Best Instagram Post Size Guide (2026)
The fastest reference for feed dimensions, carousel planning, and export choices that hold up after upload.
For most creators, the best Instagram post size is 1080 x 1350 pixels in a 4:5 portrait ratio. It takes up more vertical space in the mobile feed than a square post, which helps visual presence without breaking Instagram's preferred upload behavior.
Quick size table
| Use case | Aspect ratio | Recommended size | Why it works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feed portrait | 4:5 | 1080 x 1350 | Best default for organic reach and feed visibility. |
| Feed square | 1:1 | 1080 x 1080 | Clean grid appearance and simple layout balance. |
| Feed landscape | 1.91:1 | 1080 x 566 | Useful for wide screenshots and panoramic art. |
| Carousel slides | 1:1 or 4:5 | 1080 x 1080 or 1080 x 1350 | Use one consistent ratio across all slides. |
| Story / Reel cover | 9:16 | 1080 x 1920 | Matches full-screen vertical view. |
Best default for creators
If you only want one safe recommendation, use 1080 x 1350. The 4:5 ratio gives you more attention in-feed than square posts, while still being easy to repurpose into Stories, carousel covers, and pins.
When to choose square instead
- your content depends on a centered symmetrical layout
- your grid aesthetic matters more than feed height
- you are publishing quote cards or simple product shots
Carousel rule that saves a lot of mistakes
Pick one ratio for all slides. Mixed dimensions can make later slides feel cropped or inconsistent because Instagram usually anchors layout behavior to the first slide.
Best practical workflow: design one master asset, export portrait for the feed, then derive square or story versions only when needed.
Export tips
- use PNG for text-heavy graphics or screenshot layouts
- use JPG for photo-led content where smaller file size matters
- preview typography at mobile size before posting