Why dimensions matter
Instagram applies automatic cropping when a photo or video does not match the expected aspect ratio for the placement type. Uploading the wrong size leads to unexpected cropping, soft edges from upscaling, and black bars. Using the correct dimensions from the start ensures your content looks exactly as you intended.
Feed post dimensions
Square (1:1)
- Resolution: 1080 × 1080 px
- Use case: product shots, portraits, simple graphics
- Square posts are the safest choice for feed because they display identically across all screen sizes without cropping.
Portrait (4:5)
- Resolution: 1080 × 1350 px
- Use case: fashion photography, food shots, portraits
- Portrait posts take up the most vertical space in the feed, which increases dwell time as users scroll past.
Landscape (1.91:1)
- Resolution: 1080 × 566 px
- Use case: scenic photography, two-person shots, cinematic edits
- Landscape posts show the smallest thumbnail in the profile grid and are generally avoided unless the content benefits from a wide frame.
Reels dimensions
- Resolution: 1080 × 1920 px (9:16 vertical)
- Safe zone: Keep text and key subjects between 250 px from the top and 420 px from the bottom to avoid being covered by the UI (title, captions, like/comment buttons)
- Maximum file size: 1 GB
- Maximum duration: 90 seconds in 2026 (Instagram has extended this multiple times)
Stories dimensions
Stories share the same 9:16 frame as Reels at 1080 × 1920 px. Stories play at full-screen so there are no thumbnail concerns, but the same safe zone rules apply for UI overlay avoidance.
Profile picture
- Uploaded size: minimum 320 × 320 px
- Displayed as: circle, roughly 110 × 110 px on feed thumbnails, 150 × 150 px on profile page on mobile
- Use a square image with the subject centred. Keep any branding or face well inside the circle to avoid cropping at the edges.
IGTV and long-form video
- Vertical: 9:16 at 1080 × 1920 px
- Horizontal: 16:9 at 1920 × 1080 px
- Cover thumbnail: 1:1.55 aspect ratio
Export settings for photo
When exporting from Lightroom, Photoshop or Capture One, use these settings:
- Color space: sRGB
- JPEG quality: 80-90 (Instagram re-compresses, so there is no benefit to exporting at 100)
- Resolution: 72 dpi (Instagram ignores print dpi)
Export settings for video
- Codec: H.264 (most compatible)
- Container: MP4
- Frame rate: match your original (24, 25 or 30 fps)
- Bitrate: 3.5-5 Mbps for 1080p is sufficient; Instagram compresses on its end