1080 x 1350 Image Size Guide for Instagram Posts
Learn why the 1080 x 1350 Instagram portrait size boosts engagement, plus tips on exporting, compression, and design for stunning feed posts.
Understanding the 1080 x 1350 Image Size for Instagram
If you want your Instagram portrait posts to stand out and maximize engagement, then mastering the 1080 x 1350 pixel image size is essential. This resolution—1080 pixels wide by 1350 pixels tall—offers a 4:5 aspect ratio, which is perfect for grabbing attention in the feed. In this guide, you’ll learn why this size works so well, how to set it up correctly, design best practices, and tips to ensure your images remain crisp when uploaded.
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Why the 4:5 Aspect Ratio Works Best on Instagram
Instagram supports several aspect ratios, but 4:5 portrait reigns supreme for feed posts because:
- It fills more of the user’s display while scrolling.
- It hits Instagram’s max display height without triggering cropping.
- It gives you more visual real estate for photography, graphics, and text.
A 4:5 ratio means the height is 1.25 times the width. So at 1080 pixels wide, you get 1350 pixels tall.
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Comparing Portrait, Square, and Landscape Formats
Below is a quick comparison between the three common feed formats:
| Format | Recommended Size (px) | Aspect Ratio | Feed Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | 1080 x 1350 | 4:5 | Max vertical space; high engagement potential |
| Square | 1080 x 1080 | 1:1 | Balanced; common standard |
| Landscape | 1080 x 608 | 1.91:1 | Wide; less vertical scroll space |
Key takeaway: Portrait dominates screen space, often resulting in a higher reach.
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Benefits of Using 1080 x 1350 for Reach and Engagement
Choosing this resolution:
- Maximizes visibility by occupying more scroll area.
- Encourages longer viewing time due to added visual detail.
- Improves engagement—portrait posts have been shown to get more likes, shares, and comments.
- Opens storytelling possibilities with vertical compositions.
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Recommended Tools for Creating and Resizing Images
Three helpful tools for designing in portrait size include:
- Canva – Ready-to-use Instagram templates; ideal for beginners.
- Adobe Photoshop – Full control over quality and resolution.
- Figma – Perfect for collaborative workflows.
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Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting in 1080 x 1350 Without Quality Loss
Follow these steps for optimal results:
- Set Canvas Size
- New document at 1080 px width × 1350 px height.
- RGB color mode.
- Import Content
- Drop in photo or design assets.
- Maintain proportion to prevent distortion.
- Sharpen & Adjust
- Apply subtle sharpening or clarity boosts.
- Export Settings
- Photoshop:
File > Export > Save for Web (Legacy)
Format: JPEG, Quality: 80–90- Test Upload
- Post to a private account to verify quality.
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Tips for Compressing Images While Maintaining Clarity
When files exceed Instagram’s ~30 MB limit:
- Use TinyJPG or Squoosh.
- Maintain quality above 80%.
- Avoid repeated compressions.
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Design Best Practices for Portrait Posts
To fully leverage the portrait size:
- Composition: Apply the rule of thirds for balanced framing.
- Focal Point: Place key elements in the upper middle for visibility.
- Text Placement: Keep important text within the top two-thirds to avoid interface overlap.
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Integrating 1080 x 1350 Into a Consistent Visual Strategy
Consistency builds brand recognition:
- Use templates at 1080 x 1350 for uniformity.
- Stick to a distinctive color palette and font set.
- Schedule portrait posts regularly.
Pro tip: Mix portrait posts with carousel slides for variety and interaction.
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Troubleshooting Common Issues
Avoid common pitfalls:
- Cropping Errors: Match aspect ratio before upload.
- Blurry Uploads: Export at high quality and upload with strong connectivity.
- Color Shifts: Export in sRGB for consistent mobile display.
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Optimal File Types: JPEG vs PNG
| File Type | Advantages | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| JPEG | Smaller file size, good for photos | Photography posts |
| PNG | Lossless, supports transparency | Graphics or text overlay designs |
Recommendation: JPEG for most photo-based posts; PNG for sharp text or transparency.
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Case Study: Engagement Boost from Switching to 4:5 Ratio Posts
A boutique fashion brand shifted from square to portrait format. In eight weeks:
- Engagement rate rose 24%.
- Link clicks grew by 17%.
- Follower growth climbed by 8%.
Conclusion: Vertical space held viewers longer, showcased products better, and drove more interactions.
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Summary & Next Steps
The 1080 x 1350 Instagram image size consistently outperforms other formats because it maximizes vertical feed space and keeps audiences engaged longer. By mastering its technical setup, following design best practices, and maintaining a cohesive visual strategy, you can significantly boost the impact of your posts.
Call to action: Start designing your next Instagram portrait today—experiment with the 4:5 aspect ratio, track your engagement, and watch your visual presence grow.
