Instagram Format Guide 2024: Ideal Sizes and Aspect Ratios
5.00/5Instagram is a visually-driven platform that supports various image formats to help users showcase their content in the most appealing way. From classic square photos to dynamic landscape and portrait formats, understanding the right dimensions and resolutions can significantly enhance the quality and engagement of your posts.
In this article, we present the different Instagram image and video formats in 2024. By choosing the right dimensions for your content, you will have a better chance of increasing the engagement rate of your subscribers on this social network.
Photo Posting on Instagram
Instagram offers a variety of image formats to its users. The most common formats include the square format, the landscape format, and the portrait format. The minimum resolution for images is 150 x 150 pixels, while the maximum resolution extends up to 1920 x 1080 pixels.
Square Photos
Historically, Instagram primarily focused on square photos. This classic shape is 1080 x 1080 pixels, which gives an image ratio of 1:1.
In a recent post shared by Pascal Gironnet on Instagram, the enduring popularity of the square format on the platform was highlighted. Despite the emergence of various other photo and video dimensions over time, the square format remains a favored choice. It’s interesting to note that if you upload square images of different sizes, Instagram will automatically crop them to fit the square mode. This feature ensures that the visual consistency of your feed is maintained, making it aesthetically pleasing and uniform.
Landscape Photo Format
Also known as horizontal format, the landscape orientation is particularly suited for horizontal subjects. The recommended dimensions are 1080 x 566 pixels, with an aspect ratio of 1.91:1.
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The landscape format on Instagram also accepts other dimensions, but the app may automatically crop them to fit the standards. Regardless, this format allows for the publication of an image or video with wider dimensions.
Instagram’s Portrait Photo Format
Instagram offers a portrait or vertical format with a resolution of 1080 x 1350 pixels. This aspect ratio of 4:5 is similar to that of a traditional photo, often resembling an 8×10 inch print.
The portrait mode is particularly suitable for highlighting vertical subjects and is frequently used in posts, stories, and advertisements. It opens up numerous creative possibilities, and adhering to its recommended dimensions is crucial for ensuring the best display quality.
When sharing images on Instagram, if your images are not 1080 pixels wide, it means that the platform has published them at their original size. Photos ranging from 320 x 320 pixels to 1080 x 1080 pixels are maintained as is when uploaded.
Moreover, if you’re using the desktop version of Instagram, the supported photo width does not exceed 640 pixels wide. On a smartphone, an image with a resolution lower than 320 px will automatically adjust to 320 px. Conversely, an image exceeding 1080 px will automatically shrink to 1080 px.
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Video Publishing
Just like images, traditional videos on social media platforms, particularly Instagram, can be presented in various formats:
- Square format: minimum 600 x 600 pixels, 1:1 ratio
- Horizontal (landscape) format: recommended resolution of 1080 x 1350 pixels, 1.9:1 ratio
- Vertical (portrait) format: recommended resolution of 1080 x 608 pixels, 4:5 ratio.
Note that the only supported file type is MP4, with the maximum video size being 4 GB. Additionally, the duration of a standard video posted on Instagram should not exceed two minutes.
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Instagram Stories
Similar to Facebook stories, Instagram stories are designed to disappear automatically after 24 hours. They are generally in a vertical format with dimensions of 1080 pixels wide by 1920 pixels high. Since this size is tailored to smartphone screens, it provides an immersive viewing experience.
In terms of the aspect ratio for an Instagram story, although 4:5 and 16:9 are accepted, using the 9:16 format is highly recommended. This allows users to scroll vertically to view content.
It’s important to note that an Instagram story video is limited to 15 seconds. If you upload a 60-second video, it will be divided into four segments.
Instagram Carousel Posts
One of the available formats on Instagram is the carousel format. This feature allows the posting of multiple images or videos in a single post. The sizes of the included images can be square (1080 x 1080 pixels), vertical (1080 x 1350 pixels), or horizontal (1080 x 566 pixels).
Instagram will automatically adjust each photo to fit into a square format for display in the carousel. However, the images will retain their original dimensions when users enlarge them to view in full screen.
Videos ought to be formatted correctly to match the platform’s requirements—this means using square (1:1), portrait (9:16), or landscape (16:9) ratios.
When posting videos in a carousel format, users must keep in mind the following settings for optimal display:
- Feed: It is recommended to use a resolution of 1080 x 1080 pixels, with the possibility of including between 2 to 10 videos.
- Stories: For this feature, a higher resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels is recommended, and you can include 2 to 3 videos per carousel.
Furthermore, the platforms are quite flexible in terms of compatible file types. Supported formats include MP4, MOV, MPEG, MPEG4, GIF, AVI, 3GP, among others, with a maximum file size limit of 4 GB. This range of formats and the generous file size capacity allow for rich, dynamic content that can enhance any social media strategy.
IGTV on Instagram
Launched in 2018, IGTV was Instagram’s platform for long-form video content, designed in response to sites like YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat, with the goal to capture the more extended video content market. Certified accounts could upload videos up to 60 minutes long, while non-verified accounts or those with fewer than 10,000 followers were limited to 10-minute videos.
For optimal video quality, recommendations for uploads suggested 1080 x 1920 pixels for vertical videos and 1920 x 1080 pixels for horizontal videos, maintaining a 9:16 ratio. However, vertical format was generally preferred for IGTV content.
Despite its aims, IGTV did not achieve the desired impact and was relatively short-lived in its original form. Instagram eventually discontinued IGTV, transitioning instead to focus on shorter types of content such as videos, vlogs, and clips all integrated within the main Instagram platform. This led to the creation of Instagram Video, which combined features of IGTV with traditional feed videos, aiming to provide a more streamlined and effective video experience.
Instagram Reels
Instagram Reels is a feature that directly competes with the giant TikTok. Reels are short videos typically set to background music, with a maximum length of 90 seconds. This format allows users to create engaging and creative content, reaching audiences in a dynamic and entertaining way.
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In the world of Instagram Reels, the recommended dimensions for an optimal viewing experience are 1080 x 1920 pixels in portrait mode, keeping to a 9:16 aspect ratio similar to an Instagram story. This specification also applies to the cover photo of an Instagram Reel. The platform supports videos in MP4 and MOV formats, and the maximum file size allowed is 4GB.
It’s important to note that when your Reel is displayed in the feed, Instagram crops 15% from the top and 15% from the bottom of the video. This ensures that the content fits well within the allocated display space on users’ feeds, so creators should plan their shots accordingly to avoid losing important visual elements in their videos.
Instagram Advertising
Instagram advertising offers businesses the opportunity to promote their products or boost their follower count on the platform. These ads can appear as either images or videos, varying in size depending on the chosen format.
Here are the image resolutions for Instagram ads:
- Square format: 1080 x 1080 pixels
- Landscape format: 1080 x 566 pixels
The minimum width is 320 pixels and the maximum width is 1080 pixels. The aspect ratio ranges from 1.91:1 to 4:5.
On the other hand, video ads can appear in the feed, as part of a carousel, in a story, or as an Instagram Reel. In all cases, the ideal format is vertical (1080 x 1920 pixels, ratio 9:16), with a minimum resolution of 720p.
Instagram Profile Picture Tips
The Instagram profile picture appears in a small square format (1:1 ratio) and cannot be clicked. Its dimensions are 110 x 110 pixels. Thus, it is essential to upload a clear image to ensure easy identification of the profile. Moreover, since the image is displayed within a circular frame, centering it well is crucial to maintain a neat and professional appearance.
The profile picture is one of the first things users notice when they visit your Instagram profile. This means that selecting a high-quality photo that appropriately represents your identity or brand is crucial. It’s important to choose an image that not only stands out but also conveys the ethos of your personal or business brand, ensuring it makes a positive first impression.
Why Should You Pay Attention to Instagram Formatting?
Instagram has evolved from a simple photo-sharing app to a powerful marketing tool used by individuals and businesses alike. Understanding how to format content on Instagram can significantly enhance your ability to engage with your audience and strengthen your online presence. Here’s why paying attention to Instagram formatting is crucial:
Visual Appeal
Instagram is inherently visual. High-quality images and videos can make your profile stand out. Proper formatting ensures that your content is not only visually appealing but also aligned with Instagram’s dimensions and quality recommendations. This will help prevent pixelated images or awkwardly cropped videos, which can detract from your message.
User Engagement
Well-formatted content is more likely to catch the eye of Instagram users, leading to higher engagement rates. Consistency in your posts’ appearance helps establish a brand identity, which in turn increases recognition and follower loyalty. Engaging content will also encourage interactions such as likes, comments, and shares, further amplifying your reach.
Algorithm Benefits
Instagram’s algorithm favours content that engages users. By optimising your post formats — whether it’s photos, videos, or stories — you increase the likelihood of appearing in your followers’ feeds. Moreover, using the right hashtags, captions, and engaging visuals contributes to better performance on the platform.
Storytelling
Instagram provides various tools like Stories, Reels, and IGTV that offer unique ways to tell stories. Each format requires a different approach; what works in a regular post might not be as effective in a Story or a Reel. Understanding these nuances can help you craft more compelling narratives that resonate with your audience.
Professionalism
Maintaining a consistent and professional look across your Instagram content can influence how your audience perceives your brand. A disorganised or poorly formatted Instagram page might reflect badly on your professionalism, while a sleek, well-managed profile suggests a trustworthy and reliable brand.
In conclusion, formatting isn’t just about making things look good — it’s an essential element of a successful Instagram strategy. It affects visual quality, user engagement, content reach, storytelling abilities, and your brand’s overall perception. By taking the time to understand and implement proper Instagram formatting, you set the stage for more effective communication and a stronger connection with your audience.
Visual Appearance
Every content format on Instagram allows you to present your photos and videos in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Choosing the right format for your content can enhance the overall look of your profile.
By using the formats recommended by the social network, you also ensure that your content is suited to the users’ screens, guaranteeing an optimal visual experience. Moreover, you have the opportunity to fully utilise the visual features of your content, no matter what element you wish to highlight with a specific format.
Engagement on Instagram
One of the key advantages of using the right format on Instagram is that it boosts follower engagement. Indeed, images and videos in the appropriate format are more likely to be favoured by Instagram’s algorithms. This means they are more likely to appear frequently in the newsfeeds of your followers.
Moreover, these posts are likely to catch users’ attention, provoke reactions, garner comments, and generate shares.
Additionally, choosing the right format can make it easier to tell a cohesive story on your profile. For instance, Stories are ideal for sharing fleeting moments, while a carousel format may be used to tell a more extended narrative. With the various image and video formats available, you can utilise their features to diversify your content and reach a broader audience.
