Instagram Formats in Detail: Feed, Story, Reel & Profile
Updated: July 2026 · approx. 5 min read
Hardly any platform has as many image formats as Instagram – and the wrong one costs reach or distorts your subject. Here you get the right size, the right aspect ratio and a short tip for every area.
Feed posts: 1:1 or 4:5?
In the feed you have two sensible options. The square post (1080×1080, 1:1) is the classic and keeps a clean profile grid. The portrait (1080×1350, 4:5) takes up noticeably more screen space while scrolling and stands out more – ideal when a single post needs to land.
Stories & Reels: full-screen 9:16
Stories and Reels share the same format: 1080×1920 pixels (9:16), full screen. Mind the safe zone: your profile picture and name sit at the top, controls and the caption at the bottom overlay your subject. Keep key content in the middle third so the interface does not cover it.
Carousel: keep the ratio constant
A carousel uses the same sizes as the feed (1:1 or 4:5). The key point: crop all slides to the same aspect ratio. As soon as one slide differs, Instagram crops it automatically and the grid looks messy. The easiest way is to crop every image to the same size in one go.
Profile picture: think round
Upload the profile picture square (at least 320×320), but Instagram shows it as a circle. Place the face or logo centred and leave room in the corners – otherwise something important gets cut off.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Instagram format for the feed?
The 1080×1350 portrait (4:5) takes up the most space in the feed and stands out more than a square post (1080×1080). Many still choose 1:1 for a tidy profile grid.
What is the difference between a Story and a Reel?
Both use the 1080×1920 (9:16) portrait. Stories disappear after 24 hours, Reels stay and get pushed harder to new viewers. The image format is identical.
How big should the Instagram profile picture be?
Upload it at least 320×320 pixels. It is shown as a circle, so keep key content centred and out of the corners.
Are my images uploaded when I crop them?
No. CropInSeconds processes everything 100% locally in your browser – no upload, your images never leave your device.
All Instagram formats at a glance
Find the full size cheat sheet for every platform in the image sizes guide 2026.
Crop an image