1350 x 1080 Image Size for Instagram Feed Posts
Learn why the 1350 x 1080 image size is optimal for Instagram portrait posts, plus tips to export sharp, vibrant visuals without cropping.

Introduction to 1350 x 1080 Resolution and Aspect Ratio Basics
In the fast-moving world of social media marketing, image sizing directly impacts how your audience perceives and engages with content. Among the countless dimensions available, 1350 x 1080 pixels has become the go-to resolution for Instagram portrait feed posts. This size corresponds to a 4:5 aspect ratio — Instagram’s own recommended portrait orientation — providing more on-screen presence than the standard square, without triggering any automatic cropping.

If you’ve ever wondered why some posts demand your attention while others fade into the feed, the difference often lies in how much vertical screen space they occupy. In this guide, you’ll learn why the 1350 x 1080 format is so effective, how to prepare your visuals for it, and ways to avoid common pitfalls so you can improve your social presence.
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Pixel Dimensions and Their Relation to Aspect Ratios (4:5)
The term 1350 x 1080 describes the height (1350 pixels) and width (1080 pixels) of your image. This ratio of width to height equates to 4:5, and it carries specific design implications:
- For every 4 units of width, there are 5 units of height.
- Instagram caps portrait feed photos at 4:5 to maintain feed balance.
- Any image taller than 4:5 gets cropped automatically.
Here’s a quick reference for common aspect ratios:
Aspect Ratio | Resolution Example | Best For |
---|---|---|
1:1 (Square) | 1080 x 1080 | Profile feeds, consistent grid layout |
4:5 (Portrait) | 1080 x 1350 | Maximized vertical space in Instagram feed |
16:9 (Landscape) | 1920 x 1080 | Video posts, cinematic photography |
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Why 1350 x 1080 is Optimal for Instagram Feed Posts
Instagram’s feed algorithm rewards content that creates longer on-screen engagement. With 1350 x 1080, your photo uses the tallest allowable portrait dimension — making it more noticeable than square or horizontal formats.
Advantages include:
- Scroll-Stopping Potential: It naturally holds the viewer’s attention for longer.
- Maximum Feed Presence: Uses the full portrait height without unintended cropping.
- Flexible Framing: Suitable for portraits, detailed product photography, and infographics.
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Benefits of Using 4:5 Images for Engagement and Visibility
For both creators and marketers, 4:5 imagery delivers tangible advantages on Instagram:
- Boosted Engagement: Vertical images often outperform horizontal ones in likes, comments, and shares.
- Expanded Storytelling Room: Allows you to include both focal subjects and contextual background.
- Enhanced Readability: More space means you can use larger, more legible text in overlays.

The 1350 x 1080 size maximizes both visual impact and functional display on mobile screens, where most Instagram use occurs.
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Best Practices for Exporting Images at 1350 x 1080 Without Quality Loss
You can’t just resize to 1350 x 1080 and expect perfection — careful export ensures sharp, vibrant images:
- Work From High-Resolution Originals: Reduces loss during downsizing.
- Stick With sRGB Color Profile: Ensures consistency across devices.
- Select Optimal JPEG Quality: Around 80–90% strikes a balance between clarity and file size.
- Resize Once Only: Multiple resizes degrade quality.
In Photoshop, for example:
File > Export > Save for Web (Legacy) > JPEG > Quality: 85 > Resize to 1080 x 1350 px
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Recommended Tools and Software for Resizing and Cropping
You can produce perfect 1350 x 1080 visuals with both paid and free tools:
- Adobe Photoshop — Precise control for professional image editing.
- Canva — Beginner-friendly with pre-set 4:5 templates.
- Figma — Useful for designers creating cross-platform content.
- GIMP — Free open-source alternative to Photoshop.
- Lightroom — Efficient batch export for consistent sizing.
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How 1350 x 1080 Compares to Square (1:1) and Landscape (16:9)
A side-by-side comparison:
Format | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
1:1 (1080 x 1080) | Neat grid alignment, widely used | Less vertical impact in feed |
4:5 (1080 x 1350) | Max feed space, higher engagement potential | More careful composition required |
16:9 (1920 x 1080) | Cinematic appearance, great for video | Minimal vertical presence in the feed |
Research data and case studies consistently rank 4:5 more favorably for visibility.
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Designing Visually Appealing 4:5 Images: Layout, Balance, and Subject Framing
To create compelling 1350 x 1080 images:
- Rule of Thirds: Position key subjects along the grid lines or intersections.
- Centered Framing: Effective for symmetrical subject matter like headshots.
- Strategic Negative Space: Allows visuals and text to breathe.
- Consistent Branding: Use set color schemes, fonts, and filters.
Full-body portraits, tall objects, and vertical infographics are prime candidates for 4:5 layouts.
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Examples of Industries and Brands Using This Size Effectively
- Fashion Labels — Full outfits in one shot enhance lifestyle appeal.
- Food Bloggers — Capture plated dishes and ambient settings together.
- Travel Influencers — Frame expansive backgrounds without cropping out subjects.
- Fitness Professionals — Highlight form, motion, and equipment details vertically.
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Common Mistakes When Creating 1350 x 1080 Images and How to Avoid Them
- Over-Cropping: Avoid distorting wide shots; recompose instead.
- Ignoring Safe Zones: Keep key text/icons away from edges.
- Low-Resolution Uploads: Results in visibly blurry posts.
- Skipping Color Profiles: Export in sRGB to prevent off-colors.
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Checklist for Preparing and Uploading Correctly Scaled Images to Multiple Platforms
Your pre-posting checklist:
- Start Large: Work from high-quality originals.
- Set Canvas: 1080 x 1350 pixels for Instagram portrait posts.
- Correct File Format: sRGB JPEG or PNG depending on image type.
- Optimize Size: Under 2MB for smoother display.
- Preview Before Posting: Ensure no cropping in Instagram’s preview.
- Create Variants: Prepare square or landscape versions for cross-platform sharing.

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Conclusion: Actionable Steps for Optimizing All Posts in 1350 x 1080 Format
For creators and marketers aiming to maximize impact, 1350 x 1080 (4:5) is the format that optimizes vertical space and engagement while fitting Instagram’s guidelines.
Next Steps:
- Commit to exporting Instagram portrait posts in 1080 x 1350 pixels.
- Build or download branded templates for consistent visuals.
- Compare engagement metrics pre- and post-format switch.
- Refine design choices for the taller frame.
By adopting and mastering the 4:5 aspect ratio, your Instagram feed will not only look more polished but also work harder to capture attention and drive interaction. In today’s crowded social landscape, leveraging every pixel with 1350 x 1080 is a smart, data-backed strategy.