Instagram keeps making changes to the platform and its interface. To grow your IG account successfully, you must stay updated with all the new additions and customizations. That isn’t tough, as this simple guide will explain the Instagram sizes, dimensions, and everything else for Story, Reel, Post, Video, and Live Video.
Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms in 2024. It has crossed the mark of 1.31 billion users by the first month of this year. The potential for your content on the platform is uncountable. However, the format and styling must be appropriate for the photos and videos to reach the maximum number of eyes.
Instagram Photo Size, Resolution, And Dimensions:
Instagram crops all images to a square size in the feed, but the posts can be square, landscape, or vertical. It’s important to keep the correct size and ratio for the posts. The ideal size for square posts on Instagram is 1080px by 1080px at a 1:1 aspect ratio.
For landscape posts, Instagram users should use an image of 1080px by 566px with an aspect ratio of 1.91:1. For vertical posts, users should select an image with a size of 1080px by 1350px with a 4:5 aspect ratio.
This size and aspect ratio format suits Android and iPhone users. Users should also upload the photos at the best resolution possible. When a user shares a photo with a width between 320 and 1080 pixels, Instagram keeps the photo at its original resolution.
If you post the photo on Instagram Story, the ideal size is 1080px by 1920px at a 9:16 aspect ratio. This also applies to videos, but we’ll discuss them later.
How To Resize Photos For Instagram?
You can easily resize your pictures for Instagram by using the size guide shared above. Your profile may appear cluttered and unprofessional if you constantly upload horizontal and vertical photos that aren’t according to the given aspect ratio.
When you resize your photos correctly, your viewers are bound to like them. Instagram will also find them useful and satisfactory, and the chances of them getting recommended to more audiences increase. There are several tools you can use to resize your photos for Instagram.
We’d recommend using Adobe Express if you are a professional. You need to access its resize tool and select from pre-made Instagram sizes, and Adobe Express will automatically re-format your design. You can also enter the parameters manually when using other photo editing apps like PicsArt, Pixlr, etc.
Instagram Video Sizes, Dimensions, And Formats:
Video-based content flourishes on Instagram as the platform seems ready to transition from photo-focused to motion-focused. Instagram Reels have become the best way to grow your account, reach a new audience, and become a sensation, while Live Videos are the perfect option to get more engagement.
If you are still not focusing more on production video-based content, then your strategies are outdated. When creating videos for Instagram, you must consider the sizes, dimensions, and formats to attract the maximum number of eyes. The simplest explanation for them is available below.
Instagram Reels:
Reels are the newest form of content on Instagram, and these short-form videos have extreme potential. You can create 15-second to 60-second videos and post them as Reels on Instagram. Here are the parameters you need to follow while creating Instagram Reels:
Size For Reels:
- 1080 pixels x 1920 pixels
- Max file size 4GB
The size for Instagram Reels is recommended to be below 15MB to reduce the upload time. The maximum file size of 4GB ensures you up to 60 seconds of content.
Dimension For Reels:
- Vertical (1080 pixels x 1920 pixels)
Remember that Reels are designed to be viewed full screen, vertically, and on mobile devices. You are advised to record them directly on your phone. Also, leave some space at the bottom of the video for the caption to not mess with your content.
Aspect Ratio For Reels:
- 9:16
If you are unaware, a video’s aspect ratio is the height’s width. The first digit (9) represents the width, and the second (16) represents the height.
You can resize your videos using editing software to ensure they fit Instagram Reels correctly. This will ensure your precious content is not cut off from the viewers’ screen.
Video Format For Reels:
- MP4
- MOV
Currently, these two are the only supported format for Reels. MP4 is recommended between them.
In-Feed Videos:
These traditional videos have been on Instagram for the longest time. The in-feed videos also have a high engagement rate as they are sure to appear on your followers’ timelines.
Size For In-Feed Videos:
- 1080 x 1080 pixels (landscape)
- 1080 x 1350 pixels (portrait)
- 650MB (for 10 minutes videos or shorter)
- 3.6GB (60 minutes videos)
- Max file size 4GB
The recommended size for In-feed videos on Instagram is 1080px by 1350px, but you can also use 1080×1080, 1080×608, or 1080×1350 if required.
Dimension For In-Feed Videos:
- Vertical (1080 x 608 pixels)
- Horizontal (1080 x 1350 pixels)
Note: The Instagram app doesn’t rotate on mobile. If you have shared a widescreen video, it may show up with black or white borders on either side.
Aspect Ratio For In-Feed Videos:
- 4:5 (1.91:1 to 9:16 are supported)
- 1:1
Format For In-Feed Videos:
- MP4
- MOV
- GIF
The ideal video format is MP4 with H. 264 codec and AAC audio. However, you can also post other formats if required.
Users can also use a third-party app like Giphy to upload GIFs instead of uploading them directly from their phone for convenience.
Instagram Stories:
Stories are the most used content format on Instagram. Around 500 million Instagram users access the Stories feature every day. You can share around two to seven Instagram stories ideally but the app allows you to post even more of them.
Size For Stories:
- 1080 x 608 pixels (minimum)
- 1080 x 1920 (maximum)
- Max file size 4GB (for 15 seconds of video)
Instagram Stories follow almost the same size requirements as Instagram Reels.
Dimension For Stories:
- Vertical (min: 1080 x 608 pixels, max: 1080 x 1920)
Just like Reels, Stories are meant to be watched vertically. Posting a square or horizontal clip on Storiy must fit it within the parameters mentioned. You are advised to shoot your videos for Instagram Stories in portrait mode, not landscape mode.
Pro Tip: If you want the Story to fill the entire screen, record the video with 1080 x1920 pixel resolution.
Aspect Ratio For Stories:
- 9:16
The aspect ratio for Stories is also the same as for Reels. Your vertical videos or videos shot in portrait mode are the best for IG Stories. One tip is to record them directly using the Instagram Stories Camera.
Format For Stories:
- MP4
- MOV
- GIF
Stories support the same video formats as In-feed videos. MP4 is recommended here as well.
Instagram Live Video:
Live Video is the most underrated feature on Instagram. Many users don’t realize the potential they carry and how useful they can be to growing accounts. To utilize the Live Video feature on Instagram, you need to use the right set of parameters.
Size For Live Video:
- 1080 pixels x 1920 pixels
- Max file size 4GB (for up to 4 hours of video)
Instagram Live Video size parameters are similar to Stories and Reels, but the duration can be much larger. Previously, Instagram only allowed up to 60 minutes of the broadcast, but the limit has been extended to 4 hours. Remember that you can only record them from the Instagram camera app.
Before going live on Instagram, one key tip is to ensure you have a stable and fast internet connection. You should have at least a 500kbps to 1Mbps upload speed.
Dimension For Live Video:
- Vertical (1080 x 1920 pixels)
The Instagram Live Videos are broadcasted directly from mobile and must be shot vertically. Ensure you stay in portrait mode throughout the stream, as the app will not rotate with your phone.
Aspect Ratio For Live Video:
- 9:16
The aspect ratio for IG Live is the same as for Reels and Stories. It is set within the Instagram app, and you can’t change the size once you have started.
Format For Live Video:
- MP4
- MOV
Instagram will create your Live Videos in these two formats so that you can upload them back to your feed. However, make sure you satisfy the size limits.
Frequently Asked Questions:
A: 9:16
A: Users can upload Reels from 15 to 60 seconds on Instagram.
A: The ideal size and dimensions for Instagram Reels are 1080 pixels x 1920 pixels. Also, the file size should be around 15 MB for a faster upload time.
A: Go to Settings > Account > Data Usage and see the “High-Quality Uploads” option. You have to turn it on. This will allow you to post high-quality Reels and Stories on Instagram.
Final Take:
This is your cheat sheet for creating content on Instagram. Bookmark this post to find guidance when choosing photos and videos to post on your IG account. Having the ideal parameters will increase the chance of your content going viral.
That’s all for this post. If you have any queries about anything mentioned here, please use the comment box. We’ll be glad to assist you more.
This is Saquib, a technology and social media expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. With a passion for staying up-to-date on the latest developments and trends in the tech and social media world and as a writer, I have been creating informative and engaging content that is easy for readers to understand and enjoy, also published in several leading tech and social media publications and is a regular speaker at industry events. In addition to my writing and speaking engagements, I also work as a consultant, helping businesses grow with the ever-changing tech and social media niche.
