Instagram size guide 2026: post, Story, Reel, and grid sizes

Instagram sizes in 2026: the short answer

For most Instagram feed posts, use 1080 × 1350 px at 4:5. Instagram also accepts 1080 × 1440 px at 3:4, which matches the taller profile-grid preview. Create Stories and Reels at 1080 × 1920 px at 9:16, and keep important content clear of interface overlays.

Linearity can resize Instagram designs into the platform's built-in formats with one click. Every layout remains editable, so you can check typography, margins, images, and brand elements before publishing.

What changed on Instagram

Instagram now supports native 3:4 photo uploads and shows profile-grid previews in a taller 3:4 shape. Its current photo guidance accepts uploads from 1.91:1 through 3:4. Older advice that every profile thumbnail is square is no longer correct. A 4:5 post remains a strong feed default because it occupies generous vertical space and works reliably across organic posts and ad placements.

Instagram Guides were discontinued, so they no longer belong in a current size guide. Carousels, Stories, Reels, feed posts, profile images, and Highlights are the formats teams need to prepare today.

Instagram post formats and aspect ratios

Instagram feed post sizes

Portrait posts: 1080 × 1350 or 1080 × 1440 px

Choose 4:5 at 1080 × 1350 px for a dependable portrait feed post. Choose 3:4 at 1080 × 1440 px when you want the uploaded artwork to align closely with the current grid thumbnail. Keep the headline, logo, faces, and call to action near the center so the composition survives previews and placements.

Square posts: 1080 × 1080 px

Square posts remain valid and useful for reusable tiles, simple product images, and established templates. They no longer fill the full height of the portrait profile grid, so preview the result before publishing a carefully connected grid.

Landscape posts: 1080 × 566 px

Use the 1.91:1 landscape format for wide scenes and horizontal graphics. It takes up less vertical feed space, which makes clear hierarchy and readable text especially important.

Carousel posts

Use one aspect ratio throughout a carousel. The first selected item establishes the presentation for the set, and inconsistent source ratios may be cropped. Build every slide on the same canvas and keep recurring elements in consistent positions.

Instagram feed design example

Portrait Instagram post example

Instagram Stories and Reels size

Both formats use a 1080 × 1920 px canvas at 9:16. Interface elements occupy space near the top and bottom, so place essential copy and logos inside the central area. Always preview captions, account information, buttons, and Reel controls on a phone before publishing.

• Stories: 1080 × 1920 px, 9:16
• Reels: 1080 × 1920 px, 9:16
• Reel feed preview: commonly shown in a shorter portrait crop
• Profile-grid preview: 3:4

Instagram Story layout example

Instagram Story example

Instagram Story design example

Profile photos and Highlight covers

Upload a profile image at 320 × 320 px and keep the subject or logo centered because Instagram displays it as a circle. For Highlight covers, work on a 1080 × 1920 px Story canvas and place a simple icon in the center. Fine text and detailed marks become unreadable at profile size.

Instagram profile image example

Instagram Highlight cover examples

Safe zones and export quality

• Export feed graphics at 1080 px wide.
• Keep critical content centered so it survives feed, grid, and placement crops.
• Leave generous clear space at the top and bottom of Stories and Reels.
• Use JPG for photographic posts and PNG when crisp graphic edges or transparency matter.
• Check the final post on a phone before scheduling a campaign.

Resize an Instagram post without rebuilding it

A social campaign often needs a feed post, Story, Reel cover, ad, and several localized versions. The step-by-step guide to resizing Instagram posts in Linearity explains how to generate an editable branded design and adapt it to each format while preserving margins, hierarchy, and brand rules.

Where AI fits into the workflow

AI is most useful when the result can continue through production. Linearity can generate images or editable vector assets, apply brand rules, and turn an approved direction into channel-specific layouts. The Linearity AI guide explains when to use image generation, vector generation, editing, and resizing as connected parts of one design workflow.

Frequently asked questions

About the blog author

Ben Barnhart is a writer and creative professional who covers design, illustration, and visual communication for the Linearity blog.