and favor 1:1 (square) or 4:5 (portrait) for maximum impact in the grid.
Recommended Aspect Ratios and Sizes
- 1:1 (Square)
- 4:5 (Portrait)
- 16:9 (Landscape, supported but trimmed on mobile)
Keep the final file under 30 MB and save in sRGB color space for consistent colors. Export at 72 PPI, and aim for roughly 1080 px by 1080 px for a 1:1 image or 1080 px by 1350 px for a 4:5 portrait.
Instagram Stories Dimensions
Instagram Stories are full-screen, vertical experiences designed for phones. The native canvas is 1080 pixels by 1920 pixels, which corresponds to a 9:16 vertical ratio.
Safe Zones and Best Practices
Keep critical text and logos at least 150 pixels from the top and bottom to avoid being hidden by interface elements. Use a 1080 px by 1920 px canvas, export in sRGB, and set the file size below 10 MB for optimal performance.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Canvas Size | 1080 px by 1920 px | Official Platform Spec |
| Aspect Ratio | 9:16 (vertical) | Official Platform Spec |
| Recommended Text Margin | 150 px from top/bottom | Platform Guidelines |
| File Size Cap | Under 10 MB | Platform Guidelines |
| Color Space | sRGB | Platform Guidelines |
Instagram Reels Dimensions
Reels are also vertical-first and mirror the Stories canvas, so the same 1080 px by 1920 px dimensions apply. Higher-resolution source material is acceptable, but Instagram will compress to this output size.
Export Settings for Reels
Record or import at 1080 px by 1920 px at 30 fps for standard content or 60 fps for smoother motion. Export as H.264 with a bitrate around 8 Mbps for 1080p to balance quality and file size. Keep files under 4 GB, the platform’s current upload limit for Reels.
Instagram Carousel Dimensions
Carousel posts support up to 10 cards and can mix images and videos. Each card follows the same Feed image guidelines, so consistency across the set improves readability and brand perception.
Consistency Checklist
- Use the same aspect ratio across all cards
- Keep text within center safe zones
- Maintain a uniform filter or color grade
- Verify resolution at 1080 px on the longest side
Quick Reference Table: Image Specs by Format
| Format | Dimensions (px) | Aspect Ratio | Max File Size | Color Space |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feed Photo | 1080 x 1080 | 1:1 | 30 MB | sRGB |
| Feed Portrait | 1080 x 1350 | 4:5 | 30 MB | sRGB |
| Story/Reel | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 | 10 MB (Stories), 4 GB (Reels) | sRGB |
| Carousel Image | 1080 x 1080 | 1:1 or 4:5 | 30 MB | sRGB |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Stretching a lower-resolution image to fill the frame, using landscape photos without cropping (they get letterboxed), and adding text too close to edges are the top three causes of poor performance. Always preview on both mobile and desktop to confirm composition and legibility.
Final Export Checklist
Before you tap Share, confirm the following: correct canvas size for the format, sRGB color space, 72 PPI, safe margins for text, and file size under the platform limit. Following these steps helps your content look intentional, polished, and ready to perform on Instagram.