New Instagram Post Dimensions and Sizes for 2024

Introduction to Instagram Post Size Updates in 2024

Instagram has established itself as one of the most visually driven social media platforms, and image quality plays a decisive role in engagement. In 2024, new Instagram post size guidelines have been introduced, impacting photos, carousels, Reels, Stories, IGTV, and live streams. Staying on top of the updated Instagram post dimensions ensures that your visuals look sharp, avoid awkward cropping, and meet the platform’s higher resolution standards.

This complete guide breaks down each format’s specs, highlights changes from 2023, and shares expert tips for optimizing your posts for reach and aesthetic appeal.

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Key Differences Between 2023 and 2024 Dimension Guidelines

Instagram’s 2024 update focuses on simplifying and standardizing dimensions across post formats, aiming to elevate user experience and content quality.

Main improvements include:

• Consistency across formats: Unified aspect ratios for cleaner feeds.
• Enhanced mobile viewing: Taller images gain more visibility during scrolling.
• Higher resolution standards: Minimum longer side now 1080px, with most formats moving to 1200px or more.

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Standard Photo Post Dimensions

Three primary orientations are supported for photo posts on Instagram:

Square (1:1)

• 2024 Size: 1200 x 1200 px
• Ideal for grid uniformity and balanced layouts.
• Avoids cropping in profile view.

Portrait (4:5)

• 2024 Size: 1200 x 1500 px
• Maximizes vertical space during scrolling.
• Best for portraits and detailed close-ups.

Landscape (2:1)

• 2024 Size: 1200 x 600 px
• Great for panoramic and wide shots.
• Keep key subjects centered for better previews.

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Carousel Post Image Sizes and Aspect Ratios

Carousels allow multiple images or videos in one post, with each card maintaining a consistent aspect ratio.

Guidelines:

• Match all slides to the first image’s ratio.
• For highest engagement, begin with portrait images.
• Mixing media is fine—Instagram will auto-crop to maintain ratio consistency.

Best Practices:

1. Craft a slide-by-slide story arc.
2. Align imagery with captions for clarity.
3. Maintain consistent color grading for a cohesive feel.

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Reel and Video Post Dimensions for Optimal Quality

Reels remain a major growth driver on Instagram, and while their dimensions haven't changed, the quality bar is higher.

• Format: Vertical
• Resolution: 1080 x 1920 px (9:16 ratio)
• File Size Maximum: 4 GB
• Safe Zone: Confine text and graphics within the central 1350 px height to avoid UI overlays.

Pro Tips:

• Always shoot vertical for a native fit.
• Use at least 30 frames per second for smooth visuals.
• Add captions—both for accessibility and viewer retention.

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Instagram Story Dimensions and Safe Zone Tips

Stories remain a dominant format for spontaneous updates.

2024 Specs:

• Resolution: 1080 x 1920 px
• Aspect Ratio: 9:16
• Safe Zone: Leave 250 px top and bottom clear of text/logos to avoid hiding behind navigation UI.

Creative Guidance:

Center important elements within a 1080 x 1420 px rectangle for maximum visibility.

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IGTV and Live Video Dimensions

IGTV is now folded into main video posts, but dimension rules still matter.

• Vertical IGTV/Long-form: 1080 x 1920 px
• Landscape Long-form: 1920 x 1080 px
• Live Video: Dynamic scaling, but vertical capture recommended for most devices.

Extra Notes:

Stable internet is critical for live clarity.

Notify audiences if broadcasting in landscape to avoid confusion.

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Best Practices for Maintaining Quality and Avoiding Pixelation

To protect your content from blur and artefacts:

1. Capture in higher resolution than output requirements.
2. Never upscale low-res images—opt for re-shoots if possible.
3. Export in lossless or high-quality formats (PNG for graphics, JPEG at quality 80–90).
4. Check uploads across various devices for fidelity.
5. Compensate for Instagram's compression with slight sharpening.

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Tools and Apps to Resize & Optimize Images for New Dimensions

Popular tools for rapid resizing:

• Canva: Convenient built-in Instagram presets.
• Adobe Photoshop / Lightroom: Detailed control over size and compression.
• Figma: Design layouts with aspect ratio guides.
• InShot: Mobile-friendly cropping and adjusting.
• Snapseed: Optimize photos pre-upload.

Photoshop Workflow for Resizing:

1. Open File
2. Go to Image > Image Size
3. Set target Width & Height (px)
4. Resample using 'Bicubic Sharper' for downsizing
5. Save for Web with JPEG quality 80–90

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Conclusion and Quick Reference Chart for All Formats

Instagram’s 2024 dimension changes boost quality and uniformity across all post types. Knowing the correct sizes and safe zones helps avoid unwanted cropping and ensures maximum impact for every post.

Quick Reference Chart – 2024 Instagram Dimensions

Summary:

By aligning your content with the 2024 Instagram post size guidelines, your feed will appear more polished, attract more views, and deliver an improved user experience. Bookmark this guide as your essential reference, and start optimizing your visuals today for stronger engagement and reach.