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[2024] Beginner's Guide - Aspect Ratios and Size Settings You Should Know for Posting Photos on Instagram

Updated: 21h


Common aspect ratios for Instagram posts


The size and aspect ratio of photos posted on Instagram are crucial factors that affect their visual appeal. In this article, we will explain the latest recommended aspect ratios, sizes, and settings for Instagram photos in 2024, tailored for beginners in photo editing.


Understanding the differences between aspect ratio, photo size, and resolution


Before starting with photo editing, it's helpful to understand the differences between the following terms:


  • Aspect ratio: The ratio of the height to the width of a photo. For example, 1:1, 4:5, 16:9, etc.

  • Photo size: The actual size of the photo, expressed in pixels. For example, 1080 x 1080 pixels.

  • Resolution: An indicator of the sharpness of a photo. The higher the number of pixels, the higher the resolution, resulting in a clearer photo.


By understanding and properly setting these elements, you can post beautiful photos on Instagram.


Popular aspect ratios for Instagram photo posts


The following aspect ratios are popular for photo posts on Instagram:


  • Square (1:1): The basic posting format on Instagram, providing a balanced look in the feed.

  • Portrait (4:5): Suitable for portrait photos, giving a prominent appearance in the feed.

  • Landscape (16:9): Suitable for landscape photos, creating impactful posts.


Recommended photo size settings


To post high-quality photos, it's important to set the appropriate size. According to Instagram's official help page "Image resolution of photos you share on Instagram," when sharing photos with a width of 320 to 1080 pixels, the original resolution will be maintained if the aspect ratio is within the range of 1.91:1 to 4:5.


The recommended photo size settings for Instagram feed posts are as follows:


  • Square (1:1): 1080 x 1080 pixels

  • Portrait (4:5): 1080 x 1350 pixels

  • Landscape (16:9): 1080 x 608 pixels

By posting with these size settings, you can display sharp photos on Instagram.


Popular sizes for Instagram


Recommended apps for adjusting aspect ratio and size


Here are some convenient smartphone apps for adjusting the aspect ratio and size of photos for Instagram:


  • PicFitter: An Instagram-focused square and white border editing app that allows you to quickly edit photos into squares with simple operations. It also supports video editing.

  • Repicture: An Instagram-focused image editing app that supports square, portrait, landscape, and story sizes.

  • Lightroom: A globally popular photo editing app with a wide range of editing tools.

  • Picsart: A versatile app with extensive editing features and AI image generation capabilities.

  • Canva: A versatile app renowned for its extensive features such as text input capabilities and high-quality design creation.


With these apps, even beginners can easily edit photos for Instagram.


The size and aspect ratio of photos greatly influence the visual appeal of Instagram posts. By mastering the latest popular aspect ratios and recommended size settings for 2024, you can aim to create attractive Instagram posts. Be sure to refer to Instagram's official information and strive for optimal photo posting.

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