1080x1350 Instagram Post Size Guide for Creators

Introduction to Instagram Image Sizes and Aspect Ratios

Instagram’s visual-first nature means that the right image size and aspect ratio can dramatically impact how your content appears and performs. While the platform began with a strict square format, it now supports multiple orientations—landscape, square, and vertical—across feeds, stories, reels, and ads.

For feed posts, the vertical 1080x1350 pixels at a 4:5 aspect ratio strikes the perfect balance between maximum on-screen impact and adhering to Instagram’s upload constraints. This article explains why the 4:5 format is optimal, how to crop and export it correctly, which tools to use, and practical tips to keep your visuals crisp and engaging.

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Why 1080x1350 (4:5 Aspect Ratio) Is Optimal for Feed Posts

Instagram’s vertical scroll favors taller images because they occupy more visual real estate on mobile screens. Since the majority of users browse on their phones, leveraging the full allowable height keeps your content visible for longer as users scroll.

Key advantages of 1080x1350:

• Maximized Screen Presence: Fills the screen vertically without cropping.
• Preserves Composition: Prevents unwanted trimming by Instagram’s auto-crop.
• Boosts Engagement: Taller images naturally pause the scroll, increasing the likelihood of likes, comments, and shares.

With 4:5 being the tallest accepted ratio for the feed, 1080x1350 delivers both clarity and maximum allowed size.

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Technical Requirements for Instagram Images

To make sure your 1080x1350 images render exactly as intended, follow Instagram’s technical guidelines.

Resolution:

• Optimal: 1080 px width × 1350 px height.
• Minimum: 320 px width with proportional height.

Supported File Formats:

• JPEG/JPG – Best for photos.
• PNG – Preferred for designs or transparency.

Compression Limits:

• Files over ~1MB are more heavily compressed.
• Images are stored in JPEG format at roughly 85% quality and converted to sRGB color.

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Cropping and Resizing to 1080x1350 Without Quality Loss

Poor resizing can reduce clarity. Here is a simple workflow for maintaining sharpness:

1. Use Original High-Resolution Files – Crop from the highest quality source.
2. Lock Crop to 4:5 Ratio – Most photo editors have an aspect ratio tool.
3. Export at Exact Size – Reduce to 1080x1350 pixels to match Instagram’s optimal resolution.
4. Apply Post-Resize Sharpening – Light sharpening can restore slight softness from scaling.

Photoshop Example:

Image > Image Size > Width: 1080 px, Height: 1350 px > Resample: Bicubic Sharper

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Best Desktop and Mobile Tools for 4:5 Instagram Crops

The right software can streamline the 1080x1350 formatting process.

Desktop Editors:

• Adobe Photoshop
• Affinity Photo
• GIMP (free, open-source)

Mobile Apps:

• Adobe Lightroom Mobile
• Canva
• Snapseed
• VSCO

All of these support preset aspect ratios, making it easy to select 4:5 without manual calculation.

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Creative Tips to Maximize Vertical Feed Space

To get the most from the 1080x1350 format:

• Keep Key Elements Centered – Especially within the central 1080x1080 safe zone for grid previews.
• Compose Vertically – Guide the eye from top to bottom for narrative impact.
• Front-Load Visual Hooks – Place bold text or subjects towards the upper third.
• Use Clean Layouts – Avoid overcrowding the frame to retain visual clarity.

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Real-World Examples: Brands & Influencers Succeeding With 1080x1350

Prominent Instagram users use vertical composition for compelling storytelling:

• Travel Bloggers: Vast landscapes feel more immersive when vertical.
• Fashion Brands: Head-to-toe styling shots without cropping key elements.
• Food Photographers: Close-up and plated shots gain depth and detail in taller frames.

These examples show how the 1080x1350 format supports both visual engagement and brand identity.

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Preventing Degradation With Proper Export Settings

Instagram’s compression can reduce image quality, but careful exporting mitigates this:

1. Export at exactly 1080x1350 pixels.
2. Use the sRGB profile to match Instagram’s display.
3. Keep file size between 500KB–1MB to reduce over-compression.
4. Save as JPEG at 80–85% quality.

Photoshop Quick Export Settings:

File > Export > Save for Web (Legacy) > JPEG Quality: 85 > Convert to sRGB

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Suggested Posting Workflow for Consistency

Streamlining your posting process ensures consistent, high-quality results:

1. Capture a high-res RAW or JPEG image.
2. Transfer to chosen editing tool.
3. Crop to 4:5 and adjust colors and sharpness.
4. Export at 1080x1350 in sRGB JPEG format.
5. Send final file to your device (if edited on desktop).
6. Upload to Instagram with captions, hashtags, and location.
7. Preview the crop before tapping publish.

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Conclusion & Quick Instagram Dimension Reference

The 1080x1350 Instagram size is the most impactful feed format for creators aiming to capture attention and drive engagement. By adhering to technical specs, using the right tools, and focusing on strong vertical composition, your posts can stand out every time.

Here’s a quick reference for all major Instagram sizes:

By mastering the 1080x1350 format, you not only optimize for screen presence but also enhance the storytelling potential of each post. Start applying these strategies today to elevate your Instagram presence and keep your audience engaged.