What Are The Dimensions Of A Instagram Post

So, there I was, scrolling through my Instagram feed, when I stumbled upon a post that was, well, different. It was like a jigsaw puzzle piece that didn't quite fit. The image was all squished, and the text was cut off. I thought, "Hmm, what gives?" And that, my friends, is how I ended up here, writing about the dimensions of an Instagram post.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "Why does it matter? Just post and let the algorithm do its thing." Well, sure, you could do that. But hear me out. Having the right dimensions can make your post stand out, grab attention, and even increase engagement. Plus, it's not rocket science. Let's dive in, shall we?

Square: The OG Instagram Post

Instagram started out as an app for sharing square photos. So, it's no surprise that this is the safest bet when it comes to post dimensions. A square post is 1x1, with each side measuring 1080 pixels. It's like the classic canvas that every artist knows how to work with.

But here's the thing, square posts don't always play nice with other platforms. If you're sharing the same post on Twitter or Facebook, it might get cropped or look weird. So, while square is safe, it's not always the best option.

Portrait: When You Want to Make an Impact

If you want your post to stand out, consider using a portrait orientation. This is great for images with a lot of detail or text. The recommended dimensions for a portrait post are 1080 pixels wide and 1350 pixels tall. That's a 4:5 aspect ratio, in case you're into that sort of thing.

Just a heads up, Instagram will crop your image if it's too tall. So, keep it under 1350 pixels to avoid any surprises.

Landscape: For Those Wide Open Spaces

Landscape posts are perfect for capturing wide-open spaces or telling a story with a panoramic view. The recommended dimensions for a landscape post are 1080 pixels tall and 566 pixels wide. That's a 16:9 aspect ratio, just like your TV.

Instagram Post Aspect Ratio (2026): Exact Sizes & Safe Zones | SocialBu

Now, here's a fun fact. Instagram will display landscape posts in their entirety on mobile, but they'll be cropped on desktop. So, if you're targeting a mobile audience, this could be your jam.

Video: Moving Pictures

Instagram supports videos up to 60 seconds long. But what about the dimensions? Well, it's a bit of a mixed bag. You can use square (1:1), portrait (4:5), or landscape (16:9) videos. Just remember, Instagram will add a small border around your video to maintain the aspect ratio.

And a quick tip, if you're using a video with text or important elements, make sure they're not too close to the edges. Instagram adds a safe area to prevent important content from being cropped.

Stories: The Ephemeral Art

Instagram Stories are a whole different ball game. They're ephemeral, they're fun, and they're perfect for behind-the-scenes content or quick updates. The recommended dimensions for a Story are 1080 pixels wide and 1920 pixels tall. That's a 9:16 aspect ratio, which is perfect for vertical videos.

And here's a little secret. You can use all that extra space to add stickers, text, or drawings. It's like a blank canvas, waiting for your creativity.

Instagram Post and Video Sizes and Dimensions Guide 2025

Carousels: More Than Meets the Eye

Carousels are a sneaky way to get around Instagram's post limits. You can share up to 10 images or videos in a single post. The dimensions for each slide are the same as a regular post. So, you can use a mix of square, portrait, or landscape images.

Just remember, each slide should be engaging on its own. You don't want to force your audience to swipe through just to see the whole story.

So, What's the Best Size?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It depends on your content, your audience, and what you're trying to achieve. But here's a quick cheat sheet:

• Square: 1080x1080 pixels (1:1 aspect ratio)
• Portrait: 1080x1350 pixels (4:5 aspect ratio)
• Landscape: 1080x566 pixels (16:9 aspect ratio)
• Video: Square (1:1), Portrait (4:5), or Landscape (16:9)
• Stories: 1080x1920 pixels (9:16 aspect ratio)
• Carousels: Mix of square, portrait, or landscape images

And there you have it. The dimensions of an Instagram post, demystified. Now go forth, create, and engage. And remember, the most important thing is to be consistent and true to your brand.

Until next time, happy posting!