Instagram Sizes & Dimensions Guide
Get the exact dimensions, aspect ratios, and file limits for every Instagram format in one place. These are the sizes PostFast uses when it auto-resizes your scheduled posts, so you never have to crop by hand.
All Instagram Sizes at a GlanceUpdated 2026
Every Instagram content type with its recommended dimensions, aspect ratio, and limits. Tap any content type for the full specification.
| Content Type | Dimensions (px) | Aspect Ratio | Max File Size | Max Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reels | 1080×1920 | 9:16 | 4GB | 180 seconds |
| Stories | 1080×1920 | 9:16 | 4GB | 60 seconds |
| Feed Post | 1080×1350 | 4:5 | 30MB | n/a |
| Profile Picture | 1080×1080 | 1:1 | 30MB | n/a |
Why Instagram sizes matter
Instagram renders every upload at a maximum width of 1080 pixels and re-encodes it, so starting from the right dimensions is the difference between a crisp post and a soft, over-compressed one. The app also crops anything that does not match a supported ratio, which can cut off faces, text, or logos. Using the correct size for each format keeps your content sharp and fully visible across the feed, the Reels tab, and Stories.
Instagram content specificationsUpdated 2026
Reels
Updated 2026Reels are full-screen vertical video at 1080x1920px (9:16) and can run up to 3 minutes. The most common mistake is uploading a 16:9 landscape clip, which gets letterboxed with black bars.
Stories
Updated 2026Stories use the same 1080x1920px (9:16) vertical frame and disappear after 24 hours. Keep text and logos clear of the top and bottom so they are not hidden behind the profile icon and reply bar.
Feed Post
Updated 2026Feed posts look best as 4:5 portrait at 1080x1350px because that claims the most vertical space in the feed. Square (1:1) and landscape still work, but they display smaller.
Profile Picture
Updated 2026Profile pictures are uploaded at 1080x1080px (1:1) and shown in a circle, so center your subject and keep important detail away from the corners.
Instagram best practices and common mistakes
Best practices
- ✓Export images at exactly 1080px wide to control quality before Instagram compresses them.
- ✓Use 4:5 (1080x1350px) for feed posts to take up the most screen space.
- ✓Shoot and upload Reels and Stories vertically at 9:16 to fill the screen.
- ✓Keep key elements inside the central safe zone so the Stories interface does not cover them.
- ✓Upload video as MP4 (H.264) and images as JPG or PNG for the best compatibility.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✗Uploading landscape video to Reels, which adds black bars.
- ✗Posting square images when 4:5 portrait would show larger in the feed.
- ✗Placing captions or logos at the top or bottom of a Story where the interface covers them.
- ✗Exporting wider than 1080px and letting Instagram down-scale and soften the image.
Developer Resources
Instagram API Guides
Learn how to schedule Instagram content programmatically via API
Frequently asked questions about Instagram sizes
What are the Instagram image and video sizes in 2026?
Instagram sizes by content type: Reels 1080×1920px, Stories 1080×1920px, Feed Post 1080×1350px, Profile Picture 1080×1080px. See the table above for the aspect ratio, file size, and supported formats of each one.
What is the best image size for Instagram?
The recommended image size for Instagram is 1080×1350px (4:5), used for feed posts. Upload at this size to avoid cropping and limit compression.
What aspect ratios does Instagram use?
Instagram uses 9:16 for reels and stories, 4:5 for feed posts, and 1:1 for profile pictures.
How long can Instagram videos be?
On Instagram, Reels up to 180 seconds (3 minutes) and Stories up to 60 seconds (1 minute).
What file formats does Instagram support?
Across its content types, Instagram supports MP4, MOV, JPG, JPEG, PNG, GIF, and HEIC. Use JPG for photos, PNG for graphics with text, and MP4 for video.
Does Instagram compress photos and videos?
Yes. Instagram resizes images to a maximum width of 1080px and re-encodes both photos and video. Uploading at exactly 1080px wide in a supported ratio gives the cleanest result and limits extra compression.
Why do my Instagram photos look blurry after uploading?
Blurry uploads usually mean the image was wider than 1080px and Instagram down-scaled and re-compressed it, or it was saved at low quality. Export at exactly 1080px wide in the right ratio and upload over Wi-Fi for the sharpest result.
Sizes for other platforms
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