New Instagram Specs 2024 for Photos, Videos, and Ads
Learn the latest 2024 Instagram specs for photos, videos, Reels, Stories, and ads to ensure crisp visuals, proper formatting, and better engagement.
Introduction: Why Understanding Instagram Specs Matters in 2024
In 2024, keeping up with the new Instagram specs is essential for any creator, marketer, or brand aiming to stand out. Instagram’s technical requirements for photos, videos, Reels, Stories, and ads now directly influence visibility, engagement, and audience perception. Following these updated specifications ensures:
- Crisp visuals that resist compression.
- Seamless viewing on all devices.
- Better compatibility with algorithms that reward correctly formatted content.
This guide covers all the new Instagram specs in detail, giving you actionable tips to produce media that meets technical standards and captivates your audience.
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Latest Photo Size Requirements (Square, Portrait, Landscape)
Instagram supports three primary photo orientations:
| Type | Aspect Ratio | Recommended Resolution | Max File Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Square | 1:1 | 1080 x 1080 px | 30 MB |
| Portrait | 4:5 | 1080 x 1350 px | 30 MB |
| Landscape | 1.91:1 | 1080 x 566 px | 30 MB |
Tips:
- Upload at the highest recommended resolution for sharp results.
- Avoid stretching images; crop to maintain proportions.
- Export in JPEG with sRGB for consistent color rendering.
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Updated Reel and Video Specs
Instagram Reels and feed videos have strict requirements in 2024:
Reels
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (vertical full‑screen)
- Resolution: 1080 x 1920 px
- Duration: 15–90 seconds
- File Size: Up to 650 MB (short) / 4 GB (longer)
Feed Videos
- Square: 1:1, 1080 x 1080 px
- Landscape: 1.91:1, 1080 x 608 px
- Portrait: 4:5, 1080 x 1350 px
- Duration: 3–60 seconds
Note: Encode videos in MP4 (H.264) with AAC audio for optimal quality.
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Story Dimensions and File Size Best Practices
Instagram Stories generate quick engagement and need correct formatting:
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16
- Resolution: 1080 x 1920 px
- File Size Limit: 30 MB (image), 4 GB (video)
- Duration: Up to 15 seconds per slide
Best Practices:
- Keep a 250 px safe margin to avoid UI overlay.
- Use PNG for text-heavy graphics; JPEG for photos.
- Compress with TinyPNG to maintain resolution.
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Carousel Post Rules and Optimal Formats
Carousel posts allow multiple images or videos:
Rules in 2024:
- Up to 10 slides per carousel.
- All slides must share aspect ratio.
- Follow single post specs for resolution.
- Videos: Max 60 seconds per slide.
Optimal Formats:
- Vertical (4:5) gets more screen space.
- Maintain narrative continuity across slides.
- Apply consistent filter/color for brand cohesion.
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IGTV & Livestream Technical Specifications
IGTV
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (vertical) / 16:9 (horizontal)
- Resolution: Vertical 1080 x 1920 px / Horizontal 1920 x 1080 px
- Duration: 1–60 minutes
- File Size: Up to 3.6 GB
- Format: MP4, H.264, AAC
Livestream
- Resolution: 1080 x 1920 px
- Frame Rate: 30 fps
- Bitrate: ~4 Mbps for stable performance
- Vertical orientation preferred for mobile viewers.
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Ad Creatives: Image and Video Spec Updates for Campaigns
Advertising demands precise asset quality:
| Format | Aspect Ratio | Resolution | Duration (Video) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Image Ads | 1:1 or 4:5 | 1080 px minimum width | N/A |
| Video Ads | 4:5, 1:1, or 16:9 | 1080 px minimum | Up to 60 seconds |
| Story Ads | 9:16 | 1080 x 1920 px | Up to 15 seconds |
Tip: Low-quality ads may be flagged, affecting delivery and costs.
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File Formats, Compression Tips, and Color Profile Guidance
Formats:
- Images: JPEG (photos), PNG (graphics)
- Videos: MP4 (H.264), AAC audio
Compression:
- Use lossless compression for graphics.
- Keep video bitrate at 5–10 Mbps for quality without oversizing.
Color Profiles:
- Use sRGB for accurate colors.
- Avoid CMYK (print use only).
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How Changes Affect Reach, Engagement, and Content Strategy
The new Instagram specs have direct effects:
- High-quality visuals increase shares.
- Correct ratios improve watch time.
- Consistent formats enhance brand identity.
- Poor quality may reduce algorithmic reach.
Creators should adapt shooting, editing, and scheduling to match current specs.
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Recommended Workflow for Creating Spec‑Compliant Assets
Checklist:
- Plan format per platform behavior.
- Set camera resolution/aspect ratio before shooting.
- Edit in correct-size templates.
- Export with proper file type/bitrate.
- Test upload privately.
- Schedule posts and track analytics.
Automation with scheduling/design tools reduces workload and errors.
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Tools and Apps to Optimize for New Instagram Specs
- Canva Pro: Instagram templates.
- Adobe Premiere Rush: Easy ratio adjustment.
- InShot: Mobile video cropping presets.
- TinyPNG / HandBrake: Compression utilities.
- Hootsuite / Later: Scheduling with previews matching Instagram specs.
These options help even non-designers meet the new Instagram specs effortlessly.
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Future Trends in Instagram Media Formats
Expect:
- Higher resolution to match device advances.
- Interactive content merging polls, AR, video.
- AI-driven optimization for specs.
- Longer Reels to compete with TikTok and YouTube Shorts.
Staying updated keeps your brand relevant and discoverable.
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Summary & Next Steps
Mastering the new Instagram specs in 2024 is vital for visual impact and reach. Incorporate these requirements into your workflow to ensure crisp, engaging, and algorithm-friendly content. Begin by auditing your current assets, adopting the right tools, and updating production habits today — your audience (and metrics) will thank you.
CTA: Ready to elevate your Instagram presence? Implement these specs now for maximum engagement and professional polish.
