Instagram can be a trifle confusing sometimes when it comes to the best image size and dimensions. From feed posts to Videos to Reels, creators can sometimes be flummoxed about image size and aspect ratio. Well, these are the two most important things that you have to keep in mind when you post your photos and videos on Instagram.
What is Aspect Ratio?
Aspect ratio or Dimension is basically the width of a picture with respect to its height. The reason behind its name is because it is expressed as a ratio, like 22:3 or 8:15. The first digit is a representation of the width and the second digit represents the height. You have to ensure that the photos and videos that you share on Instagram meet the required guidelines. If they do not meet the Instagram ratio, they will be cropped to fit a supported ratio. This could result in the loss of a part of your image.
What is Image Size or Resolution?
Similarly, the Instagram image size or the resolution means the number of pixels that compose the height and width of your image or video. Just like aspect ratio, two numbers denote size as well. The first digit denotes the width while the second represents the height. A picture with a size or resolution of 1500 pixels by 1050 pixels is hence larger than one that is sized 100 pixels by 100 pixels.
Size matters, especially picture size on Instagram. So, make sure you share images or videos at an optimal resolution or size. This is because even if Instagram decides to compress your photo size, your image quality will not be affected.
Here’s everything you need to know about Instagram Image Size & Dimensions for 2022.
Instagram Feed Posts
There is no hard and fast rule on the dimensions of Instagram posts now. They range from 16:9 all the way to 4:5! Let’s take a look at the various posts and their specifications.
Horizontal posts
The height of your horizontal photo should be at least 1090 pixels. This maintains the high quality of your file even if Instagram chooses to compress it.
Square posts
Square posts are a popular choice of weapon on Instagram even though the platform supports horizontal and vertical photos. As the Instagram profile grid crops content to a 1:1 ratio, you need to optimise it for your square post. Have your square photos 1080px by 1080px in size to maintain the quality even if Instagram decides to compress the file.
Vertical posts
Your vertical photos should have an aspect ratio of 4:5. Anything longer than that will be cropped by Instagram. With regard to size, go for 1080px by 1350px. Even if Instagram compresses the photo, it should be around 480px by 600px after that. This way, the quality remains intact.
Instagram carousel posts
Carousel posts on Instagram can be vertical, horizontal or square in format. These comprise of both videos and photos. But keep in mind that after you have selected your first photo/video, all the other photos/videos you select after that will be cropped to a similar aspect ratio. For example, if the first photo you select is square, all the content that follows from you will be cropped to a format that is 1:1.
What about Instagram Stories?
For Stories, keep minimum dimensions of 1.91:1 and maximum dimensions of 9:16. Normally, people prefer that their stories take up the entire screen sans borders. Keeping this visual preference in mind, an aspect ratio of 9:16 and a size of 1080px by 1920px is recommended for Instagram Stories.
Instagram Videos
Aspect ratios ranging from 16:9 to 4:5 work best for Instagram Videos. Keep in mind that videos should be 30 frames per second with respect to frame rate and should not exceed 4GB in file size.
Instagram Reels
Similar to Instagram Stories, Reels have been conceptualised to be viewed vertically. Hence, an aspect ratio of 9:16 works best for Reels. It’s a good idea to shoot and edit on the mobile device to meet the optimal dimensions required.
Instagram Live videos
Instagram Live videos are meant to be shot vertically. The reason behind this is because they have been designed to be broadcast directly from your mobile device. So, as you have to use your mobile device to make Instagram Live Videos, the aspect ratio will logically be the width and height of your screen that is usually 9:16. But you don’t need to lose sleep over this as you cannot change the size or the aspect ratio of your Instagram Live Videos manually.
As a quick recap, find the latest Instagram image sizes in the table below. All the best for 2022!
Quick guide: Instagram image sizes 2023
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