Optimize Images & Videos for Instagram - Size Guide 2026
Get pixel-perfect posts, stories, and reels on Instagram.
Instagram Image Sizes
| Type | Dimensions | Aspect Ratio | Max Size | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feed Post (Square) | 1080 x 1080 | 1:1 | 30 MB | JPG, PNG |
| Feed Post (Portrait) | 1080 x 1350 | 4:5 | 30 MB | JPG, PNG |
| Feed Post (Landscape) | 1080 x 566 | 1.91:1 | 30 MB | JPG, PNG |
| Stories / Reels Cover | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 | 30 MB | JPG, PNG |
| Profile Picture | 320 x 320 | 1:1 | 30 MB | JPG, PNG |
| Carousel | 1080 x 1080 | 1:1 | 30 MB per image | JPG, PNG |
Instagram Video Specs
| Type | Resolution | Max Duration | Max File Size | Bitrate | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reels | 1080 x 1920 | 90 seconds | 4 GB | 3.5 Mbps | MP4 (H.264) |
| Feed Video | 1080 x 1080 | 60 minutes | 4 GB | 3.5 Mbps | MP4 (H.264) |
| Stories | 1080 x 1920 | 60 seconds | 4 GB | 3.5 Mbps | MP4 (H.264) |
Recommended Compression Settings for Instagram
Image Compression
- Quality Level
- 85-90%
- Best Format
- JPG for photos, PNG for graphics with transparency
Video Compression
- Codec
- H.264 with AAC audio
- Video Bitrate
- 3.5 Mbps for 1080p
- Audio Bitrate
- 128 kbps AAC
Quick Tips for Instagram
Use 1080 x 1350 (4:5 portrait) for feed posts — it takes up more screen space and gets higher engagement than square posts.
Export Reels at exactly 1080 x 1920 (9:16). Instagram compresses videos heavily, so upload at the highest quality possible.
Keep images under 1 MB after compression for faster loading. Instagram re-compresses large files aggressively.
Use sRGB color space — other color profiles may look washed out after Instagram processes them.
For carousels, keep all images the same aspect ratio. The first image sets the ratio for the entire set.
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Compress VideoFrequently Asked Questions
What is the best image size for Instagram posts in 2026?
1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5 portrait) is the best size for Instagram feed posts. It takes up the most vertical screen space in the feed, increasing visibility and engagement. Square (1080 x 1080) also works well for consistent grids.
Does Instagram compress my photos?
Yes, Instagram applies its own compression to every upload. To minimize quality loss, upload images at exactly the recommended dimensions (1080px wide) and keep file size under 1 MB. Uploading larger files gives Instagram more room to compress, often resulting in worse quality.
What video format does Instagram support?
Instagram supports MP4 files encoded with H.264 video codec and AAC audio. For Reels, use 1080 x 1920 resolution at 30fps. Maximum file size is 4 GB, but keeping videos under 100 MB ensures smoother uploads.
How do I avoid blurry Instagram stories?
Upload stories at exactly 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16). Use H.264 encoding at 3.5 Mbps or higher. Avoid uploading videos that were already compressed — each re-compression reduces quality. Film in good lighting to give the encoder more to work with.
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