In the world of social media, nothing stays the same for too long. Once you think you’ve nailed the content requirements in this ever-evolving digital space, they’ve changed again!
As a social media marketer, business owner or entrepreneur, you want to do everything you can to get your content seen in the social media algorithm. One of the most important elements of designing aesthetically pleasing, engaging content is this: understanding the optimal dimensions and sizing for your content.
With Instagram rolling out new content placements (like Stories and Reels) and talks of a new immersive full-screen feed experience, now is the time to understand what dimensions you need to follow.
In this article, we’ve put together the updated Instagram image sizes and dimensions for 2023 so that you can keep posting the highest quality content (minus the guesswork).
Ratio vs Resolution: The Instagram Dimensions and Sizing you need to know about
Learning the difference between asset guidelines will ensure you don’t lose any quality when uploading and your content isn’t re-sized to fit the supported ratio.
Instagram Aspect Ratio (Dimension): The aspect ratio refers to the width of a picture in relation to its height. It is expressed in numbers such as 4:16 and 9:18, the first digit represents the width, and the second digit represents height.
Instagram Resolution (Image Size): Size (or resolution) refers to the number of pixels that make up the width and height of your photo or video. Also expressed in numbers, the resolution will be displayed, such as 1080px by 1080px. The first represents the height, and the second represents the width!
Instagram Post Size for Feed Posts
If you’re using Instagram to build your business or personal brand, there are a few different ways to post your content. Once just a photo-sharing app, Instagram has almost every type of content you could want and need to grow your business in 2023. This ranges from feed photos to Reels, as well as carousel posts, videos, and Instagram Stories.
Gone are the days of a simple square on Instagram. Whilst the square grid view still dominates on your own Instagram profile, it’s important to realize that Instagram is moving towards a vertical, full-screen feed experience.
That means ensuring your posts look compelling when cropped to a square (1:1 aspect ratio) while simultaneously grabbing attention in the full-screen view (9:16 aspect ratio).
Let’s take a look at the size requirements of Instagram feed posts.
| Instagram Post Type | Aspect Ratio | Resolution |
| Square photo or video | 1:1 | 1080px by 1080px |
| Landscape photo or video | 1.91:1 | 1080px by 566px |
| Portrait photo or video | 4:5 | 1080px by 1350px |
Instagram Profile Picture Size
A profile picture size on Instagram is displayed at 150 x 150 pixels, but it’s also advisable to upload a larger image size to ensure your image quality is high-quality. Our tip? Aim for 1080 x 1080 pixels for the best results.
You’ll also notice that your profile picture is cropped to a round circle. You can easily upload a square photo (1:1 aspect ratio) and let Instagram crop your image.
Remember to keep your profile image simple by focusing on your company logo or a high-quality headshot if you’re an entrepreneur or personal brand.
Instagram Carousel Photo Size (Multi-Image Posts)
If you’re looking to upload multiple images onto one post, you’ll be sharing an Instagram Carousel post!
The cool thing about carousel posts is that you get to pick the aspect ratio for every post in your carousel. If your first image or video is square (1080 x 1080 pixels), all your photos will be cropped to this aspect ratio.
You can also use portal sizing (1080 x 1350 pixels) if you want to show a taller series of images or videos. Remember you can add up to 10 slides to each carousel, and these can include both still images and video content.
Instagram Story Dimensions
Creativity knows no boundaries on Instagram Stories! This booming content format allows you to share raw, in-the-moment content with your followers.
To get the best results and maximize the vertical, full-screen experience we recommend using an aspect ratio of 9:16 with a size of 1080px by 1920px.
Stories Highlight Cover Size
To build brand recognition and give your Instagram profile a curated look and feel, we recommend adding a cover to your story highlights.
While it might look like you need to create small circle graphics, that isn’t the case! All you need to do is create an image with the Instagram Story dimensions (1080 x 1920 pixels), crop to the center and upload it.
Get creative with your highlight covers and use your brand colors, text overlays in your brand fonts or even custom graphic icons.
Instagram Video Sizes
After Instagram merged feed videos with IGTV, many creators were left wondering about the requirements for uploading video content onto Instagram.
The ideal length of your Instagram videos should be between 30 and 60 seconds long. Within the current feed experience, Instagram videos are shown at aspect ratios of either 16:9 or 4:5. Your best bet is to use vertical sizing with your videos and maximize screen space.
Plus, make sure your videos have a frame rate of 30 frames per second and maximum file size of 4GB.
Instagram Reels Dimensions
As Instagram’s focus moves closer and closer to videos, Instagram Reels are currently in the limelight. And there’s no shortage of inspiring, helpful, shocking or motivational content over on Reels.
But with these beautifully edited, eye-catching videos comes the task of making and uploading high-quality content. So what are the best dimensions you can follow to make sure your Reels are scroll-stopping?
Much like Instagram Stories, Reels follow the vertical format as well. We recommend using an aspect ratio of 9:16. Hot Tip: Your caption is placed at the bottom of your Instagram Reel after uploading to avoid any text in the lower half of your videos.
Looking to level up your social media presence in 2023?
Now you’ve scored insider knowledge about the updated Instagram dimensions and sizes for 2023, it’s time to put your knowledge into action. And what better way to do that than with your ultimate all-in-one social media suite, Plann!
Upload, crop and plan all from one easy-to-use app! Plann helps you expand your reach on social media without the headache. Are you ready? Redeem your 7-day free trial of Plann Plus. If you don’t like it, keep using Plann for free!
