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Guide

Instagram Image Sizes: The 2026 Cheat Sheet

Post at the wrong size and Instagram crops your design for you — badly. Here's every size that matters in 2026, and templates pre-built for each one.

The sizes

PlacementSizeNotes
Square post1080 × 1080 pxThe classic. Safe everywhere.
Portrait post1080 × 1350 px4:5 — maximum feed screen space.
Story1080 × 1920 pxKeep text in the central band; UI covers top and bottom.
Reel cover1080 × 1920 pxShown cropped to 1:1 in the grid — keep the hook centered.
Profile picture320 × 320 pxDisplayed as a circle; keep logos centered with margin.

Portrait beats square (usually)

The 4:5 portrait post (1080×1350) occupies the most vertical feed space without getting cropped — more screen, more attention. Use square when your content is inherently square; otherwise go portrait.

Design once, post everywhere

Build your master at 1080×1350, then use the editor's resize tool to reflow it to story and square formats. Start from our Instagram templates and the sizes are already handled.

Frequently asked questions

1080×1350 px (4:5 portrait) for maximum feed presence; 1080×1080 px square is the universal safe choice.

Instagram's UI overlays the top and bottom of stories. Keep important text in the central ~1080×1200 px band.

Try it yourself

Everything in this guide works in the free editor — open the app and follow along.

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Follow the idea

Instagram Image Sizes: The 2026 Cheat Sheet

Follow the dot — it traces the argument of this article.

SparkDraftPublish
Busy woman editing photos on laptop — Instagram Image Sizes: The 2026 Cheat Sheet motion card

A canvas that keeps upInstagram Image Sizes: The 2026 Cheat Sheet — frame 1 of 4

Open laptop placed on table near window — Instagram Image Sizes: The 2026 Cheat Sheet motion card

Type that performsInstagram Image Sizes: The 2026 Cheat Sheet — frame 2 of 4

Full frame shot of computer — Instagram Image Sizes: The 2026 Cheat Sheet motion card

Photos with presenceInstagram Image Sizes: The 2026 Cheat Sheet — frame 3 of 4

Team collaboration — Instagram Image Sizes: The 2026 Cheat Sheet motion card

Export without fearInstagram Image Sizes: The 2026 Cheat Sheet — frame 4 of 4

Drag the cards — they glide with inertia. Scroll — the blob morphs and the dot traces the flow.

Don’t just read

Key takeaways

  • The article’s section on “The sizes” is the one to re-read — it carries the practical core of the piece.
  • The article’s section on “Portrait beats square (usually)” is the one to re-read — it carries the practical core of the piece.
  • The article’s section on “Design once, post everywhere” is the one to re-read — it carries the practical core of the piece.
Do the work

Put it into practice

  1. 1

    First pass

    Read once for the big idea, ignoring the details.

  2. 2

    Second pass

    Re-read with your current project open beside it.

  3. 3

    Apply

    Apply one technique from the article today — just one.

  4. 4

    Compare

    Save the result and compare it against your previous work.

Visual guides

Every fact, visualized

Ten detailed infographics — every number real, every label earned. Built for Instagram Image Sizes: The 2026 Cheat Sheet, only on this page.

Key takeawaysThe article, compressed.✓The sizesRe-read this section — it carries the practical core.✓Portrait beats square (usually)Re-read this section — it carries the practical core.✓Design once, post everywhereRe-read this section — it carries the practical core.✓Frequently asked questionsRe-read this section — it carries the practical core.
Instagram Image Sizes: The 2026 Cheat Sheet takeaways: the article, compressed
Put it into practiceReading → doing, in four passes.1First passRead once for the big idea, ignoring the details.2Second passRe-read with your current project open beside it.3ApplyUse one technique from the article today — just one.4CompareSave the result and compare against your previous work.
Practicing Instagram Image Sizes: The 2026 Cheat Sheet, step by step
Article at a glanceWhat you are getting into.3 minReading timeAt a comfortable 200words per minute.5SectionsEach one a completemini-lesson.4Practice stepsThe workflow above turnsreading into skill.
Instagram Image Sizes: The 2026 Cheat Sheet by the numbers
Core concepts mapHow the ideas connect.Concept 1: The sizesEach concept builds on the last —read in order.Concept 2: Portrait beats square(usually)Each concept builds on the last —read in order.Concept 3: Design once, posteverywhereEach concept builds on the last —read in order.Concept 4: Frequently askedquestionsEach concept builds on the last —read in order.
Instagram Image Sizes: The 2026 Cheat Sheet concept map
The doing checklistCheck these off as you practice.✓Open a real projectTheory without a canvas evaporates.✓Try the technique onceImperfect attempts beat perfect notes.✓Compare with yesterdayProgress is visible only against a baseline.✓Teach it to someoneExplaining cements the skill permanently.
Instagram Image Sizes: The 2026 Cheat Sheet practice checklist
Common misunderstandingsWhat readers usually get wrong.TrueMythTechnique needs talent first✓Reps build the skill✓Tools do the designing✓Decisions do the designing✓
Instagram Image Sizes: The 2026 Cheat Sheet: myth vs reality
From article to portfolioTurn today’s reading into proof.1Pick one techniqueThe one that felt most useful while reading.2Apply to a real pieceClient work, personal project — real stakes.3Save before & afterThe pair is your evidence of growth.4Share the afterTeaching in public compounds every lesson.
From Instagram Image Sizes: The 2026 Cheat Sheet to portfolio proof
Keep the momentumOne article is a spark, not a fire.Apply within 24 hoursSkills decay fast — use it today or lose it.Revisit in a weekSecond reads reveal what the first missed.Read the related guidesEach article links deeper — follow the thread.
Keep the Instagram Image Sizes: The 2026 Cheat Sheet momentum
Reader FAQAsked after every article.Do I need Pro for this?No — every technique here works inthe free tier.How long until I improve?One focused session shows. Tensessions transform.Where do I practice?The free editor — guest mode, nosignup needed.What next?Pick a related guide below and keepthe streak.
Instagram Image Sizes: The 2026 Cheat Sheet reader questions
Your action planLeave this page with a plan.1TechniqueApply exactly one thingtoday.15MinutesFocused practice beatsan hour of scrolling.2VersionsSave before and after.Compare honestly.
Your Instagram Image Sizes: The 2026 Cheat Sheet action plan

Live telemetry

INSTAGRAM IMAGE SIZES: THE 2026 CHEAT SHEET — PAGE TELEMETRY

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