Instagram supports square 1080×1080, portrait 1080×1350. Follow quality and format guidelines for sharp images.
Optimal Instagram photo size: tips for success
Optimal resolution is 1080×1080. Square fits the feed. Lighting, composition, and subject matter matter.
Rules and recommendations
Aspect 1:1 (1080×1080), no blur, originality, on-theme. File size limit 20 MB.
Photo quality
Ideal resolution 1080×1080. JPEG or PNG. Brightness, contrast, filters to match your style.
Resolution
1080×1080 is optimal. 640×640, 1920×1080 supported. Keep proportions for Stories and feed.
Aspect and composition
Aspect 1:1, 4:5, or 16:9. Rule of thirds: place subjects on grid intersections. Practice composition.
Choosing aspect ratios
Square for portraits and landscapes; 4:5 for detail; 16:9 for video and horizontal sets.
Focus on the subject
Main subject centered, high resolution, light filters. Use available space within 1:1–4:5.
Element balance
1:1 width equals height; 16:9 and 4:5 for rectangular. Instagram scales and crops to format.
Optimizing photo size
Resolution 1080×1080, compress before upload, JPEG format, strip metadata for faster load.
Video:
Q&A:
What photo size for Instagram posts?
1080×1080 pixels recommended. Instagram compresses to this size for good quality.
Can I use other photo sizes?
Yes, but non–1:1 may be cropped. Prefer near-square proportions.
How to resize photos before posting?
Apps like SquareDroid (Android), Squaready (iOS), or other editors to 1080×1080.
What happens to photos in Stories?
Recommended size 1080×1920. Otherwise cropped or scaled. Keep important details centered.
