How to Resize an Image for Instagram (Posts, Stories, Reels)
Instagram displays your image at one of four aspect ratios — 1:1, 4:5, 1.91:1, or 9:16 — and crops anything that doesn't fit. Resize before uploading to control exactly what shows. Here are the canonical dimensions and how to hit them with our Resize Image tool.
Use the tool
Resize Image
Step-by-step
- 1
Pick the format you're posting
Square post: 1080×1080. Portrait post: 1080×1350. Landscape: 1080×566. Story/Reel: 1080×1920. Carousel: same as posts.
- 2
Open Resize Image
Drop your photo into the Resize Image tool.
- 3
Enter the target dimensions
Type the width and height matching your post type. Toggle "maintain aspect ratio" off if you want exact dimensions even when it stretches.
- 4
Optionally compress after resizing
Run the result through Compress Image at 80-85% quality — Instagram re-compresses anyway, so smaller upload = same final quality.
- 5
Download and upload
Save to your device, transfer to phone if needed, post.
💡 Tips
- Instagram's safe zone for Stories is the middle 1080×1420 — top/bottom 250px get covered by UI elements.
- Reels show full 9:16 by default but trim if your subject is near edges. Center important content vertically.
- For carousels with mixed sizes, Instagram crops all to match the first image's aspect ratio.
FAQ
Why does Instagram blur my image after upload?
They re-compress aggressively. Upload sharper than needed — slight over-resolution before Instagram's pass usually preserves quality.
Can I post landscape images?
Yes, 1.91:1 aspect — but they show smaller in the feed than portrait. Most creators stick to portrait or square for engagement.
What about profile picture?
320×320 minimum, displayed as a 110px circle. Crop your face into the center; the corners get clipped by the circle mask.
Disclaimer. This guide is for general informational purposes. Our tools run entirely in your browser and process files on your device, so exact results depend on your image, browser, and the settings you choose. Read our editorial policy.