Instagram Ad Sizes and Dimensions Guide 2024

Introduction to Instagram Ad Formats and Why Size Matters for Performance

Instagram has grown into a high-impact marketing channel, enabling advertisers to connect with over a billion engaged users. From immersive Stories to dynamic Reels, the platform offers versatile ad opportunities. But Instagram ad sizes—including precise dimensions, aspect ratios, and file requirements—remain a critical factor in ensuring campaigns look professional, display correctly, and perform at their peak. An ad with the wrong specs risks being cropped, distorted, or even rejected during the review process.

Ad specifications influence:

• Reach: Correctly sized ads display properly across all placements.
• Engagement: Crisp, optimised visuals command attention more effectively.
• Conversions: Professional presentation improves click-through rates and purchase decisions.

This 2024 guide details every important Instagram ad size, with recommendations, pro tips, and a consolidated quick-reference table to keep your creative compliant and compelling.

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Overview of Current Instagram Advertising Options

Understanding Instagram’s ad formats and their size guidelines is essential to building creatives that work seamlessly across the platform.

The key ad formats include:

• Feed Ads – Appear between organic posts in the main feed.
• Stories Ads – Full-screen vertical ads displayed between user stories.
• Reels Ads – Short, vertical videos integrated into Reels content.
• Explore Ads – Featured within the Explore feed grid.
• Shop Ads – Showcase products in the Instagram Shop tab.
• Carousel Ads – Multiple images or videos swiped horizontally.
• Collection Ads – Combine hero visuals with shoppable product listings.

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In-depth Size and Ratio Specs for Image Ads (Feed)

Feed image ads are a staple for branding and conversions, competing side-by-side with user-generated content.

Recommended Specs:

• Aspect Ratio: 1:1 (square), 4:5 (portrait), 1.91:1 (landscape).
• Resolution: Minimum 1080 x 1080 px for square.
• Max File Size: 30MB.
• File Types: JPG or PNG.

Pro Tips:

• Use 1080 x 1350 px for portrait to maximise on-screen real estate.
• Limit text overlays to under 20% to maintain readability.

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Size and Ratio Specs for Video Ads (Feed & Reels)

Video ads deliver greater storytelling potential but require adherence to placement-specific formats.

Feed Video:

• Aspect Ratio: 1:1, 4:5, 16:9.
• Resolution: Minimum 1080 x 1080 px.
• Max File Size: 250MB.
• Formats: MP4 or MOV.
• Length: Up to 60 seconds.

Reels Video:

• Aspect Ratio: 9:16.
• Resolution: At least 1080 x 1920 px.
• Max File Size: 4GB.
• Length: Up to 90 seconds.

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Stories Ad Size Requirements and Best Practices

Stories ads provide immersive, full-screen engagement that vanishes after 24 hours.

Specs:

• Aspect Ratio: 9:16.
• Resolution: 1080 x 1920 px recommended.
• Safe Zones: Keep content within the central 1080 x 1420 px zone.
• Max File Size: 30MB (image) / 4GB (video).
• Length: Up to 15 seconds per card.

Best Practices:

• Hook the viewer within the first three seconds.
• Include captions to cater to sound-off viewing.

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Carousel Ad Dimensions (Image & Video)

Carousel ads enable richer storytelling by combining multiple creative cards.

Feed Carousel:

• Aspect Ratios: 1:1 or 4:5.
• Image Resolution: 1080 x 1080 px (square), 1080 x 1350 px (portrait).
• Video Specs: Align with feed video requirements.
• Cards: 2–10.

Stories Carousel:

• Aspect Ratio: 9:16.
• Resolution: 1080 x 1920 px.
• Cards: Up to 3 consecutive story cards.

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Explore Ads Dimensions & Placement Tips

Explore ads are shown in discovery feeds, where user intent is high.

Specs:

• Image Ratios: 1:1 or 4:5.
• Video Specs: Match feed video specs.
• Tip: Use bold contrasts for grid visibility and optimise thumbnails for small previews.

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Instagram Shop Ads and Collection Ad Formats

Shop and Collection ads are tailored for direct product promotion.

Collection Ads:

• Cover Media: 1:1 image or video.
• Product Images: Minimum 500 x 500 px.
• Pair compelling visuals with product tags to drive conversions from discovery.

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Importance of Resolution, File Size, and Aspect Ratio

Instagram’s ad review checks for technical compliance.

Key factors:

• Low-resolution creatives reduce quality scores.
• Oversized files may be blocked.
• Wrong ratios lead to cropping and misaligned layouts.

Double-check specs before uploading.

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Designing for Mobile-First Viewing

With over 90% of users on mobile:

• Ensure text is legible at small sizes.
• Position critical elements centrally.
• Use high-DPI assets to avoid blurring.

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Tips to Maintain Visual Quality Across Placements

Ads can run in multiple placements simultaneously. To maintain quality:

1. Design at the largest applicable resolution.
2. Test aspect ratios before final export.
3. Keep fonts clear and avoid overpowering branding.
4. Use Instagram’s preview tool.

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Common Mistakes in Instagram Ad Sizing

Avoid:

• Ignoring safe zones.
• Using mismatched aspect ratios.
• Uploading low-res assets.
• Exceeding file size limits.
• Failing to preview cross-placement design.

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Tools and Templates for Correct Sizing

To simplify Instagram ad sizing:

• Canva – Pre-sized ad templates.
• Adobe Express – Rapid ratio adjustments.
• Figma – Collaborative design framework.
• Crello – Static and animated templates.

These platforms frequently update to match Instagram’s latest ad specs.

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Recap: Quick Reference Table of All Instagram Ad Sizes for 2024

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Summary and Next Steps

Being precise with Instagram ad sizes ensures your creatives look sharp, comply with platform rules, and deliver better results. This 2024 guide should serve as your go-to reference for every placement, helping you design with confidence.

Final Tip: Always verify Instagram’s official ad spec updates before launching new campaigns to stay ahead of changes. Bookmark this guide and start creating optimised ads today to maximise ROI on your Instagram marketing.