Updated February 2026

Instagram Image Sizes 2026

Complete dimension reference for every Instagram image type. Includes the new 3:4 grid format introduced in 2025, plus safe zones for Stories and Reels. All specs verified for 2026.

Quick Reference

Image Type Dimensions (px) Aspect Ratio Max File Size Notes
Profile Photo 320 × 320 1:1 Displayed as circle, upload at 800×800 for clarity
Feed Post (Tall) ⭐ 1080 × 1440 3:4 30 MB New 2025/2026 grid format — recommended
Feed Post (Portrait) 1080 × 1350 4:5 30 MB Maximum feed visibility
Feed Post (Square) 1080 × 1080 1:1 30 MB Classic format, still supported
Feed Post (Landscape) 1080 × 566 1.91:1 30 MB Least feed real estate
Story 1080 × 1920 9:16 30 MB 250px top & 340px bottom safe zones
Reel 1080 × 1920 9:16 4 GB (video) Safe zone: 1080×1420px centered
Carousel Post 1080 × 1080 1:1 or 4:5 30 MB each All images same ratio recommended
IGTV Cover 420 × 654 1:1.55 Legacy format, rarely used

Detailed Specifications

Profile Photo

Dimensions 320 × 320 px
Aspect Ratio 1:1 (Square)
Display Circular crop
Recommended Upload 800 × 800 px minimum
Pro Tips:
  • Upload at 800×800 or higher to maintain sharpness on Retina displays
  • Keep important elements centered — outer edges will be cropped to circle
  • Use high contrast for visibility at small sizes

Feed Post (Tall — New 2026) ⭐

Dimensions 1080 × 1440 px
Aspect Ratio 3:4
Max File Size 30 MB (JPEG/PNG)
Format JPEG, PNG
Pro Tips:
  • NEW: Instagram shifted from square grid to 3:4 in 2025 — this is the optimal ratio
  • Maximizes vertical space in feed and grid preview
  • Upload at 2× (2160×2880) to prevent compression artifacts on hi-DPI screens
  • Avoid overly detailed images — Instagram compresses aggressively

Feed Post (Portrait 4:5)

Dimensions 1080 × 1350 px
Aspect Ratio 4:5
Max File Size 30 MB
Pro Tips:
  • Still widely used — takes up maximum feed real estate
  • Ideal for product photography and full-body shots
  • Best for mobile-first content consumption

Story

Dimensions 1080 × 1920 px
Aspect Ratio 9:16
Max File Size 30 MB
Safe Zone (Top) 250 px from top
Safe Zone (Bottom) 340 px from bottom
Pro Tips:
  • Avoid placing text/logos in top 250px (username overlays) or bottom 340px (UI controls)
  • Design for 1080×1420px centered safe zone
  • Stories expire after 24h unless saved to Highlights
  • Upload at 2160×3840 for best quality on flagship phones

Reel

Dimensions 1080 × 1920 px
Aspect Ratio 9:16
Max File Size 4 GB (video)
Duration 15–90 seconds
Content Safe Zone 1080 × 1420 px (centered)
Pro Tips:
  • Keep critical content in centered 1080×1420px zone to avoid UI overlays
  • 30 FPS minimum, 60 FPS recommended for smooth playback
  • Reels algorithm favors vertical native content over reposts
  • Use on-platform editing tools for better reach

Carousel Post

Dimensions 1080 × 1080 or 1080 × 1350 px
Aspect Ratio 1:1 or 4:5
Max Images 10 per carousel
Max File Size 30 MB per image
Pro Tips:
  • All images in one carousel should use the same aspect ratio to avoid cropping
  • Swipe indicator appears on first image — place hook content early
  • Can mix images and videos in one carousel
📱
What Changed in 2026

Instagram officially shifted from its iconic square grid to a 3:4 (taller) grid format in late 2025. This change is permanent in 2026. The new 1080 × 1440px format maximizes vertical space and aligns with how users consume content on mobile. Square posts (1080×1080) are still supported but appear letterboxed in the grid. For best results, design for 3:4 ratio moving forward.

Avoid Compression

Instagram compresses images aggressively. To minimize quality loss:

  • Upload at exact recommended dimensions (don't rely on Instagram to resize)
  • Use JPEG quality 90–100% before uploading
  • Upload at 2× resolution when possible (e.g., 2160×2880 for 3:4 posts)
  • Avoid highly detailed textures and gradients

Supported Formats

Instagram accepts the following file formats:

  • Images: JPEG, PNG (PNG converted to JPEG on upload)
  • Video: MP4, MOV
  • Codec: H.264 (video), AAC (audio)
  • Frame Rate: 30 FPS max (60 FPS for Reels)

Best Practices

Maximize engagement with proper sizing:

  • Use 3:4 (1080×1440) for new posts to align with 2026 grid
  • Stories: keep critical content in the center 1080×1420 zone
  • Profile photo: upload at 800×800 minimum for Retina clarity
  • Test on mobile before posting — Instagram is mobile-first