Instagram Photo & Video Resolution Guide: Dimensions & Formats (2026)
The complete technical specification of recommended dimensions, aspect ratios, bitrates, and file formats for Instagram media in 2026.
Marcus Vance
Senior Security & Web Technology Analyst
Posting media in incorrect dimensions causes Instagram’s compression algorithms to aggressively crop, downscale, or blur your content.
Use this complete reference sheet to optimize your photos and videos before publishing.
1. Master Resolution & Dimension Table
| Placement Format | Aspect Ratio | Optimal Resolution | Supported File Types | Max File Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| **Feed Square** | 1:1 | 1080 x 1080 px | JPEG, PNG, WebP | 30 MB |
| **Feed Portrait (Recommended)** | 4:5 | 1080 x 1350 px | JPEG, PNG, WebP | 30 MB |
| **Feed Landscape** | 1.91:1 | 1080 x 566 px | JPEG, PNG, WebP | 30 MB |
| **Instagram Stories** | 9:16 | 1080 x 1920 px | MP4, MOV, JPEG | 4 GB (video) |
| **Instagram Reels** | 9:16 | 1080 x 1920 px | MP4, MOV (H.264) | 4 GB |
| **Profile Avatar** | 1:1 (Circle) | 1080 x 1080 px (displays 320x320) | JPEG, PNG | 10 MB |
2. Preventing Compression Artifacts
Guide FAQ
Why does Instagram compress my uploaded photos so heavily?
To save global mobile bandwidth, Instagram automatically recompresses any uploaded file to a target size of under 1.5MB per image.
Written by Marcus Vance
Senior Security & Web Technology Analyst
Marcus has over a decade of experience analyzing social media API architectures, public web protocols, and digital privacy compliance.
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