Instagram’s visual appeal is undeniable and the platform allows users to go crazy with their pictures. You may have seen some accounts that make some awesome designs with their pictures, like posting one picture in nine parts so it all comes together in the Instagram feed. An ingenious trick.
However, ensuring your pictures fit seamlessly can sometimes feel like a puzzle. Instagram doesn’t limit posts to square pictures again, which is great, but their aspect ratios can be problematic. This is worse with vertical or horizontal photos.
But don’t worry, content creators. In this guide, we’ll show you the easiest ways to size your images on Instagram for a flawless online presence. Make your page look better for your followers.
Understanding Instagram’s Photo Situation
You can post images on Instagram in many ways. These different ways have their aspect ratios that you should follow for the best experience.
- Profile Picture: The profile picture on Instagram is a circle. It’s best to aim for 110 x 110 pixels for a crisp display.
- Feed Posts: These can be square or vertical with the 4:5 aspect ratio.
- Stories: For stories, go for a full-screen vertical photo with a 9:16 aspect ratio. We recommend a photo with 1080 x 1920 pixels.
- Reels: Reels need a full-screen vertical or square photo. The aspect ratios for the vertical photos are the same as those of Stories.
How to Make Your Photos Fit On Instagram
Now you know the aspect ratios Instagram asks for, the next step is to figure out how to make your pictures fit. We’ll walk you through a few of them.
Edit Before You Upload
The first and most important step to remember is editing. Use the built-in editing tools on Instagram or apply some image editing apps like Canva or Photoshop. Instagram’s editing features are very advanced, so you can just use those instead.
Crop, resize, or add backgrounds to achieve the dimensions you need.
Try to maintain your photo quality, so aim for at least 720 pixels wide for sharp visuals. Some editors reduce the quality of photos, so take note of that.
Embrace the Square
The classic 1:1 square format is always Instagram-friendly. And while it may seem dated, it is great for portraits, product shots, or symmetrical compositions. Apply this to your account and save yourself the stress.
Go Vertical for Feed and Stories
The 4:5 vertical format is perfect for showcasing landscapes, full-body shots, or long narratives. You can use this style in your Stories for immersive experiences.
Reels Offer Flexibility
Since the Reels are the only ones that allow both vertical and square, you can choose between those formats for your creative Reels. Make the most of the full potential of the canvas for engaging storytelling.
Third-Party Tools
You can explore other apps for easy resizing and background options. However, you should pick quality over quantity. Remember that some editing software reduces the resolution, so crosscheck it to avoid excessive pixelation.
Here’s a quick tip: Instagram shows a preview of your post before you share it on your reels or feed posts. Use it to look over your photos before you share them.
With these steps, you should know how to make your posts fit on Instagram. So, go out and start posting.
