The 2025 Guide to Instagram’s New Post Sizes

In this article, we will explore the latest changes to Instagram’s post sizes introduced in 2025. Whether you’re a content creator, brand, or casual user, understanding these dimensions is essential for creating visually appealing posts that fit seamlessly into Instagram’s updated interface. We’ll cover the new dimensions for posts, discuss safe zones to keep your content from getting cropped, and share practical tips to help you optimize your posts. Let’s dive in!

Instagram’s New Post Sizes in 2025

Instagram has shifted its focus to vertical and full-screen experiences, making post dimensions more important than ever. Here’s a breakdown of the updated sizes:

Square Posts (Classic Format)

• Dimensions: 1080 x 1080 pixels
• Aspect Ratio: 1:1
• Usage: Still popular for feeds, but less emphasized in the new design. Square posts are best for maintaining a balanced and consistent grid.

Vertical Posts (New Standard)

• Dimensions: 1080 x 1350 pixels
• Aspect Ratio: 4:5
• Usage: Ideal for capturing attention in users’ feeds. This format takes up more screen space and is now the recommended size for most posts.

Horizontal Posts

• Dimensions: 1080 x 608 pixels
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9
• Usage: Best for landscape photos and videos. While less common, it works well for cinematic shots or wide visuals.

Safe Zones: Keeping Your Content Visible

One of the most critical aspects of Instagram’s new post sizes is understanding the “safe zone.” This area ensures that essential elements of your content, such as text or key visuals, are not cut off. Here’s how to plan for it:

Square Posts (1:1)

• Safe zone for square posts: Keep all important elements within 90% of the frame’s width and height (roughly 972 x 972 pixels).
• Safe zone for the feed preview: When a square post is displayed in the feed, it gets cropped into a vertical format (4:5 aspect ratio, 1080 x 1350 pixels). To prevent cropping, ensure key elements are positioned within 1080 x 864 pixels at the center of the image.

Vertical Posts (4:5)

• Safe zone: Vertical posts are fully displayed in the feed, but it’s recommended to center your content within 1080 x 1200 pixels to ensure balance and clarity.

Horizontal Posts (16:9)

• Safe zone: Focus the main elements in the center, keeping a margin of 5% on each side to prevent them from being cropped in the feed preview.

Reels (9:16)

The recommended size for Instagram Reels is 1080 x 1920 pixels with a 9:16 aspect ratio. To ensure that important elements remain visible across different views, keep key content within the safe zone:

• Feed Preview Safe Zone: When Instagram displays a Reel in the feed, it crops the video to a 4:5 aspect ratio (1080 x 1350 pixels). To avoid losing key details, ensure that critical content is placed within 1080 x 1350 pixels in the center of the frame.
• Main Safe Zone: Keep essential text, logos, and focal points within 1080 x 1684 pixels to avoid overlapping with UI elements like captions and buttons.

Why Safe Zones Are Crucial

If text or the main subject is placed too close to the edges of the frame, it risks being cropped in the feed preview. This is especially important for square posts that are converted into vertical previews, as improperly positioned elements can appear incomplete or unclear. By adhering to safe zones, you ensure your content is professional, visually appealing, and optimized for both the feed and detailed views.

Tips for Creating Perfect Instagram Posts

To make the most of Instagram’s new post sizes, follow these tips:

Optimize for Vertical Formats

• Vertical posts now dominate the platform, so design your content to fill the 4:5 aspect ratio.
• Use negative space effectively to draw attention to the focal point.

Maintain High Resolution

• Always upload images with a resolution of at least 1080 pixels on the shortest side to prevent pixelation.
• Avoid compressing images before uploading; Instagram will already apply some compression.

Use Text Strategically

• Place text within the safe zone to ensure readability.
• Keep font sizes large enough to stand out on smaller screens.

Plan Your Grid Aesthetics

• Mix vertical and square posts for variety, but ensure they align with your overall grid design.
• Use apps like Canva or Adobe Express to preview your feed before publishing.

Why Instagram’s New Post Sizes Matter

The shift toward vertical formats reflects a broader trend in social media: prioritizing mobile-first experiences. Vertical posts not only capture more screen space but also encourage longer engagement. By adapting to Instagram’s new post sizes, creators can ensure their content remains competitive and visually appealing.

Conclusion: The 2025 Guide to Instagram Post Sizes

Instagram’s new post sizes in 2025 mark a significant change, emphasizing vertical content and full-screen experiences. By understanding the updated dimensions, safe zones, and best practices, you can create posts that stand out and engage your audience. Whether you’re crafting a vertical post or sticking to the classic square format, keeping these tips in mind will help you make the most of Instagram’s evolving platform.