Instagram turned 10 this 2020, and it is quite obvious to say that this excellent social media platform has changed many human lives since its launch. The popular visual-centric social networking site that started as a simple photo-posting application has now grown into the favorite source of income for different creators and an all-new sales channel for several businesses.
But do you know what bothers the most about this popular platform? Actually, there are two things; vacation pics and having the best side/part of your photo getting cropped. As Instagram expands the type of content one can share on their profile, there is a lot more one should keep in their mind to make it look #worthy!
How to set horizontal pictures for stories on Instagram? How to ignore the loss of quality? How to well-optimize the size for square, vertical, and horizontal pictures? So, here in this article, we will help you all with these questions and guide you all through the best Instagram image dimensions.
What are Instagram dimensions?
Let's explain the terms! Instagram dimensions combine two concepts; an aspect ratio and size. Well, an aspect ratio is the height and width of a video/photo presented with digits. For example, an absolute aspect ratio for square sized pictures is 1:1, and for vertical images, it is 4:5. In contrast, the size relates to the number of pixels in a video/picture, also known as the resolution.
In short, Instagram dimensions are the aspect ratio and size that makes the optimal length and width of the content you are going to post on Instagram. It is vital to stick to them if you really want to keep the full photo/video noticeable without losing its quality.
Take a quick peek at all the Instagram dimensions here:
- Instagram image size for Photos
- Instagram story image size
- Instagram video size
- IGTV Instagram image & video size
- How to optimize image and video for Instagram dimensions
1. Instagram Image Size For Photos
Though you choose the perfect dimensions, Instagram will always compress your content! So, if you are going to post a 1080x1080pixel picture (recommended square image), automatically, the photo will get compressed to 600x600pixel by Instagram. And this doesn't mean at all that you should upload pictures with higher resolution! Because if you do, this may affect the quality of the photo in a very negative way. In short, choose the recommended resolution and let Instagram do the thing.
- Square Images
The recommended Instagram image size for square pictures is 1080x1080 pixels. But remember, Instagram will anyhow lower it! The vital thing about square images is that you should always try to reach the 1:1 aspect ratio to be 100% sure that it won't get cropped by Instagram.
- Horizontal Images
For horizontal images, 1080x1080 pixels work amazingly well for the Instagram image dimensions. Although, you might get extra flexibility with aspect ratio. According to the rules, an aspect ratio of 1.91:1 is absolutely perfect for horizontal images. Still, images up to 16:9 do work appropriately as well.
- Vertical Images
The vital thing about the vertical images for Instagram stories is that you can reuse them for your feed, only if they are worth it. Basically, the correct vertical image size for Instagram is 1080x1350 pixels. And as for the aspect ratio, one should always go with 4:5 to escape cropping.
2. Instagram Story Image Size
In the very first year itself, Instagram stories reached the milestone of 250 million daily active users! And which is about a quarter of all the existing Instagram users. Of course, when IG stories are so damn popular, then why not give them a try for promotion and advertising tactics?
Well, one of the most appealing things about Instagram stories is that one can get their content out there within a flash. Here, you will get thousands of filters, and now Reels and other features have accompanied too, the popularity has touched the sky.
Talking about the dimensions, then it's 1080x1920 pixels with an aspect ratio of 9:16.
3. Instagram Video Size
The video dimensions on Instagram pretty much follow the exact size and aspect ratio that is suggested for the images. But the main thing on which you have to focus on is the video length. For Instagram stories, we can upload videos 15 seconds long, but for any regular IG post - 60 seconds, & for an IGTV or Live video - 60 minutes max. So, along with a tool that can help you adjust dimensions, you will also need the help of an editing app or software for trimming the video.
- Square Videos
Not at all different from the size of Instagram posts, the dimensions for the square videos are 1080x1080 pixels! But make sure that they also have the aspect ratio of 1:1 to avoid getting cropped.
- Horizontal Videos
Well, the optimal dimension for a horizontal video is 1080x607 pixels. Similar to images, Instagram suggests going with the aspect ratio of 1.91:1 for the horizontal videos.
- Vertical Videos
Vertical or portrait videos offer more height with the suggested dimensions of 1080x1350 pixels. And the aspect ratio that will make the perfect vertical video view is 4:5.
4. IGTV Instagram Image And Video Size
Popularly known as Instagram YouTube, IGTV has been a powerful feature for sharing long-form video content. From short concert live streams to online workout programs to fashion diaries and tutorials, IGTV has made everything possible. But, there are mostly two things that one need to consider when posting any video on IGTV, and they are:
- The video dimensions of the IGTV
- Size and the aspect ratio of the cover photo
One can upload both vertical and horizontal videos to IGTV. If you go with the traditional vertical video, then the suggested aspect ratio is 9:16 whereas, the size must be 1080x1920 pixels. And for horizontal videos, it's 16:8 and size - 1920x1080 pixels. Now talking about the cover image that will show on your IGTV feed, the size should be 420x654 pixels, along with an aspect ratio of 1:1.55. If you want to know about IGTV, then do check; How to use IGTV!
How To Optimize Image And Video For Instagram Dimensions?
To make it very clear, then given below are all the tools you should keep in hand to always cope up with the Instagram dimensions for images, videos, stories, and anything you want to publish.
- Socinator
- Buffer
- Sprout Social
- Later
Also watch: Socinator - All in One Social Media Management Software
Conclusion
So, this was a short yet detailed discussion on the Instagram image dimensions, video dimensions, and everything. Well, when utilized in a better manner, Instagram can be one of the best platforms for you to promote your business or brand online. But along with that, you also need to stay updated with the post dimensions too.
