Instagram Ad Size Dimensions and Specs for All Formats
Learn the exact Instagram ad sizes, specs, and safe zones for feed, Stories, Reels, and carousel formats to maintain clarity and boost campaign performance.
Introduction to Instagram Ad Formats and Why Size Matters
Instagram remains one of the most visually driven social media platforms, and its advertising options are crafted around precise specifications to ensure every visual is impactful. Choosing the correct Instagram ad size is critical to maintaining clarity, professionalism, and attention-grabbing appeal in every placement. Incorrect sizing risks pixelation, awkward cropping, or the loss of vital visual elements—all of which can hurt campaign performance.
From square posts in the feed to immersive Stories and dynamic Reels, every format comes with unique dimension guidelines. Knowing these ad specifications not only guarantees compatibility with Instagram’s technical requirements but also helps you maximize visual space and communicate your brand message effectively.
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Square Image Ad Dimensions and File Requirements
The square image ad is the most common format for Instagram feed advertising.
Ideal size: `1080 x 1080 px` (1:1 aspect ratio)
File requirements:
- Format: JPG or PNG
- Maximum file size: 30 MB
- Recommended resolution: upload the highest resolution available (minimum 600 x 600 px)
Use cases:
- Balanced, versatile layout that works seamlessly across feed placements
- Ensures a consistent, professional presence across campaigns
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Portrait Image Ad Dimensions and Use Cases
Size: `1080 x 1350 px` (aspect ratio 4:5)
Portrait ads occupy more vertical real estate, grabbing attention as users scroll.
Benefits:
- Larger visual footprint than square ads
- Fits more detail into one image
Best for:
- Fashion, product showcases, or vertical shots that benefit from extra height
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Landscape Image Ad Dimensions: Pros and Cons
Size: `1080 x 566 px` (aspect ratio 1.91:1)
Pros:
- Excellent for cinematic compositions or panoramic imagery
- Well-suited to industries like travel or real estate
Cons:
- Less vertical space can lower engagement rates on mobile
- Not always optimized for vertical scrolling behavior
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Instagram Story Ad Specs
Size: `1080 x 1920 px` (9:16 aspect ratio)
Max file size: 30 MB for images, 4 GB for videos
Safe zones:
- Keep vital text and graphics within the central 1080 x 1420 px to avoid overlap with Instagram’s UI elements (profile image, buttons, captions)
Stories are full-screen vertical ads ideal for immersive storytelling. Enhance engagement with interactive stickers, polls, or swipe-up/CTA links.
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Reels Ad Specs and Design Considerations
Recommended size: `1080 x 1920 px` (9:16 aspect ratio)
Max duration: Up to 60 seconds
Design tips:
- Incorporate trending music and creative effects to boost reach
- Keep key elements centralized to prevent cropping on different devices
Reels ads deliver high reach potential thanks to Instagram’s algorithm favoring engaging short-form video content.
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Carousel Ad Dimensions for Images and Videos
Carousel ads allow multiple images or videos in one ad unit for swiping interaction.
Image carousel:
- Size: `1080 x 1080 px` (square)
- Up to 10 cards
Video carousel:
- Resolution: `1080 x 1080 px`
- Max file size: 4 GB
This format supports step-by-step storytelling, product variations, or showcasing different features in one cohesive unit.
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Video Ad Specs: Resolution, Aspect Ratio, Length Limits, File Size
Instagram supports several video formats:
- Resolution: Minimum 1080 pixels wide
- Aspect ratios:
- Square: 1:1
- Portrait: 4:5
- Landscape: 1.91:1
- Length limits:
- Feed videos: Up to 60 seconds
- Stories/Reels: 15–60 seconds (Stories may segment into multiple slides)
- File formats: MP4, MOV
- Max file size: 4 GB
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Tips for Maintaining High Quality Across Formats
- Export at the highest resolution to match target dimensions exactly
- Optimize compression to reduce file size without harming image clarity
- Test creatives with Instagram’s preview to ensure accurate placement and cropping
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the wrong aspect ratio, resulting in cropped or distorted visuals
- Placing key text too close to edges where it may be obscured
- Mixing inconsistent sizes across placements, reducing brand cohesion
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Best Practices for Optimizing Ad Creative for Engagement
- Hook the viewer with striking visuals in the first three seconds
- Include a clear, action-oriented call-to-action (CTA)
- Test different formats (square vs. portrait vs. Stories/Reels) to see which drives engagement
- Keep branding visible, but not overwhelming
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Summary Cheat Sheet of All Instagram Ad Sizes
| Format | Dimensions (px) | Aspect Ratio | Max File Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Square Feed Image | 1080 x 1080 | 1:1 | 30 MB | Most versatile format |
| Portrait Feed Image | 1080 x 1350 | 4:5 | 30 MB | Greater screen space on mobile |
| Landscape Feed Image | 1080 x 566 | 1.91:1 | 30 MB | Better for wide shots |
| Story Image | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 | 30 MB | Full-screen immersive |
| Story/Reels Video | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 | 4 GB | Vertical video focus |
| Carousel Image | 1080 x 1080 | 1:1 | 30 MB | Multiple swipeable cards |
| Carousel Video | 1080 x 1080 | 1:1 | 4 GB | Storytelling format |
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Final Thoughts
Mastering Instagram ad size requirements allows you to present visuals at their best quality and ensures your creative assets align perfectly with the platform’s native look. Whether you’re running square images in the feed, captivating Stories, immersive Reels, or interactive carousels, sticking to optimal specifications improves both engagement and ad performance.
Ready to level up your ad creative? Apply these dimensions, follow best practices, and start optimizing your Instagram campaigns today for more clicks, conversions, and ROI.
