Instagram Image & Video Sizes (2026)
Instagram is a visual-first platform where image quality directly impacts reach and engagement. Using the correct dimensions ensures your content fills the screen and avoids compression artifacts.
Instagram Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
| Content Type | Dimensions | Aspect Ratio | Max File Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feed Post (Square) | 1080x1080 | 1:1 | 30MB |
| Feed Post (Portrait) Best | 1080x1350 | 4:5 | 30MB |
| Feed Post (Landscape) | 1080x566 | 1.91:1 | 30MB |
| Story / Reel Best | 1080x1920 | 9:16 | 4GB |
The Golden Format for Instagram
While Instagram supports many shapes, the Feed Post (Portrait) format at 1080x1350 is currently the highest-performing layout for visibility and user engagement.
Fills the screen optimally on mobile devices.
Avoids platform-specific UI overlays in safe zones.
Provides the cleanest base for the platform's compression algorithm.
All Instagram Dimensions
Feed Post (Square)
1080×1080
Tip: Square posts are the classic Instagram format. Great for product shots and graphics where symmetry matters.
Feed Post (Portrait)
Popular1080×1350
Tip: Portrait takes up 20% more screen space than square in the feed — use this for maximum visibility and engagement.
Feed Post (Landscape)
1080×566
Tip: Landscape posts take up less feed space, so they get fewer impressions. Use only when the content requires a wide format.
Story / Reel
Popular1080×1920
Tip: Keep key text and elements in the center 1080x1420 safe zone — the top and bottom edges are covered by UI elements.
Carousel
Popular1080×1350
Tip: All slides in a carousel must share the same aspect ratio. The first slide determines the crop for all others.
Profile Picture
320×320
Tip: Displays as a circle — keep your logo or face centered and avoid placing important elements near the edges.
Why Quality Sizing Matters for Instagram
Instagram aggressively compresses uploads that don't match its preferred dimensions. In 2026, Instagram's algorithm uses technical quality as a direct ranking signal.
Small images get upscaled, introducing blur and noise
Optimizing your content for Instagram ensures your visuals remain sharp and professional across all devices.
Wrong aspect ratios get auto-cropped, cutting off your composition
Optimizing your content for Instagram ensures your visuals remain sharp and professional across all devices.
Portrait posts (4:5) take up 20% more screen real estate in the feed
Optimizing your content for Instagram ensures your visuals remain sharp and professional across all devices.
Instagram Optimization Pro Tips
Use 4:5 portrait for feed posts whenever possible — it dominates more screen real estate and consistently outperforms square and landscape formats.
Export images at exactly 1080px wide. Instagram downscales anything wider, and the recompression reduces quality.
For carousels, design a cohesive first slide that hooks viewers into swiping. The first image is your thumbnail in the feed.
Save photos as high-quality JPG (95%) rather than PNG — the file size is smaller and Instagram converts everything to JPG anyway.
Expert Insights & Editorial Notes
"Instagram's algorithm now prioritizes Reels and carousel posts over single-image feed posts. If reach is your goal, lean heavily into 9:16 video and multi-slide carousels."
"The 4:5 portrait format consistently outperforms 1:1 square in feed engagement tests. Square is not dead, but portrait should be your default unless you have a specific reason to go square."
"Instagram compresses all uploads to JPG regardless of the source format. Uploading a PNG will not give you better quality — it just means a larger upload for the same result."
How to Use These Sizes
Find Your Content Type
Browse the cards above to find the specific content type you're creating — feed post, story, reel, or profile picture.
Note the Dimensions
Copy the exact width, height, and aspect ratio. Use these when exporting from your design tool or camera app.
Resize & Publish
Use our free image resizer or your preferred tool to match the dimensions, then upload with confidence.
Recommended Tools Need more help with Instagram? Check out our free tools:
Looking for sizes for other platforms? Visit our complete Social Media Sizes Guide covering all 8 major platforms.
Official Sources
Platform Changelog
- 2026-02-23 — Initial publication with all current Instagram dimensions and specs.
Instagram Sizes FAQ
What is the best image size for Instagram in 2026?
The most recommended size for Instagram is 1080x1350 (4:5) for Feed Post (Portrait). This format provides the best visibility and engagement on the platform. Check the full list above for all supported content types and their specific dimensions.
What aspect ratio should I use for Instagram?
Instagram supports multiple aspect ratios depending on the content type. The most commonly used ratios are: 4:5 for Feed Post (Portrait), 9:16 for Story / Reel, 4:5 for Carousel. Using the correct aspect ratio prevents automatic cropping that can cut off important parts of your content.
What is the maximum file size for Instagram?
File size limits on Instagram vary by content type: 30MB for Feed Post (Square), 30MB for Feed Post (Portrait), 30MB for Feed Post (Landscape), 4GB for Story / Reel, 30MB per slide for Carousel, 10MB for Profile Picture. Staying under these limits ensures your uploads process quickly without compression issues.
What video format does Instagram support?
Instagram supports MP4 as the primary video format along with MOV. Story / Reel: 1-90 seconds (Reels), 1-60 seconds (Stories). Carousel: Up to 10 slides. Upload at the highest quality possible — the platform will re-encode your video for optimal delivery.
How often does Instagram update its image sizes?
Instagram occasionally updates its dimension requirements, usually a few times per year. We monitor these changes and update our guide accordingly. Check the "Last updated" date at the top of this page to see when we last verified these specifications.
Guides for Other Platforms
View All Platforms →
TikTok
3 content types
X (Twitter)
6 content types
Threads
4 content types
BlueSky
4 content types
YouTube
5 content typesSchedule Your Perfectly Sized Content
Now that you know the right dimensions for Instagram, use Tactic Social to schedule and cross-post your content across all platforms.
- Cross-post to 8+ platforms at once
- Built-in image resizing
- Schedule content in advance
