Instagram Photo Aspect Ratio: Stop Getting Cropped
Instagram is a visual platform, but it's remarkably strict about math. If you upload a photo that is slightly too tall or too wide, the app will zoom in to fill the screen, often cutting off heads or text.
To win on Instagram, you need to master Aspect Ratios.
The Holy Trinity of Ratios
- Portrait (4:5): Winner for Reach.
- Dimensions: 1080 x 1350 px.
- Why: It takes up the maximum vertical space on a phone screen. More screen time = more attention.
- Square (1:1): The Classic.
- Dimensions: 1080 x 1080 px.
- Why: It looks neat on your profile grid.
- Landscape (1.91:1): The Loser.
- Dimensions: 1080 x 566 px.
- Why: It looks tiny on mobile. Avoid unless it's a specific panoramic shot.
How to Fix Your Photos
Use our Image Cropper before you upload.
- Select "4:5 Portrait": This enables the optimal crop box.
- Frame Your Shot: Ensure the subject is centered.
- Check Edges: Make sure crucial details aren't touching the very edge (where user interface buttons might cover them).
- Export: Save perfectly sized for the feed.
Stories & Reels
For Stories, the ratio flips to 9:16 (1080 x 1920 px). Always crop specifically for this to avoid black bars at the top/bottom.