Hey there! Choosing the right image sizes for Instagram can transform how your content performs. You want visually stunning photos that capture attention and drive real results for your brand, right?
In this guide, we‘ll break down everything you need to know about Instagram image sizes and formats in 2023. You‘ll learn how to create stand-out vertical photos, square posts, attention-grabbing ads, and more.
Let‘s dive in!
Contents
- Why Image Size Matters on Instagram
- A Guide to Aspect Ratios and Image Sizes
- Crafting Stunning Square Images
- Landscape Images for Sweeping Visuals
- Vertical Images – Optimized for Mobile
- Choose the Best Size for Instagram Ads
- Comparing Feed Post and Story Sizing
- Putting It All Together
- Size Images for Instagram Success
Why Image Size Matters on Instagram
Here are some key reasons you need properly sized and formatted images:
- More engagement – Photos that fit Instagram‘s recommended sizes receive 24% more engagement on average.
- Better optimization – With the ideal dimensions, your images will look crisp and top-notch on all devices.
- Brand consistency – Consistent image sizes and layouts make your profile more recognizable.
- Ad performance – Ads with the right image sizes have up to 30% higher CTRs and lower costs.
- No cropping – You avoid unwanted automatic cropping that could ruin your composition.
Properly optimizing your visuals ensures your posts look amazing. And stellar visuals convert more profile visits into follows and sales.
A Guide to Aspect Ratios and Image Sizes
Instagram displays images in feeds and profiles differently than how they appear in your camera roll or desktop folders.
When you export, the image gets compressed and resized to fit the app‘s parameters. So what are those optimal parameters?
Understanding Aspect Ratios
The aspect ratio is the relationship between an image‘s width and height. It‘s expressed as width:height.
Instagram automatically crops images to fit set aspect ratios:
- Square images – 1:1 ratio
- Landscape images – 1.91:1 ratio
- Portrait/vertical images – 4:5 vertical ratio
Square and vertical images require specific sizing to avoid unwanted cropping by Instagram.
Recommended Image Sizes
In addition to aspect ratios, Instagram also has recommended image dimensions.
The minimum photo size is 320px on the shortest edge. For best results, use these optimal sizes:
- Square – 1080px x 1080px
- Landscape – 1080px x 566px (or larger)
- Portrait – 1080px x 1350px
Videos follow the same principles but also have time limits ranging from 3 seconds to 60 seconds.
If your images are smaller than 320px, Instagram will enlarge and soften them. If above the max resolution, Instagram will shrink and compress them.
Instagram Compresses Your Images
One final point about compression:
Even though you may upload a large image, Instagram compresses it down to save space. The version seen on your profile is lower resolution than your original file.
This means you don‘t need massive 12-megapixel images. Stick to the recommended sizes for crystal clear results without overloading the system.
Crafting Stunning Square Images
Let‘s now dive deeper into each image variety, starting with square 1:1 images.
Squares were the original format on Instagram so they have a nostalgic feel. They also allow flexibility to crop details in different ways.
When to Use Square Images
Some smart ways to utilize square photos include:
- Profile pictures – Square avatars look great next to round handles.
- Logos and icons – Reinforce your brand identity with consistent logo formatting.
- Focused compositions – Crop images around a strong central focal point.
- Products – Showcase an item straight-on and centered.
- Collage layouts – Arrange a series of photos in a square grid collage.
Square Image Sizing
To ensure your square images avoid unwanted cropping and look ultra crisp:
- Dimensions – Upload 1080px x 1080px images
- File Size – Keep photos under 10MB for quick loading
- File Format – Use JPG images for the best results
Follow these best practices for flawless squares users will double tap.
Landscape Images for Sweeping Visuals
Next up we have landscape images with wider horizontal orientations. Their long shape works well for expansive subjects and scenes.
When to Post Landscape Images
Some instances where horizontal landscape images excel include:
- Architectural shots – Capture tall buildings and structures.
- Nature scenes – Photograph landscapes and horizons.
- Street scenes – Convey the feel of bustling urban settings.
- Travel content – Share exotic destination highlights and views.
- Event coverage – Document conferences, shows, and happenings.
- Flat lays – Top-down product displays and tablescapes.
Landscape Image Sizing
To optimize sweeping landscape images:
- Minimum width – 1080px for best resolution
- Variable height – Any height that fits the 1.91:1 aspect ratio
- Example size – 1080px x 608px or larger
- High resolution – Export crispy clear images without pixelation
With landscape sizing mastered, let‘s move on to the highest performing vertical format.
Vertical Images – Optimized for Mobile
Vertical portrait images take advantage of the tall narrow screens on all mobile devices. They‘ve emerged as the top performing post style for engagement.
Benefits of Vertical Images
Here are some stellar advantages vertical portrait images bring:
- Full-screen – Extended height fills mobile screens
- Higher engagement – Vertical images see 64% more comments than landscape
- More detail – The taller shape includes more visual information
- Branding – Consistent vertical images make your profile recognizable
With those kinds of results, it makes sense to prioritize vertical images in your Instagram marketing strategy.
Vertical Image Sizing
Optimizing vertical images correctly ensures Instagram displays them as intended.
Use these image dimensions for proper shaping:
- Width – 1080px
- Minimum height – 1350px
- Aspect ratio – 4:5
- Example size – 1080px x 1350px
With the extra height, portraits grab attention while allowing ample space for details.
Choose the Best Size for Instagram Ads
In addition to organic content, you may also run Instagram ads. The platform offers powerful targeting capabilities to reach new demographics.
When designing your ads, custom creative is key. Use these top sizes for the highest ad performance:
Single Image Ads
- Square – 1080px x 1080px
- Vertical – 628px x 1200px
Match your image orientation to the ad layout. Fill the frame fully with your visual.
Carousel Ads
- Square – 600px x 600px minimum, 1080px x 1080px maximum
- Vertical – 1080px x 1350px
Pick one size and aspect ratio then stick to it across your carousel images for consistency.
Stories Ads
- Aspect Ratio – 9:16
- Dimensions – 1080px x 1920px
Stories take up the entire screen so make sure your creative looks stellar.
Formatting your ads properly gives you the best shot at sticking in the minds of prospective customers.
Comparing Feed Post and Story Sizing
Let‘s discuss some key differences between images for your profile feed versus stories:
Feed posts
- 1:1, 1.91:1, and 4:5 aspect ratios
- 320px min, 1080px max dimensions
- 1080px x 1080px square or 1080px x 1350px vertical ideal
Stories
- 9:16 aspect ratio
- 1080px x 1920px vertical dimensions
Stories favor vertical positioning, similar to the feed. But stories limit you to that consistent 9:16 ratio.
Also, stories don‘t allow images smaller than 600px since they take up the full screen. Size them even larger than feed posts for optimal clarity.
Putting It All Together
Let‘s do a quick recap of the Instagram image sizes and formats we covered:
- Squares – 1080px x 1080px work for focused compositions
- Landscapes – 1080px x 608px or larger captures wide scenes
- Portrait – 1080px x 1350px vertical images perform best
- Ads – Match the shape and go full bleed with engaging imagery
- Stories – 1080px x 1920px verticals fully fill the screen
Remember to stay within the minimum and maximum dimensions or else your images may be warped or blurred.
The ideal approach is to design vertical 4:5 portraits as your primary post style. Then mix in occasional well-cropped squares and horizontally wide landscape images for diversity.
Size Images for Instagram Success
Optimizing your Instagram photos by carefully selecting sizes and aspect ratios can massively improve your results.
With this guide‘s tips, you have all the knowledge needed to create consistently stunning images. Visually captivating content keeps new followers engaged, converting them into customers.
So grab your phone, open the camera, and start snapping some perfectly sized pics to boost your Instagram strategy today!
