What is the New Instagram Post Size? A Complete 2025 Guide
Instagram has become one of the most important platforms for personal expression, business promotion, and brand building. But in 2025, one question creators ask more than ever is: “What is the new Instagram post size?”
With Instagram frequently updating its design and algorithm, understanding the optimal image and video dimensions is crucial if you want your content to look sharp, perform well, and capture attention in a crowded feed. This guide will walk you through the latest Instagram post sizes, why they matter, and how to choose the right one depending on whether you’re posting photos, videos, carousels, reels, or stories.
Why Instagram Post Size Matters
Before jumping into the exact pixel dimensions, it’s important to know why size is such a big deal on Instagram:
Clarity and Quality – If you upload images in the wrong resolution, Instagram compresses them, which often results in blurry or pixelated posts.
Consistency – A brand with consistent sizing looks more professional and visually appealing.
Screen Optimization – Different sizes display differently across mobile and desktop. Choosing the wrong aspect ratio can cut off important parts of your design.
Algorithmic Engagement – Instagram favors visually optimized content. Posts that look good get more saves, shares, and likes, indirectly boosting your reach.
The New Instagram Post Sizes in 2025
Instagram supports three main aspect ratios for feed posts: Square, Portrait, and Landscape. Let’s break them down with exact pixel sizes:
1. Square Posts (Classic Instagram Style)
Recommended size: 1080 x 1080 pixels
Aspect ratio: 1:1
Best for: Simple photos, quotes, graphics, and product displays.
Square posts remain the default safe choice for most creators. They look balanced on any device and are less likely to get cropped awkwardly.
2. Portrait (Vertical) Posts
Recommended size: 1080 x 1350 pixels
Aspect ratio: 4:5
Best for: Photos of people, fashion, food, and detailed visuals.
Portrait posts occupy more screen space, making them ideal for grabbing attention while scrolling. Studies show vertical posts often achieve higher engagement rates.
3. Landscape Posts
Recommended size: 1080 x 566 pixels
Aspect ratio: 1.91:1
Best for: Scenic shots, wide-angle photography, and cinematic visuals.
While less common today, landscape posts still work well for travel photographers, filmmakers, and brands wanting a cinematic touch.
Instagram Stories & Reels Sizes
Beyond feed posts, stories and reels have become the most engaging formats. Both use the full vertical screen.
Recommended size: 1080 x 1920 pixels
Aspect ratio: 9:16
Safe zones: Keep text and logos away from the top (where profile info appears) and bottom (where interactive buttons appear).
If you want your reels and stories to look professional, design them specifically in 9:16 format rather than cropping standard feed posts.
Instagram Carousel Posts
Carousel posts allow multiple images/videos in one swipeable sequence. Each slide follows the same sizing rules as regular feed posts:
Square: 1080 x 1080 px
Portrait: 1080 x 1350 px
Landscape: 1080 x 566 px
Tip: Stick to the same aspect ratio across all carousel images for visual consistency.
Instagram Profile Pictures
Display size: 110 x 110 pixels on mobile
Upload size: At least 320 x 320 pixels for clarity
Profile images are circular; keep important details centered.
Instagram Thumbnails (for Videos and Reels)
When you post a video or reel, Instagram allows you to choose a thumbnail. This appears in your feed grid.
Thumbnail size: 1080 x 1080 pixels (square crop applied)
Ensure the central part of your visual is designed to fit in a square crop.
How Instagram Handles Image Compression
Even if you upload the perfect size, Instagram applies JPEG compression to optimize performance. To minimize quality loss:
Save images in sRGB color profile.
Use JPEG at 70–80% quality before uploading.
Keep file sizes under 1 MB for faster uploads without major compression.
Best Practices for Posting in 2025
Choose Vertical Whenever Possible
Vertical (4:5) posts take more feed space and often increase engagement.Use the Correct Aspect Ratio
Don’t just crop randomly—design your content with the exact ratio in mind.Text Safety Zones
Keep captions, call-to-actions, or headlines away from edges where Instagram may crop.Consistency is Key
Choose a primary format (e.g., all vertical posts) to create a cohesive feed aesthetic.Test Across Devices
Always preview how your post looks on mobile (where 90% of users browse) and desktop.
Tools to Create Instagram-Sized Content
Canva – Pre-made templates for every Instagram size.
Adobe Express – Easy for branded posts.
Figma/Photoshop – Advanced design with precision.
InShot/CapCut – Great for resizing videos for reels/stories.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Uploading low-resolution images (below 1080px).
Using screenshots that appear pixelated.
Forgetting about safe zones in reels/stories.
Mixing aspect ratios in carousels (looks messy).
Ignoring file compression → results in blurry uploads.
Future of Instagram Post Sizes
Instagram is slowly evolving into a video-first platform. While square posts are iconic, expect vertical 9:16 formats to dominate. Already, reels and stories take priority in algorithms, meaning tall content = more reach. Brands and creators should adapt by designing for full-screen mobile experiences.
Conclusion
So, what is the new Instagram post size in 2025?
The golden standard is still 1080 pixels wide, but the height depends on your format:
Square: 1080 x 1080
Portrait: 1080 x 1350
Landscape: 1080 x 566
Stories/Reels: 1080 x 1920
If you want to maximize engagement, stick with vertical formats (portrait or full-screen 9:16). Always design with safe zones, preview your uploads, and maintain consistent quality. By mastering Instagram post sizes, your content will not only look professional but also perform better in today’s competitive digital space.
