Resize Images for Instagram

Instagram image sizes that work

Feed posts, stories, and reels each have recommended pixel dimensions. Exporting at those sizes reduces surprise cropping in the app, keeps text and faces sharp, and avoids Instagram upscaling a tiny image into a blurry mess. A 1080px-wide square (1:1) remains the classic feed format; portrait 4:5 and story 9:16 presets match what most creators use for maximum screen coverage. We also cover Instagram alongside other platforms in Best Image Sizes for Social Media in 2026.

Posts, stories, reels, and quality

Landscape 16:9 (1920×1080) suits video-style thumbnails and wide shots. When your source photo has a different aspect ratio, setting exact width and height (with aspect lock off) fits the canvas you need; you can still compose the crop in your editor before export.

Correct sizing also helps with perceived quality in the feed: oversized files get recompressed by the platform, so starting close to the native display resolution gives you more control over sharpness and color before that final pass.