1080 x 1350 px Guide for Instagram Portrait Posts
Learn why 1080 x 1350 px is the best Instagram portrait size, compare other formats, and get creation and export tips for sharp, engaging posts.
Introduction to the 1080 x 1350 px Dimension for Instagram
When planning portrait posts for Instagram, 1080 x 1350 px is the optimal dimension to maximize visual impact and feed aesthetics. This resolution equates to a 4:5 aspect ratio, which is Instagram’s tallest allowed portrait orientation for feed posts. Unlike square or landscape layouts, this vertical dimension fully utilizes mobile screen space, ensuring your content stands out without cropping or distortion.
In this guide, we’ll explain why 1080 x 1350 px is ideal, compare it with other common sizes, offer best practices for creating and exporting images, and share strategic tips for engagement. Whether you’re a photographer, designer, influencer, or marketer, this overview will show you how to optimize posts for clarity, storytelling, and audience retention.
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Why 1080 x 1350 px is the Ideal Size for Instagram Feed Posts
Although Instagram compresses images on upload, a 1080 px width delivers sharp clarity while staying within file size limits. The 1350 px height provides a taller portrait framing that fills more of the scrolling screen, encouraging viewers to pause and engage.
Key advantages include:
- Maximized vertical coverage on mobile devices.
- Quality retention against Instagram’s compression algorithms.
- Native aspect ratio compliance with Instagram’s 4:5 portrait limit.
- Enhanced engagement potential via taller, more prominent visuals.
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Differences Between 1080 x 1350 px and Other Common Sizes
Instagram supports several aspect ratios, but not all achieve the same impact.
Below is a quick comparison:
| Size | Aspect Ratio | Use Case | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1080 x 1080 px | 1:1 | Square posts | Balanced grid look | Reduced vertical impact |
| 1080 x 1350 px | 4:5 | Portrait posts | Maximum mobile visibility | Requires vertical framing |
| 1080 x 608 px | 1.91:1 | Landscape posts | Great for wide vistas | Limited on-screen presence |
The 4:5 portrait ratio delivers the most screen real estate without cropping, making it the preferred choice for creators aiming for high engagement.
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Benefits of Portrait Orientation for Engagement and Visibility
Portrait images align with Instagram’s vertical feed, allowing:
- Strong on-screen presence for better visibility.
- Rich storytelling capacity with more background and subject detail.
- Higher interaction rates, including likes, comments, and shares.
- Natural product emphasis by elongating the focal area.
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How to Create 1080 x 1350 px Images in Popular Tools
You can produce this format with ease in both desktop and mobile applications.
Canva
- Open Canva, click Create a design.
- Input custom dimensions: Width 1080 px, Height 1350 px.
- Use built-in Instagram templates or upload your own visual assets.
Photoshop
File > New
Width: 1080 px
Height: 1350 px
Resolution: 72 ppi (web)
Color Mode: RGBUse guides and smart objects to ensure balanced composition.
Mobile Apps (VSCO, Snapseed)
- Use the crop tool; choose 4:5 aspect ratio.
- Export at a width of 1080 px for Instagram compatibility.
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Tips for Resizing and Exporting Without Losing Quality
- Start with high-resolution originals larger than 1080 px wide.
- Maintain aspect ratio to avoid distortion.
- Use "Export" (not "Save As") to preserve sharpness and metadata.
- Minimize repeated compression during edits.
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Recommended File Formats for Upload
- JPEG: Best for photos with good compression quality.
- PNG: Preferred for graphics or images with text/logos.
For general photography, opt for JPEG; for text overlays or branded graphics, opt for PNG to retain crispness.
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Optimizing Composition for 1080 x 1350 px
Rule of Thirds
Apply 3x3 grid lines and position focal points at intersections for visual harmony.
Focal Points
Place your subject centrally or in the upper third to attract immediate attention.
White Space
Leave margins for breathing room, especially if adding text overlays.
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Adding Text Overlays Without Sacrificing Readability
- Maintain strong contrast between text and background.
- Choose font sizes legible on mobile (~20–26 pt).
- Position text so it doesn’t obscure key image areas.
- Keep wording concise (5–10 impactful words).
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Social Media Posting Strategies with 1080 x 1350 px Images
Post strategy is just as important as sizing:
- Schedule posts at audience peak times via Instagram Insights.
- Mix niche and trending hashtags to boost discovery.
- Use carousel posts with consistent dimensions for a unified look.
- Keep brand styling consistent, from color grading to typography.
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Pitfalls to Avoid
- Avoid upscaling low-resolution images; it leads to pixelation.
- Ensure strict 4:5 aspect ratio adherence for portrait posts.
- Preview uploads to prevent unwanted cropping.
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Conclusion: Harness 1080 x 1350 px for Instagram Branding Success
Sticking to the 1080 x 1350 px portrait dimension offers unbeatable advantages for Instagram feed aesthetics, engagement, and brand cohesion. By mastering both the technical aspects such as aspect ratio and file format, and creative factors like composition and text placement, you can produce a professional, engaging feed that stands out in crowded timelines.
For consistent results, combine high-quality source images with precise resizing and thoughtful posting strategies. Start applying the 4:5 portrait format today to see measurable improvements in audience retention, interaction, and brand perception.
Ready to elevate your Instagram presence? Apply these tips in your next post and watch your engagement take off.
