Did Instagram Change Post Size in 2024 Updated Dimensions
Learn the updated Instagram post dimensions for 2024, including optimal aspect ratios and tips to keep your content sharp, engaging, and on-brand.
Did Instagram Change Post Size in 2024? Updated Dimensions You Need to Know
Instagram is one of the most visually driven social platforms, so every pixel counts—literally. For creators, influencers, marketers, and brand managers, staying up-to-date with the Instagram post size changes in 2024 is essential for keeping content sharp and engaging. This year, Instagram has updated certain dimensions and aspect ratios, affecting how posts appear across feeds, profiles, and the explore tab. Even small sizing tweaks can have a huge impact on your content’s visual appeal and overall performance.
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Why Post Size Updates Matter for Creators & Brands
Instagram’s algorithm rewards content that keeps users engaged longer, and visuals play a huge part in that. Improperly sized images may:
- Get cropped in unflattering ways.
- Appear blurry due to compression.
- Lose important visual elements.
- Reduce overall engagement rates.
For brands, inconsistent sizing can also hurt the aesthetics of your grid, which is often considered an extension of your brand identity.
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A Brief History of Instagram Post Dimensions
When Instagram launched in 2010, it only allowed square photos at 612x612 pixels, shown in a small square feed. In 2015, as creators pushed for flexibility, Instagram introduced portrait and landscape orientations, giving more creative freedom. Over the years:
- Square: The original format (eventually evolving to 1080x1080 pixels).
- Portrait (Vertical): Became popular for maximizing screen real estate.
- Landscape (Horizontal): Ideal for wider images and cinematic views.
Over time, Instagram standardized uploads around 1080 pixels wide, with varying heights depending on orientation.
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Instagram Post Size Changes in 2024
In mid-2024, Instagram announced subtle but important changes to recommended sizes for certain feed posts and ads, aiming for better cross-device display. Key adjustments include:
- Feed posts in portrait mode are now aligned more closely with Reels previews.
- Stories & Reels still use full-screen vertical (9:16), but compression changes require precise uploads for optimal quality.
- Ads and boosted posts now face stricter aspect ratio enforcement—especially vertical creatives.
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Current Recommended Instagram Dimensions
The following are Instagram’s 2024 updated recommended sizes for key formats:
| Post Type | Recommended Dimensions (px) | Aspect Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Square | 1080 x 1080 | 1:1 |
| Portrait | 1080 x 1350 | 4:5 |
| Landscape | 1080 x 566 | 1.91:1 |
| Stories & Reels | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 |
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Aspect Ratio Guidelines and Cropping
Instagram automatically crops or resizes images that don’t fit supported aspect ratios. Tips to ensure quality:
- Minimum Width: 320px (below this will look poor quality).
- Maximum Width: 1080px (larger uploads are downscaled).
- Stick to 1:1, 4:5, 1.91:1, or 9:16 ratios to avoid unintended cropping.
- For carousel posts, keep all slides consistent in aspect ratio.
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How Size Changes Affect Quality and Engagement
These updates influence both quality and performance:
- Sharper Previews: Correct sizes reduce compression artifacts.
- Longer Dwell Time: Taller portrait formats keep eyes on posts longer.
- Grid Consistency: A uniform look can improve profile attractiveness and follower growth.
Incorrectly sized posts risk pixelation, awkward cropping, and reduced engagement.
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Optimizing Photos and Videos for New Sizes
Here’s how to adapt your workflow to Instagram’s updated specs:
- Export at Correct Dimensions
- Resize before uploading to avoid Instagram’s aggressive scaling.
- Choose the Right File Type
- Photos: JPEG (80%+ quality) or PNG for transparency.
- Videos: MP4 (H.264 codec, AAC audio).
- Mind Safe Zones
- Place key text and logos within the central 80% for Stories/Reels.
Recommended Export Settings for Creators
| Format | File Type | Max File Size |
|---|---|---|
| Image | JPEG/PNG | 30MB |
| Video (Feed) | MP4 | 250MB |
| Video (Reels/Stories) | MP4 | 4GB |
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Tools and Apps for Resizing & Editing
Several tools make meeting new specs easy without quality loss:
- Canva – Preset templates for Instagram.
- Adobe Photoshop/Lightroom – Pro-level control and export options.
- CapCut – Quick mobile video edits.
- InShot – Simple video cropping.
- Figma – Collaborative design workspace.
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Tips for Brands to Maintain Consistency
Maximize the benefits of the 2024 update by:
- Creating a size reference sheet.
- Using templates for batch edits.
- Testing across devices.
- Assigning content types to specific formats.
- Updating brand guidelines promptly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do older posts get affected by size changes?
No. Old posts remain as uploaded, but may appear less sharp on newer, high-res screens.
Does Instagram compress images more now?
Yes—slightly. The 2024 algorithm prioritizes balance between speed and quality, making correct sizing vital.
Will ads display differently now?
Yes. Instagram enforces a 4:5 ratio for vertical feed ads and 9:16 for full-screen formats more strictly than before.
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Conclusion: Best Practices Moving Forward
To answer the core question—did Instagram change post size in 2024?—yes, albeit subtly. These changes can still have major effects, so:
- Upload at exact recommended dimensions.
- Keep aspect ratios consistent.
- Use reliable tools for precise exports.
- Update your creative playbook.
Stay current with these specs to maintain crisp, professional visuals, boost engagement, and keep your brand’s feed looking its best. For deeper strategy and a downloadable Instagram Size Cheat Sheet, consider adding one to your content hub so readers can implement these updates right away.
