Have you ever uploaded a photo to Instagram and the sizing is off? Perhaps it crops off part of the photo you really wanted to show off. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. There are some Instagram users who don’t realize that there are specific size ratios for Instagram photos.
According to the Instagram website, the classic square photo size is 1080 X 1080 pixels. In the beginning, you would only see square photos, but in 2015, Instagram launched an update to add portrait and landscape images. Along with stories and reels, Instagram now has several photo sizes users can choose from.
The Original Square Instagram Photo – 1:1 Aspect Ratio
To start, the original Instagram photo has a 1:1 ratio with an ideal image size of 1080px X 1080px. This is the traditional square image that you’ve seen on your Instagram feed since 2010.
Since phones back then only took portrait or landscape photos, Instagram also had an auto-cropping feature. Today, most phones will let you take a square photo right on your device.
The Portrait Photo – 4:5 Aspect Ratio
While the square photo feature is now available, most of us still take photos in portrait mode. Instagram won’t crop it into a square, but the ideal portrait image size is 1080px X 1350px.
If your portrait photo isn’t the right size, Instagram can still crop it to keep the right shape. As far as instagram photos go, portrait sized is the easiest to upload with minimal cropping.
Landscape Photos – 1.91:1 Aspect Ratio
For landscape photos on Instagram, the ideal size is 1080px X 608px. Landscape photos can be the most difficult to post on Instagram because of the aspect ratio. Typically, a landscape photo is shot with a 16:9 aspect ratio, and Instagram wants a 1.91:1.
If you post a landscape photo with a 16:9 aspect ratio, Instagram will add a black border around your image so it fits in your feed. This can make the image stick out in your feed causing inconsistency. We know not everyone cares about that, but if you do it’s something to consider.
Instagram Story/Reel – 9:16 Aspect Ratio
With three different feed post sizes, there are also requirements for Instagram Stories. The ideal size of an Instagram Story image is 1080px X 1920px with an aspect ratio of 9:16.
Story posts are going to be vertical, as well as Reels. You could post something horizontal, but it will be cropped heavily or users will have to turn their phone sideways to see it. We recommend uploading a portrait style photo for Stories and Reels.
Uploading the Right Size Instagram Photo
Following these guidelines should point you in the right direction for uploading Instagram photos. Instagram will resize or crop photos for you, but ensuring you’re close to the correct aspect ratio will minimize distortion.
If you have a photo that isn’t the correct size, using a photo editor can help you adjust it for Instagram. Happy posting!
