Instagram Post Size Guide: Dimensions for Posts, Reels, & Stories [2024]

Instagram remains a powerful tool for both businesses and creators to build their brands and engage with their audience. One crucial element for maximizing your presence on the platform is ensuring that your content is formatted correctly for Instagram’s various post types.

What many users may not realize is that each type of post (whether it’s a standard feed post, Reel, or Story) has its own recommended dimensions to ensure the best quality and visibility.

But let’s be honest, keeping track of all these dimensions can feel a little overwhelming. Who can remember all these rules off the top of their head?

That’s where this guide comes in. We’ve broken down everything you need to know about Instagram post sizes, so you can save this article and check every time you need to create perfectly optimized content every time without the hassle.

What Formats Are Accepted on Instagram?

Instagram accepts a variety of file formats to give creators flexibility.

For images, you can upload:

• PNG
• JPG
• BMP

While for videos, the platform supports:

• MOV
• MP4

Understanding these basics ensures your posts are compatible with Instagram's system​.

Instagram Feed Post Sizes

When posting to your Instagram feed, you have three main image formats to choose from: square, portrait (vertical), and landscape (horizontal). Each of these formats comes with its own recommended dimensions to make sure your images look as crisp and high-quality as possible.

Square Posts

Recommended dimension: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1 aspect ratio)

This is the classic Instagram post size, perfect for symmetrical images. It’s a favorite for many because it looks great in the Instagram grid.

Portrait Posts

Recommended dimension: 1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5 aspect ratio)

‍Portrait posts are ideal for showcasing vertical content. They take up more screen space as users scroll, which often results in higher engagement.

Landscape Posts

Recommended dimension: 1080 x 566 pixels (16:9 aspect ratio)

‍Best for wide, scenic shots or group photos, landscape posts give your audience a panoramic view, capturing more expansive images in a sleek format.

P.S. You can use all 3 sizes for static posts, carousels or videos.

Instagram Reel Sizes

Instagram Reels, the platform’s response to TikTok, have become a major player in video marketing. Reel is a short, dynamic video that users can find at Reels tab, the Explore tab or by scrolling their own feed.

Reel Size

Recommended dimensions: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 aspect ratio)

This full-screen format is ideal for immersive storytelling through video. Reels fill the entire screen, making them perfect for engaging viewers in a more intimate and impactful way.

Instagram Story Sizes

Stories offer a unique way to share dynamic and interactive content with your followers. It helps you connect with your audience through temporary content that disappears after 24 hours.
Like Reels, Stories are best created in a vertical format.

Story size

Recommended Dimension: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 aspect ratio)

This size works for both photos and videos. Make sure your content fills the entire screen for the best visual impact. Using landscape images in Stories is not ideal, as they won’t fill the vertical frame, which can make them appear awkward or leave empty space.

Tip: Don't forget to add interactive elements like polls, swipe-up links, and stickers to your IG story!

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Why Image and Video Sizes Matter

You might be wondering: why should you care about all these sizes?

Well, Instagram’s recommended image and video dimensions are crucial to ensuring your content is displayed in the best possible way, helping you reach more people and boost engagement.

Here are a few key reasons why getting the sizes right is so important:

• ‍Visual Quality: If your images don’t match Instagram's recommended dimensions, they can be stretched, cropped, or pixelated, resulting in a distorted and unprofessional look. By following the correct sizes, you ensure that your content appears crisp and appealing, making a strong first impression.
• ‍Audience Engagement: Well-framed, high-quality images naturally draw more attention. When your content is optimized for Instagram’s feed, it stands out, leading to increased likes, comments, and shares. Correct dimensions also prevent important elements from being cut off, keeping viewers engaged.
• ‍Professionalism: Maintaining a consistent visual style that aligns with Instagram's guidelines demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism. Many people worldwide use Instagram to purchase products and services, so a well-curated profile looks polished and is more attractive to followers, potential clients, and business partners.
• ‍Instagram Algorithm: Instagram favors content that provides a great user experience. Correctly sized and visually appealing images and videos are more likely to appear on the Explore page and higher in your followers’ feeds, increasing the chances of your content being discovered by a wider audience.
• ‍Brand Consistency: Following these guidelines ensures that your content displays properly, without unwanted cropping or awkward borders, and also helps maintain consistency. Users expect polished and well-formatted posts, which builds trust and brand loyalty.

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To maximize your Instagram strategy in 2024, ensure your posts, Reels, and Stories are sized perfectly for each format. Not only does this enhance your brand's visual appeal, but it also ensures your posts get the engagement they deserve.

If you’re looking to streamline your content across all social platforms, don’t stop at Instagram!

Check out our comprehensive guide to social media post sizes across all major platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. Knowing the best dimensions for each platform ensures your content always looks professional and optimized, no matter where it’s posted.

MeetEdgar helps you plan and automate your social media content, making it easy to stick to the right post sizes while staying consistent across your channels. Ready to take control of your social media? Try Edgar today!

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