Last updated: 16 October 2026
For a tall Instagram feed photo in 2026, 1080 × 1440 pixels (3:4) is a useful starting point. The familiar 1080 × 1350 (4:5) format still works. For full-screen Stories and Reels, design at 1080 × 1920 (9:16). Choose the format for the placement rather than using one file everywhere.
Instagram sizes at a glance
| Placement or format | Practical export size | Aspect ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Feed photo: tall portrait | 1080 × 1440 px | 3:4 |
| Feed photo: classic portrait | 1080 × 1350 px | 4:5 |
| Feed photo: square | 1080 × 1080 px | 1:1 |
| Feed photo: landscape | 1080 × 566 px | About 1.91:1 |
| Carousel images | Use a consistent supported feed size | Preview every slide |
| Story | 1080 × 1920 px | 9:16 |
| Reel video and cover design | 1080 × 1920 px | 9:16 |
The table gives practical design dimensions, not a claim that every placement accepts only those exact pixel values. Instagram supports feed-photo aspect ratios from 1.91:1 through 3:4. The newer 3:4 support means 4:5 is no longer the tallest supported photo shape.
Source: Instagram Help: photo resolution and aspect ratio.
Aspect ratio and resolution: what is the difference?
Aspect ratio describes width relative to height. Resolution is the number of pixels across and down. For example, 1080 × 1440 is 3:4 because both dimensions can be divided by 360. Increasing resolution cannot restore detail that is missing from a blurry source image.
Which feed photo size should you choose?
Use 3:4 when a taller composition suits the photograph or design. Use 4:5 when you already have an effective template or need a slightly shorter portrait composition. Square is still useful for balanced graphics and some product images. Landscape works when the subject needs width. A larger share of the screen does not itself guarantee more reach or sales.
Start with a clear original, crop intentionally and inspect the final preview. Do not stretch the image to make it fit. Keep faces, labels and important text away from edges that may be cropped in a thumbnail or another placement.
Instagram carousel image sizes
Use a consistent canvas when designing a carousel so text and objects line up as viewers swipe. Check every item in the upload preview, especially if you mix images and videos or use a scheduling tool. Support in third-party publishing workflows can differ from the native app; do not assume that 3:4 support in one uploader guarantees it in another.
Stories, Reels and cover images
A 9:16 canvas at 1080 × 1920 is a practical full-screen design for Stories and Reels. Leave space for interface controls, captions, stickers and calls to action. Keep the important message in the central area and preview the placement before publishing.
Reels can appear in several contexts, including the feed and profile grid. Do not assume every preview is a 1:1 square. Check the cover and grid preview separately so a face or headline remains recognizable after cropping.
Reel export settings and duration
MP4 or MOV with a supported video codec is a practical export choice; H.264 is commonly compatible. The official publishing API also supports mono or stereo AAC audio, so the old instruction that every Reel must use mono audio is incorrect. There is no universal requirement to export all Reels at a 2–3 Mbps bitrate.
Reels are no longer universally limited to 60 seconds. Upload-duration limits differ between the app and publishing tools. For example, Meta’s current API documentation lists a 15-minute maximum for that publishing route. Check the limits of the route you use; being accepted for upload does not guarantee recommendation to new viewers.
Source: Meta for Developers: Reel specifications for API publishing.
Profile pictures and highlight covers
Use a clear square source image and center the recognizable part of your logo or face. The visible circular crop matters more than an unsupported claim that every device displays an identical pixel size. Test the result at a small size, where thin lines and small text can disappear.
Instagram ad sizes in 2026
Check the specific placement in Meta’s Ads Guide. Organic photo support and advertising specifications are not interchangeable. Prepare separate feed and vertical assets where needed, and use Ads Manager previews to inspect crops, text overlays and safe areas. Avoid using one fixed top-and-bottom margin as a universal rule for all Story and Reel ads.
Source: Meta Ads Guide.
Before you publish
- Choose the intended placement and crop the original for it.
- Confirm the dimensions in your export settings.
- Preview the carousel slides, Reel cover and grid thumbnail.
- Keep essential content clear of interface overlays.
- Check the uploader’s current requirements if you publish through a third-party tool.
Good sizing makes your content easier to view. Combine it with a clear caption, relevant subject and an intentional composition rather than expecting dimensions alone to improve performance.