Instagram media specs & best practices (2026)
Struggling with Instagram post sizes? Get the 2026 specs for feed, Stories, Reels, and carousels, plus expert tips to keep your content sharp, mobile-ready, and engagement-friendly.
Ever wonder why some Instagram posts just don’t look quite right?
Most of the time, it comes down to using the wrong Instagram specs.
While Instagram is all about visuals, it’s also surprisingly technical.
Posts can get cropped, appear blurry, or feel off in the feed if they aren’t sized correctly.
Getting your post dimensions right ensures your content looks polished, keeps your audience engaged, and fills the screen exactly the way it’s meant to.
Why Instagram post specs matter more than you think
Specs aren’t just about dimensions. They influence feed real estate, watch time, brand perception, and engagement.
Because Instagram is mobile-first, your content should fill the screen properly and feel intentional across every format.
Using the correct sizes and aspect ratios helps your posts stand out in a crowded feed, while poorly sized content can reduce engagement — even if your idea is strong.
Instagram best practices for brands in 2026
Knowing the new Instagram specs is step one. Applying them strategically is step two.
Here’s how to combine both.
Design mobile-first
Most Instagram users scroll on their phones. That means you should keep these tips in mind before posting:
- Prioritize 9:16 vertical for Stories and Reels
- Use 4:5 portrait posts for feed content
- Avoid placing text near the top or bottom edges
- Keep key visuals centred in the “safe zone.”
Before publishing, preview your post on your phone. If text feels cramped or off-balance, adjust.
Use the right aspect ratio for maximum impact
Here’s how Instagram post specs translate strategically:
1:1 (Square aka 1080 x 1080 px)
- Clean and consistent
- Works well for quotes and simple graphics
- Ideal for grid aesthetics
4:5 (Portrait aka 1080 x 1350 px)
- Takes up more vertical space in the feed
- Often increases engagement
- Best choice for educational or storytelling posts
1.91:1 (Landscape aka 1080 x 566 px)
- Great for wide product shots
- May appear smaller in-feed
- Not ideal for text-heavy content
9:16 (Stories & Reels aka 1080 x 1920 px)
- Full-screen immersion
- Best for video-first strategies
- Prioritize movement and bold visuals
If you’re choosing just one format for feed posts in 2026 and you can’t decide, go with 4:5.
Understand how Instagram handles carousels
Carousels follow the same dimension rules as single posts, but the first slide sets the crop for all others.
To ensure a smooth swipe experience, keep all slides the same size, maintain consistent margins, and avoid placing text near the edges.
Carousels are particularly effective for step-by-step tutorials, case studies, educational breakdowns, or before-and-after comparisons.
And right now in 2026? They’re one of the highest-performing Instagram formats.
Stay updated on new Instagram specs
Instagram updates its layout behaviour regularly.
While core dimensions (1080 px wide) have remained stable, changes often affect:
- Feed cropping previews
- Reel cover display
- Story UI overlays
- Profile grid presentation
If you notice unexpected cropping, double-check current Instagram post specs — especially after major platform updates.
Maintain consistent branding across formats
Branding consistency is another critical factor. Your feed, Stories, and Reels should feel visually connected, with a consistent colour palette, typography, and graphic style.
Tools like Canva Pro make it easy to save brand assets and ensure your posts always reflect your brand identity. Cohesive content strengthens recognition and builds trust with your community.
Track what actually performs
Finally, track what actually performs.
Monitor engagement rates by format, saves for carousels and infographics, Reel completion rates, profile visits, and follower growth.
Instagram trends evolve quickly, so these insights will help you iterate and refine your strategy over time.
Instagram post specs (2026)
Here are the current Instagram post specs to keep your content sharp and properly formatted.
Image posts
Square
- Recommended size: 1080 x 1080 px
- Aspect ratio: 1:1
- Max file size: 30 MB
Portrait
- Recommended size: 1080 x 1350 px
- Aspect ratio: 4:5
- Max file size: 30 MB
Landscape
- Recommended size: 1080 x 566 px
- Aspect ratio: 1.91:1
- Max file size: 30 MB
Story
- Recommended size: 1080 x 1920 px
- Aspect ratio: 9:16
- Max file size: 30 MB
Video posts
Feed video
- Recommended size: 1080 x 1080 px
- Aspect ratio: 1:1
- Max file size: 4 GB
- Duration: 3s-10 mins
Reel
- Recommended size: 1080 x 1920 px
- Aspect ratio: 9:16
- Max file size: 4 GB
- Duration: 3s-10 mins
Story
- Recommended size: 1080 x 1920
- Aspect ratio: 9:16
- Max file size: 4 GB
- Duration: 3s-60s
But specs alone aren’t always enough.
To improve performance:
- Add captions (videos autoplay muted)
- Use bold on-screen text
- Hook viewers in the first 2–3 seconds
- Avoid tiny fonts that disappear on mobile
Instagram compresses large files. Export at 1080p with optimized bitrate for best results.
FAQs
What are the media specs for Instagram?
Instagram supports square (1:1), portrait (4:5), landscape (1.91:1), Stories (9:16), Reels (9:16), and carousels. Each format has recommended dimensions and file limits to ensure posts display correctly across mobile and desktop.
Is Instagram 2x3 or 3x4?
Instagram portrait posts use a 4:5 ratio (1080 x 1350 px). While 2:3 and 3:4 are common in photography, 4:5 is optimized for maximum screen coverage in the feed.
What is the 3:4 specs for Instagram?
3:4 is similar, but Instagram’s recommended portrait size is 1080 x 1350 px (4:5). Using 3:4 may result in slight cropping.
Can I mix sizes in a carousel?
You can, but it’s not recommended. Instagram crops all slides to match the first image. For a seamless experience, keep all carousel slides the same aspect ratio.
Should I optimize videos differently than images?
Yes. Use MP4 or MOV format, add captions, and prioritize vertical orientation (9:16) for Stories and Reels. Feed videos can be square or portrait.
How often do Instagram specs change?
Core dimensions have remained stable, but layout and cropping behaviour evolve. It’s smart to review Instagram post specs whenever Instagram introduces new features or layout updates.
Make your Instagram content shine
Instagram success isn’t just about creativity — it’s about creating content that looks polished, intentional, and engaging across every device.
By combining the right specs with thoughtful design and consistent branding, your posts won’t just scroll by; they’ll stand out in the feed.
Bookmark this guide, share it with your team, and make every post count.
If you want deeper platform-specific tips, check out these guides next:
- Social media post specs (2026)
- Facebook posting specs & best practices in 2026
- TikTok media specs & best practices (2026)
- LinkedIn social media specs & best practices (2026)
- X (Twitter) media specs & best practices (2026)
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