Quick Cheat Sheet: All Key Sizes
| Visual Type | Recommended Size | Key Notes |
|---|
| Profile Photo | 110 × 110 px | Circular crop; sharp on mobile/desktop previews |
| Square Images (Posts) | 1,080 × 1,080 px | 1:1 aspect ratio; classic Instagram format |
| Vertical Images (Posts) | 1,080 × 1,350 px | 4:5 aspect ratio; fits full feed without cropping |
| Stories | 1,080 × 1,920 px | 9:16 aspect ratio; fills mobile screens |
1. Profile Photo: Your Instagram Identity
- Size: 110 × 110 px – Instagram displays it at this size, but higher-res (e.g., 300×300 px) works too—just ensure it’s square to avoid stretching.
- Tip: Design for a circle—Instagram crops square photos to a circle, so keep logos/faces 10–15% away from edges. Avoid tiny text (it’ll be unreadable in small previews).
2. Feed Posts: Square & Vertical Images
Square Images
- Size: 1,080 × 1,080 px (1:1 ratio) – The iconic Instagram format; looks clean in grids and feeds.
- Tip: Use high-res visuals (avoid compressing below 720px) – blurry posts hurt credibility.
Vertical Images
- Size: 1,080 × 1,350 px (4:5 ratio) – Taller than squares, so they stand out in feeds (take up more screen space on mobile).
- Warning: Don’t go taller than 4:5 (e.g., 9:16) – Instagram will crop the top/bottom, cutting off key details.
3. Stories: Full-Screen Engagement
- Size: 1,080 × 1,920 px (9:16 ratio) – The only size that fills mobile screens (no black bars).
- Key Tips:
- Avoid text/logos near top/bottom – Instagram’s UI (time, battery, close button) may cover them. Keep critical elements in the middle 80% of the screen.
- Use 120–150pt font for text – ensures readability when viewers swipe quickly.
- File size: Keep under 4GB (for videos) or 30MB (for images) to avoid upload errors.
Final Quick Check
- Profile Photo: 110×110 px, circle-friendly design
- Square Posts: 1,080×1,080 px, 1:1 ratio
- Vertical Posts: 1,080×1,350 px, 4:5 ratio
- Stories: 1,080×1,920 px, 9:16 ratio
Follow these sizes to keep Instagram visuals polished and optimized for engagement.