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Instagram Image Dimensions - 2021 Update

Kinga WojciechowskabyKinga Wojciechowska
Last updated: October 20, 20214 min read

Instagram Image Dimensions - 2021 Update

Images are one of the most important components on Instagram. When it comes to post on Instagram, size does matter.

We have to take into account that it's an app that focuses on mobile devices, which are usually smaller than desktop screens.

Because of this, next to well-composed photos with good lighting and focus, you should also pay attention to your image size.

Here are some simple rules for uploading photos or videos on Instagram.

Instagram Photos and Videos dimensions

In the beginning, Instagram users could only post square photos (1:1 ratio). Thankfully, that changed in the next few years. Now, Instagram photo posts focus on three main types: portrait, square, and landscape images.

Photo posts size

Instagram is a great platform for brands to show off their products and for people to share their creativity with the world. One way for you to take your Instagram account to the next level is by picking the right photo dimensions.

Portrait photos (4:5)

Portrait posts are vertical photos with aspect ratio is 4:5 and the ideal vertical photo size is 1080px x 1350px.

Square photos (1:1)

Square photos were the standard for an Instagram layout a few years ago. Although new formats are now available, square photos are still popular among Instagram users.

Ideal size for traditional square photos for Instagram is 1080px by 1080px.

Horizontal photos (1.91:1 or 16:9)

Horizontal photos are the best for showing off the contents of the frame, instead of just framing people or objects. This is especially true for things like food, interiors, and art spaces.

The landscape (horizontal) photo aspect ratio is 1.91:1 with ideal dimensions of 1080 x 608 pixels. It is encouraged that all uploaded photos be in this format and aspect ratio for the best viewing experience.

Note that if you add a photo to an aspect ratio of 16:9, Instagram will automatically add a border to make it fit nicely in the frames.

The best Instagram image sizes for posts are:

  • 1080px x 1350px (Vertical/Portrait)
  • 1080px x 1080px (Square)
  • 1080px x 608px (Horizontal/Landscape).

Profile photo size (320 x 320 px)

Instagram's profile picture size is 320 x 320, but note that the uploaded image will be cropped to a circular shape. When uploading a profile picture or logo, make sure the image will fit the circular Instagram frame.

Instagram video dimensions

Instagram videos have the same aspect ratio as photo posts. Here are the ideal dimensions:

  • 1080px x 1350px (Vertical/Portrait - 4:5 aspect ratio)
  • 1080px x 1080px (Square and carousel - 1:1 aspect ratio)
  • 1080px x 608px (Horizontal/Landscape - 1.9:1 or 16:9 aspect ratio)

Extra requirements for Instagram videos:

  • 30 frames per second
  • 60 seconds in length
  • File size of 4 GB

Instagram Stories dimensions

Instagram stories are the most popular of the Instagram features. They're used by over 200 million people every day and can come in handy for marketers and businesses of all sizes. Instagram's users say that they find stories extremely effective because they can engage with followers on a more personal level than other social media sites like Twitter or Facebook. Therefore, the right image or picture size is extremely important for the best viewing experience.

Ideal Instagram Stories size to fill the entire story screen is 1080 x 1920 px, when aspect ratio may vary from 1:9:1 to 9:16.

IGTV Post and Video dimensions

The recommended aspect ratio for IGTV vertical videos is 9:16 and 16:9 for horizontal videos. That means that the ideal size is 1080px x 1920px for vertical and 1920px x 1080px for horizontal videos.

Ideal cover photo size for IGTV videos is 420px x 654px.

Instagram Reels aspect ratio is 9:16 and optimal size is 1080px x1920px.

Ready to use templates for Instagram

A banner or a nice photo post is an important marketing tool that you can use in order to get more attention on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. At RenderForm.io we can help you create suitable banners for your personal or business profile by providing ready-made, customizable templates with well-suited dimensions.

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