Guide
How to resize images for Instagram and social media
Published · Updated
Enter the pixel size the platform asks for in the image resizer, crop if needed and download. For an Instagram square post, 1080 by 1080 pixels is the usual choice.
Platforms change their formats from time to time, so treat the sizes below as common starting points and confirm in the app before you publish.
Common Instagram sizes
- Square post: 1080 × 1080 px.
- Portrait post (4:5): 1080 × 1350 px.
- Landscape post: about 1080 × 566 px.
- Stories and Reels (9:16): 1080 × 1920 px.
Resize or crop an image
- Open the image resizer and add your picture.
- To change proportions, use crop and drag the box; to scale, use resize with proportions kept.
- Enter the pixel size from the list above.
- Export as JPG or WebP and download.
Crop or fit?
Cropping removes the edges and fills the frame. Scaling with proportions kept never distorts the picture. Stretching a photo to a new ratio makes faces look wrong, so avoid it.
Preview before posting
The social media preview shows how an image looks on several platforms, so you can check the crop before you publish.
Keep files light
Large files upload slowly. If a picture is heavier than needed, shrink it with the image compressor. For other tips see compressing images without losing quality.
Questions and answers
What size should an Instagram photo be?
1080 × 1080 px for a square post is common; 1080 × 1350 px for portrait. Check the app for current options.
Does the tool have Instagram presets?
No. You type the pixel size you need.
Is my image uploaded?
No. It is edited on your device.
How do I make a picture smaller in file size for upload?
Resize it, then compress it. See [[post:imageTo100kb|how to reduce image size to 100 KB, 500 KB or 1 MB]].