It is always a dull task when it comes to optimizing your Instagram image size and dimensions. Earlier (Back in 2012), Instagram used to allow its users to upload photos in a 1:1 aspect ratio. But now in 2019, you can upload your photos i.e. both landscape and portraits without cropping them. However, if you upload a photo that transcends the width-to-height ratio of a photo, then you will have to crop that photo.
The best size for Instagram post is 1080px by 1080px and it is believed that for best results, your photos should be between 320px by 320px and 1080px by 1080px. However, if you upload an image whose size is greater then these measurements, your image will be compressed by Instagram. This will significantly affect the quality of your image. The compressed version on that display on Instagram will be around 600px by 600px, which will appear flawless on Instagram and will not affect the resolution.
Instagram accepts images of almost every size, however, the image will be cropped by the app if it does not fall within the required dimensions. Moreover, there are many photo editing apps available out there that will definitely enhance the quality of your photos. Instagram is a very huge social media platform that provides multiple content options such as posts, stories, IGTV videos, and Live videos. Also, the guidelines for all these content options are different. To get the best possible photo in your feed, aim for square photo sizes of 1080px by 1080px.
If you want to upload a video to your Instagram Story, you will have to make sure that you shoot your video in a vertical format. Also, the app cut longer videos into 15-second bits. However, in this article, we will be mainly discussing the ideal size for an Instagram post (principally image).
The popular social media platform accepts images between 320px and 1080px, however, the app will enlarge the photo if the size of the image you have uploaded is lower than 320px. The same applies when you upload a photo with a larger resolution, the app will resize the image to 1080px or lower. In this article, we will guide you with the image size for different types of Instagram content. So without any further ado, let us begin with the guidelines.
What is the best size for Instagram posts?
1. Ideal image size for Square Images
With an iOS device, you can easily take a square picture, however, if you have a camera that takes pictures in landscape or portrait formats then you can simply download a photo app that provides different size options. In order to get the best results, you should always intend for square photo sizes of 1080px by 1080px. If Instagram compresses your image (at around 600px by 600px), it will not affect the nature of your image and will look flawless on Instagram.
2. Ideal image size for Landscape Images
Most of the images are of a 16:9 aspect ratio as opposed to 1.91:1. Adding horizontal photo dimensions on Instagram can be complicated. The best aspect ratio for a landscape photo is 1.91:1 and with this ratio, your horizontal photo will be displayed on Instagram without any border and will fit within the apps’ post dimensions. Instagram will automatically add a black border to your landscape image if you have uploaded the image with an aspect ratio of 16:9. It is obvious that your image is not going to look pleasant with the black border. Moreover, the ideal photo size of a landscape image is 1080px by 1350px.
3. Ideal image size for Portrait Images
The ideal Instagram portrait photo size and aspect ratio is 1080px by 1350px and 4:5 respectively. Portrait size images are comparatively easy to upload and will always fit into the Instagram post even if you have an image with a different aspect ratio. However, if you upload an oversize vertical photo, you will have to crop it anyway. So now you don’t have to worry about uploading a vertical image as you with these dimensions, you can easily post your favorite image.
To sum it up, let us take a quick look at the dimensions addressed earlier.
The best Instagram image size for posts:
- For square photos- 1080px by 1080px
- For Portrait photos- 1080px by 1350px
- For Landscape photos- 1080px by 608px
The aspect ratios for Instagram posts:
- For square photos- 1:1
- For Portrait photos- 4:5
- For Landscape photos- 1.91:1
FAQs
What is the best size for Instagram photos?
How can you fit a whole picture on Instagram?
What is the size of the Instagram post?
What’s the best aspect ratio for Instagram?
Conclusion
So, this was our guide on how to upload an Instagram post without cropping your image. In this article, we have discussed the best size for Instagram post that will not affect the resolution of your image at all. All you need to do is to make sure that your photos fit within the dimensions mentioned above. Also, photos between 320 x 320 and 1080 x 1080 pixels will post at their original resolution. Moreover, a photo with a high resolution will be sized down to 1080 and the desktop version of Instagram will display images up to 640 px.
If you found this article informative, then don’t forget to share it with your friends. Also, feel free to comment down below if you have any doubts associated with this article.
Recent Blog Posts:


