Understanding Instagram’s Accepted Aspect Ratio Ranges in 2026

If your Instagram post looks cropped, zoomed in, or has empty space around it, the issue is usually the aspect ratio. 

This guide explains exactly what Instagram accepts in 2026 and what sizes you should use for the best results. 

What Is an Aspect Ratio 

An aspect ratio is simply the shape of your image or video. 

It is written like this: width:height 

Examples 
1:1 means width and height are equal 
4:5 means the post is taller than it is wide 
9:16 means full screen vertical 

Using the correct ratio prevents Instagram from automatically cropping your content. 

Instagram Feed Post Sizes in 2026 

Instagram allows feed posts within a fixed range. 

Accepted aspect ratio range for feed posts 

Minimum landscape: 1.91:1 
Maximum portrait: 4:5 

If your post is taller than 4:5, Instagram will crop it. 
If it is wider than 1.91:1, Instagram will crop it. 

Recommended Feed Sizes 

For best quality, use these dimensions: 

Square post 
Aspect ratio: 1:1 
Size: 1080 x 1080 pixels 

Portrait post 
Aspect ratio: 4:5 
Size: 1080 x 1350 pixels 

Landscape post 
Aspect ratio: 1.91:1 
Size: 1080 x 566 pixels 

Tip 
4:5 portrait posts usually perform better because they take up more space on the screen while users scroll. 

Instagram Reels Size in 2026 

Reels are full screen vertical videos. 

Recommended size 
Aspect ratio: 9:16 
Size: 1080 x 1920 pixels 

This fills the entire mobile screen. 

If you upload a different shape, Instagram may crop the video or add empty space. 

Reels Safe Area Tip 

Keep text, logos, and important elements in the center of the screen. 

Avoid placing text too close to the top or bottom. Instagram buttons and captions may cover those areas. 

Instagram Stories Size in 2026 

Stories use the same format as Reels. 

Aspect ratio: 9:16 
Size: 1080 x 1920 pixels 

Design in full vertical format for best results. 

Carousel Post Sizes 

For carousel posts, every slide must use the same aspect ratio. 

If your first slide is 4:5, all other slides must also be 4:5. 

You can use: 

1:1 
4:5 
1.91:1 

Keeping slides consistent prevents resizing issues. 

Instagram Ad Sizes in 2026 

Instagram ads follow the same size rules as organic posts. 

Feed ads 
1:1 
4:5 
1.91:1 

Reels and Story ads 
9:16 

Using recommended sizes ensures your ads look clean and professional. 

Best Practices for Clear and Sharp Posts 

Export images at 1080 pixels wide. 

Use 4:5 for feed posts to maximize screen space. 

Use 9:16 for Reels and Stories. 

Keep important text in the center area. 

Preview your post before publishing to make sure nothing gets cut off. 

Quick Summary 

Feed posts 
1:1 square 
4:5 portrait 
1.91:1 landscape 

Reels 
9:16 vertical 

Stories 
9:16 vertical 

If you stay within these sizes, your content will display correctly on Instagram in 2026.