2024 Instagram Size Guide

Find all the right sizes and dimensions for Instagram in this comprehensive guide.

Ever find yourself confused by all the different format sizes on Instagram? There are reels, reels covers, stories, carousels, images, profile pictures…the list goes on! Getting the size right for the format you’re posting is more important than you think and it can make the difference between your post getting noticed and someone scrolling past. Our Instagram size guide takes you through the different formats and the optimal sizes needed in 2024 to make sure you maximize the impact your content makes!

Why is the correct sizing on Instagram important?

It is important to not only be aware of the different formats on Instagram (e.g. stories, carousels, reels) but to make sure your content is sized correctly for each. This is essential to maximise the impact your posts and content make on the platform and to ensure your content stops the scroll and entices your target market to keep reading. There is a LOT of competition on Instagram so nailing your Instagram dimensions is key to making your content stand out from the crowd.

Instagram sizing & dimensions explained

Our guide will take you through each format and the optimal sizing for each in detail but first it is important to understand the basics of sizing and dimensions on the platform. Instagram's sizes are usually described in either pixels or aspect ratio:

• Pixel dimensions are the horizontal and vertical measurements of an image expressed in pixels e.g. 1080 x 1350 pixels).

• Aspect ratio is the proportional relationship between an image's width and height e.g. 1:1 (which would be a square).

What are the correct sizes for Instagram in 2024

This table gives you a quick guide to the aspect ratio & dimensions for each format on Instagram:

What is the correct size Instagram post size?

Nailing the right Instagram post size can make or break your post! Think about it, if your post is sized correctly and takes up as much space as it can on the screen, it will make a bigger impact when people are scrolling right?  When sharing posts on Instagram, you can post square, portrait, or landscape images. The optimal sizes for Instagram posts are either square 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1 aspect ratio) or portrait 1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5 aspect ratio). We suggest sharing portrait images as they take up more space on the screen and will pack more of a punch on the newsfeed! Note these sizes will apply to carousel posts as well.

TIP: One thing to be aware of when sizing for your Instagram posts is to keep any important text within the central square area as when it is viewed on your profile, it will be cropped to a square. You don’t want any text cut off as they may not then understand what the post is about!

What is the correct Instagram story size?

Stories on Instagram are a great place to connect with your followers, share more of your everyday moments and of course, sell! But if you don’t size your stories correctly, you might be missing out. The correct Instagram story size is 1080 x 1920 pixels or 9:16 aspect ratio. In other words, the whole screen! Instagram stories are viewed vertically and sizing them to take up the entire screen will ensure they make a bigger impact. You can share stories straight from Instagram itself, which will help you size automatically, or use our complete size guide to ensure your stories are the correct dimensions.

What is the correct Instagram reel size?

Instagram reels are where it’s at for reaching new people on the platform and a great way to show off your brand personality. Sizing for reels is therefore super important as they are an opportunity to get new eyes on your content and attract them to your profile! Instagram have even said themselves that to create successful reels, sizing them to the correct dimensions is key. Just like stories, reels are vertical and take up the whole screen in a 9:16 aspect ratio or 1080 x 1950 pixels. To make an impact make sure you record your reels in full screen and avoid sharing landscape videos where the top & bottom parts of the reel will be blank when shared as this will reduce the quality and impact. 

As well as reels videos themselves, you should also be aware of the sizes for reels cover images too. Instagram gives you the option of uploading a separate image or graphic to use as a cover for your reel which will show on your profile & reels tab. This is great to be able to summarize what your reel is about or to keep it on brand. The good news is the sizing for reels covers is the exact same as that of a reel or story – 1080 x 1920 pixels or 9:16 aspect ratio. Just be aware that when viewed on your profile, it will be cropped to a square so keep any important imagery or text within that central square so it is still easily viewed and not cut off on your profile. 

What is the correct Instagram profile image size?

Profile pictures are the first thing users will see when they visit your Instagram profile so you want to put your best foot forward and present yourself or your business in the best possible light by selecting a graphic or photo that best reflects and represents you or your brand. Whether it’s a company logo or an image of yourself, getting the sizing right for your profile image is important! The recommended size for an Instagram profile image is 1:1 aspect ratio or 110 x 110 pixels which will be cropped to a circle when uploaded to the platform.

Integrate the correct Instagram sizes into your strategy

There you have it! All the sizing information you need to start optimizing your Instagram & to create content that really makes an impact on the platform. Now it’s time to start strategizing, creating & posting! To plan out all your content for Instagram (and all your social platforms), use an online tool like rapidely which also generates a custom strategy & a month’s worth of content ideas ready for you to edit in minutes. A real game-changer when it comes to saving precious time and streamlining your processes. Try it out for yourself now for free here.