Perfect Instagram post size: Story, photo, video, reel, and profile picture dimensions

Before you start creating eye-catching and professional-looking content on Instagram, you must know the perfect Instagram post size.

Each feature has its specific ideal dimension. You can share photos, post videos, create a reel, or update your profile picture.

The right size means your content will look crisp, clear, and perfectly formatted on any device.

In this detailed guide, we’ll go over the best photo sizes for Instagram posts, stories, videos, reels, and your Instagram profile picture.

What is the size of Instagram post?

Different types of posts on Instagram, photos, videos, stories, reels, and even the profile picture have different dimensions and aspect ratios.

Knowing these sizes is important when optimizing or making your content look nice within Instagram’s layout.

Aspect ratio

The aspect ratio indicates the ratio between an image or video’s width and height.

It is key to Instagram content since it determines how your content is displayed. And ensures that it fits the layout nicely without being stretched, distorted, or cropped.

The type of post you want to share on Instagram determines the aspect ratios the social channel supports.

The correct aspect ratio is essential for displaying your content so that it is precisely as you intended it to be, without any loss in visuals, thereby increasing user engagement.

Pixels

An image comprises the smallest units called pixels, which determine how the image looks when on a computer screen.

Every photo is represented by more pixels, and one of the advantages is that the photo will look sharper and more detailed.

Pixel dimensions tell Instagram how large or small the post will be on different screens (if uploading content).

To make sure your images will look as great as possible on Instagram, the app has specific recommendations for pixel sizes.

If you upload stories or reels to Instagram, you are recommended to use a size of 1080 x 1920 pixels to fill the entire screen.

Why does Instagram post size matter?

Knowing the Instagram post size is necessary for making meaningful and attractive content that draws attention to the platform.

Each form of content from a photo, video, story, or reel has defined size requirements, determining how your posts are displayed.

Optimizing content for proper sizing helps your content appear clear, professional. And a part of a properly optimized site across all devices. This, in turn, helps users engage more with your brand.

The ideal size for Instagram post

The ideal size for Instagram post

When producing Instagram content, use the platform’s suggested post sizes. It is crucial for your content to post correctly and create a pleasing visual.

Each format of the Instagram post has its perfect dimension. Square, portrait, and horizontal are the most common types of Instagram posts.

Instagram photo size

The size of an Instagram photo is a very important factor when discussing the clarity and crispness of your images on the platform.

Instagram allows for three primary photo types: portraits, square, and horizontal.

This is the traditional photo format, so we recommend a square photo, ideally sized at 1080 x 1080 pixels with a 1 to 1 aspect ratio.

Portrait photos are best saved vertically, at 1080 x 1350 pixels, with a 4 to 5 aspect ratio because they’re more attention-grabbing as they take up more screen space.

The landscape or horizontal photo is the best size for taking wide images and for a photo with an aspect ratio of 1.91 to 1 and 1080 x 566 pixels.

Each format has its benefits based on what you’re sharing. So picking the right photo size guarantees that your pics look cool on users’ feeds without distortion.

Instagram story size

Instagram wants your story to be full-screen and vertical. So you are not limited in how you want to present your content in those scenarios.

Instagram story dimensions are 9 to 16 aspect ratio: 1080 x 1920 pixels.

These are temporary posts, meaning they disappear after 24 hours. And Instagram stories allow people to engage with your audience more casually and spontaneously.

They can be used to share images, videos, polls, links, or even more, which can enhance stickers, music, or text for your viewers.

Behind-the-scenes content or about promotions or updates, stories are just perfect for sharing.

With their fullscreen format, high level of user engagement, and 24-hour lifespan. They are an excellent tool for keeping your followers connected in real-time.

Instagram reel size

The same goes for Instagram Reels, where the ideal size is 1080 x 1920 pixels with a 9 to 16 aspect ratio, just like in the case of Instagram stories.

Short-form video content is up to 90 seconds long on reels. And the format is super engaging, with music, effects, and text overlays.

This means that, unlike ordinary posts, there is a separate space for Reels in the Instagram feed on the Explore page, and their direct influence is undoubtedly larger.

In addition, the cover photo of a Reel also needs to be 1080 x 1920 pixels in size to ensure the thumbnail looks good and professional.

Although both are relatively small and have similar formats, reels are seen as more polished and engaging. And shareable content, while stories are casual and meant to be short-lived.

Stories are great for quick daily updates, interactive content, or anything your audience wants to scroll through quickly.

Reels are ideal for creating creative videos or tutorials and fun challenges.

Instagram profile picture size

Another point in creating a coherent look for your profile is the size of the Instagram profile picture.

While the ideal dimensions for your Instagram profile picture are 320 x 320 pixels, Instagram will circle it. So make sure the most essential part of the image is in the middle.

Your profile picture is a massive part of your branding around Instagram as a business and an individual.

The first impression people get when visiting your profile is through your picture. You want to make it clear and of high quality.

Whether you use a logo, personal photo, or an avatar, you must ensure the image is still recognizable and sharp when displayed in feeds and comments at smaller sizes.

Sometimes, the circular crop can trim away significant parts of the photo. So it’s essential to give the subject some clear room around it for a neat and professional look.

Tips to make your Instagram posts more engaging

Instagram is an essential platform for visually appealing content, but engaging your audience is more than showing pretty things.

Engagement is the key to building a loyal following and growing your presence on the platform.

But when used correctly, you can get likes, comments, and shares. In general, you should get people to interact with your posts.

Post high-quality visuals

To keep an Instagram post engaging, high-quality visuals are what your page should be based on. Use well-lit and sharp images or videos that match your brand or message.

Remember to focus on composition, color balance, and consistency so your feed is cohesive and gathers new viewers. And getting them to keep coming back for more.

You want to look visually appealing immediately, so take your time on edits and curating content that can grab someone visually first.

Write captivating captions

Your caption is yours to tell a story, or more, to spark curiosity or encourage interaction.

Use clear and engaging language that should align with your post’s theme.

Including questions, calls to action, or glimpses of relatable anecdotes helps encourage your audience to comment on and get involved in your content.

Emojis and line breaks make Captions visually pleasing and easier to read.

Use relevant hashtags:

Hashtags increase the reach of your posts by connecting them to a broader audience who otherwise might not be interested in the content you’re posting.

Use many trending niches and branded hashtags during and after research.

If possible, use only hashtags that are relevant to your target audience. And control the number of them so they are kept clean and professional.

Post at optimal times:

The timing is everything to minimize or maximize engagement. Look at your audience’s activity and use this to see when they’re most active. Post now.

With Instagram insights, you can figure out a posting schedule based on your followers’ habits to maximize the number of people your content goes to.

Encourage interaction:

Engage your audience to interact with your post directly by asking prompts like “Double tap if you agree” or “Comment your favorite idea below.”

You can also increase your interaction by running polls, giveaways, or a Q&A session.

The better you return to your audience, the more likely they’re engaged.

How does FlashGet Kids help parents monitor and manage Instagram use?

Children love Instagram, but its appeal can come with challenges, including excessive screen time, internet addiction, and obsession with creating the most ‘perfect post.

Teens can spend hours editing photos, creating engaging captions, and chasing social media trends, which can affect their well-being.

With FlashGet Kids, parents can monitor and manage their kids’ Instagram usage.

It has features that allow parents to monitor their app usage, track their screen time, and monitor their activity so parents can help them achieve a healthier balance between offline and online life.

Through FlashGet Kids, parents can constructively monitor their child’s Internet use and make sure they are using Instagram responsibly.

Wrap-up

To create visually appealing content that attracts your audience, you must understand the perfect Instagram post size regarding stories, photos, videos, reels, and profile pictures.

If you make your posts the recommended dimensions, you’ll know your posts look professional and will attract more attention.

To gain greater control over how your child uses Instagram and limit screen time for your family, you might want to use FlashGet Kids.

You can easily monitor and control social media use with its features while encouraging healthier digital habits.