Stop constantly googling “what size is an Instagram post again?” and actually focus on creating instead.
Instagram decided to flip the script and make portrait posts (4:5) the default instead of squares. Classic Meta move—change everything without asking literally anyone. But here’s the thing: it actually works better for engagement because portrait posts dominate more screen real estate.
Why do you need to know Instagram sizes?
- Wrong dimensions = automatic crop = your carefully composed shot gets murdered
- Algorithm favors properly sized content (shocking, I know)
- Consistent sizing makes your feed look intentional instead of chaotic
If you’re still posting random sizes and hoping for the best, you’re basically throwing content into the void and wondering why it’s not performing. Stop that.
Complete Instagram size chart
Instagram posts
Portrait posts: 1080 x 1350px (4:5 ratio)
- The new default that everyone’s finally adapting to
- Maximum feed domination energy
- Perfect for showcasing products, people, or literally anything vertical
Square posts: 1080 x 1080px (1:1 ratio)
- Classic Instagram vibes that still work
- Safe choice when you can’t decide
- Great for graphics, quotes, or balanced compositions
Landscape posts: 1080 x 566px (1.91:1 ratio)
- For when you absolutely need that wide shot
- Gets cropped aggressively in feed
- Honestly, just crop it to 4:5 instead
Instagram stories
Full dimensions: 1080 x 1920px (9:16 ratio)
But here’s where it gets spicy—Instagram’s UI elements will crop your content faster than you can say “algorithm update”:
Danger zones:
- Top 250px: No-go zone (gets covered by profile info)
- Bottom 250px: Danger zone (UI buttons live here)
- Keep important text and elements in the middle third
Pro tip: Design for the safe zone first, then add decorative elements in the crop areas. Your future self will thank you.
Instagram reels
Optimal dimensions: 1080 x 1920px (9:16 ratio)
- Same as Stories but with different crop considerations
- 220px top danger zone
- 450px bottom no-go area
- Minimum 30 FPS, or Instagram will judge you
- Use 1080p resolution, Instagram doesn’t support 2K, and the optimization algorythm will just compress your video
Cover photo specs: 420 x 654px (1:1.55 ratio)
- Gets displayed as 1:1 in grid view (because consistency is apparently optional)
- Design for square crop, optimize for vertical
Tools for great Instagram posts
Not everyone needs the same tools, and there’s nothing worse than being stuck with software that either treats you like an idiot or assumes you have a design degree. Here’s the breakdown based on your actual skill level and patience for learning curves.
For advanced designers who actually know what they’re doing
Lunacy
The design tool that’s actually free and doesn’t hate you for existing. Vector editing that just works, built-in professional graphics library that slaps harder than Adobe’s subscription fees, plus AI tools that actually solve real problems instead of generating cursed images.
Why Lunacy is the move:
- Completely free (not “freemium,” not “trial,” just FREE)
- Built-in illustrations and icons that don’t look like clip art from 2003
- AI background remover that doesn’t butcher your subject
- AI upscaler for when your client sends you a 72dpi logo (again)
- Vector editing that doesn’t crash when you import an SVG
While everyone’s complaining about Figma pricing, smart designers are getting professional results with zero budget. That’s the kind of energy we need.
For content creators who want results, not a design degree
Mega Creator
Finally, a web app that doesn’t gaslight you into thinking you need a design degree to make content that doesn’t suck. Browser-based, packed with templates for posts, stories, and covers that actually look intentional instead of like AI threw up on your brand.
- Templates that pass the “doesn’t look like Canva” vibe check
- Built-in graphics library so you’re not hunting Stock Photo Hell for hours
- AI illustration generator that creates both vector AND raster graphics (because sometimes you need options)
- Actually understands Instagram’s dimension chaos so your content doesn’t get cropped into oblivion
While everyone’s either paying Adobe rent money or settling for basic templates that scream “I made this in 5 minutes,” smart creators are getting professional results without the learning curve. It’s giving “I have my life together” energy without the actual stress.
For mobile creators who live in their phone (no judgment)
Sometimes you just need to edit on the go, and honestly? Some mobile apps lowkey hit harder than desktop options for specific use cases.
CapCut
After the years, CapCut is still one of the best video editing apps out there. With tons of AI features (they put most of them under paywall, I was furious), great retouching. Nice transitions, automated captions, retouch, filters, basically, all you need for your Reels.
Edits
Instagram’s own video creation app because they finally realized creators were using literally everything except Instagram to make content for Instagram. Idea tracking, editing tools, and insights all in one place. Meta trying to keep you in their ecosystem? Absolutely. Does it actually work well? Surprisingly, yes.
Meitu
Chinese photo editing app that’s been around since 2008, so they’ve had time to figure out what actually works. Has more editing features than you’ll probably ever use, filters that don’t make you look like an alien, and some decent retouch tools that won’t completely destroy your face.
The one feature that’s actually useful: you can analyze other photos and steal their color grading/filter settings. Basically reverse-engineering someone’s aesthetic instead of spending three hours trying to recreate it manually. Does it work perfectly? Nah. Is it better than guessing? Yeah.
Fair warning: It’s still a beauty app, so expect some aggressive skin smoothing by default. But at least you can dial it back to human levels.
Key takeaways
- 4:5 portrait is your new best friend for feed posts
- 9:16 vertical everything for Stories and Reels
- Safe zones exist for a reason – respect them or get cropped
- Quality matters more than quantity – one perfectly sized post beats five randomly cropped ones
The bottom line? Instagram’s dimension game is annoying but predictable once you know the rules. Master these specs, build efficient workflows, and spend your mental energy on creating content that actually matters instead of constantly fighting the platform’s technical requirements.
Now stop googling Instagram dimensions every week and go make something that doesn’t get destroyed by arbitrary crop algorithms. Your content (and your sanity) deserves better✨
FAQ
What dimensions are Instagram posts?
1080 x 1350px (4:5) for portrait, 1080 x 1080px (1:1) for square
What size image for Instagram Stories?
1080 x 1920px (9:16) with 250px safe zones top and bottom
Do horizontal Instagram posts work?
Technically yes (1080 x 566px), practically they get buried in the algorithm
What are the best Instagram post dimensions for engagement?
Portrait 4:5 ratio dominates more screen space = better engagement
Remember: These specs are current as of 2025, but Meta loves chaos, so bookmark this and check back when they inevitably change everything again.
About the author
Adeline Knight is a content writer at Icons8. She started as a professional photographer before falling for design. She enjoys experimenting with new tools and uncovering tips and tricks to simplify her life and boost her creativity.