Creating the perfect Instagram feed is no easy feat. All the factors that go into getting that curated look can be overwhelming, but nothing matters more than using the right photo sizes. This can make or break the way that users interact with your content and perceive your brand.
Consider this post your complete guide to Instagram photo sizes, empowering you to conquer one of the web’s most visually-driven platforms.
Why Do Instagram Photo Sizes Matter?
It’s not as simple as snapping a picture and uploading it. To provide the best possible viewing experience, you need to pay attention to social media image sizes.
Choosing the wrong image size could cause:
- Blurry or out-of-focus images
- Loss of an important part of your photo
- Difficulty consuming content
If you want users to have the best possible experience on your Instagram feed, you need to be aware of the best practices for the platform. That way, users see the image the way that you intend for them to.
Instagram Photo Sizes
For each type of Instagram post, you’ll want to be aware of the best photo sizes on the platform. Here’s a closer look at all the different image types.
Instagram Image Size Chart
Want to be able to see the best image size for your post at a glance? We’ve got you covered with this chart.
Bookmark this page so you can always come back, find the information with ease, and streamline your social media content creation.
| Image Type | Size(s) |
| Instagram Ads | Landscape: 1200 x 608 pixels Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels Vertical: 600 x 750 pixels |
| Instagram Profile Photos | 320 x 320 pixels |
| Instagram Posts | Landscape: 1200 x 608 pixels Square:1080 x 1080 pixels Vertical: 600 x 750 pixels |
| Instagram Landscape Photos | 1200 x 608 pixels |
| Instagram Portrait Photos | 1080 x 1350 pixels |
| Instagram Story Posts | 1080 x 1920 pixels |
Photo Sizes for Instagram Ads
You can create Instagram ads in three different formats: landscape, square, and vertical. There are different ideal sizes associated with each one to ensure your ads look their best.
Landscape ads should be 1200 pixels x 608 pixels. Vertical ads should be 600 pixels x 750 pixels. Square ads should be 1080 pixels x 1080 pixels.
Carousel ads are also square, and Instagram recommends that you size your images accordingly.
Photo Size for Instagram Posts
There are several ways you may choose to size an Instagram post. You can follow the same set of guidelines that you would for an ad and choose to upload a square, vertical, or landscape image.
Be aware that all photos will show up square in the feed unless you take specific steps to upload the full-size photo.
Image Size for Instagram Profile Photos
Most people view Instagram on mobile, where profile pictures show up as 110 pixels x 100 pixels. However, knowing that alone can be deceiving, because the images are stored slightly larger—320 pixels x 320 pixels.
Make sure to upload an image that’s at least that large. That way you won’t risk your image looking fuzzy or distorted.
Image Size for Instagram Landscape Photos
1080 pixels x 608 pixels is the ideal image size for an Instagram landscape post. If you’d like to add landscape photos to your feed, you’ll need to use the full-size button when you upload. This will automatically adjust your photo to the correct ratio.
Image Size for Instagram Portrait Photos
If you want to fit a full portrait on your Instagram feed without cropping, make sure your photo is sized to 1080 pixels x 1350 pixels. This way, you’ll achieve the greatest possible clarity without losing the shot.
Image Size for Instagram Story
Viewers see Instagram Story content vertically by design. You can upload photos with other sizes and aspect ratios, but sticking with something slightly bigger than standard portrait size (1080 pixels x 1920 pixels) will create the best experience for your audience.
How to Resize Photos for Instagram Using Shutterstock Create
So, you have some photos and an Instagram post idea you know your audience will want to double-tap, but your content isn’t the right size. Now what?
Shutterstock Create’s online photo editing tool offers several different ways for you to fix the problem and perfect your photos before adding them to the feed.
Crop
1. Click Canvas Edits in the Documents tab.
2. Click the Crop Canvas option in the panel on the left side to get the crop box to appear.
3. Move the crop box around in your image to choose your placement.
4. To finalize your edits, click Apply.
Resize
1. Click Canvas Edits in the Document tab.
2. Click the Resize Canvas option in the panel on the left side to get the crop box to appear.
3. Enter the dimensions you want in the width and height boxes. (If one box is changing the size while you enter a value in the other box, that’s because it’s trying to maintain the original proportions. Stick with any recommendation you see to get the best result.)
4. To finalize your edits, click Apply.
Smart Resize
Need to get that photo up in multiple formats ASAP? Shutterstock Create subscribers can use the Smart Resize tool to change the size of their design in just seconds. You can find the Smart Resize option under the document section of the Shutterstock Create editor.
No matter what method you choose, you can use the Download button on the top toolbar when you’re ready to export your design.
Now, you have the basic knowledge you need to improve Instagram uploads and your feed. It’s time to use your skills to create social content that will attract new followers and engage your current audience.
Cover image via GoodStudio and OLYVIA.
