Instagram Post (Square)
The classic square format for Instagram feed posts. Perfect for product showcases and maintaining visual consistency.
Instagram posts are your brand's visual signature on the platform. With over 2 billion monthly active users, Instagram is one of the most powerful marketing channels for e-commerce brands. The square format (1:1) remains the most versatile and recognizable format, taking up maximum screen real estate on mobile devices where it matters most. High-quality, well-optimized posts not only look professional but also improve engagement rates and build brand trust.
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Supports JPG, PNG
Technical Requirements
| Minimum Dimensions | 320 x 320 px |
|---|---|
| Recommended Size | 1080 x 1080 px |
| Aspect Ratio | 1:1 (Square) |
| Max File Size | 30 MB |
| File Type | jpeg, png |
| Background | No strict requirement |
Visual Guidelines
Do's
- Use 1080x1080px for optimal quality
- Keep important content centered (safe zone)
- Use high-resolution images for Retina displays
- Maintain consistent editing style
- Test visibility at small thumbnail sizes
- Use bright, well-lit compositions
- Apply subtle, consistent filters
Don'ts
- Don't exceed 1080px width (Instagram will downscale)
- Avoid placing text near edges (may be cropped)
- Don't use low-resolution images (under 320px)
- Avoid inconsistent aspect ratios in a series
- Don't overcompress images (quality loss)
- Avoid heavy filters that distort product colors
- Don't use copyrighted music without permission
Best Practices
- 1Upload at 1080x1080px Exactly: Instagram downscales everything to 1080px width. By uploading at this exact size, you control the quality and avoid unexpected compression artifacts.
- 2Center Your Subject: Instagram's interface can crop images on different devices. Keep important content (text, logos, product) in the center 80% to ensure visibility.
- 3Maintain Visual Consistency: Use the same filter, color grading, and editing style across all posts. This creates a cohesive grid that looks professional and strengthens brand recognition.
- 4Test at Thumbnail Size: View your image at just 150px wide. If it's still clear and compelling, it will perform well in the feed. Most users see your post as a small thumbnail first.
- 5Optimize File Size: Keep JPEG files under 5MB while maintaining quality. Use 80-100% quality during export. Smaller files upload faster and suffer less compression.
- 6Use Bright, Even Lighting: Well-lit images perform better on Instagram. Avoid harsh shadows or underexposed photos, which can look muddy on small screens.
- 7Leverage the Grid: Your Instagram grid is your storefront. Plan how posts look together in a 3x3 grid layout. Consistent themes and colors make your profile more appealing.
Common Issues
Images look blurry after upload
You're likely uploading images larger than 1080px. Instagram's compression degrades larger images. Resize to exactly 1080x1080px before uploading with high JPEG quality (80-100%).
Colors look washed out
Instagram's sRGB color profile can affect colors. Export using sRGB profile and avoid over-saturation. Slightly increase saturation and contrast before uploading to compensate.
Text gets cut off on some devices
Different screen sizes crop images differently. Keep all text and important elements in the center 'safe zone'—the middle 80% of the image.
Low engagement on posts
Test your images at thumbnail size (150px). If they're not compelling small, they won't stop the scroll. Use brighter images, clearer subjects, and more contrast.
Upload takes too long or fails
Your file size is too large. Compress images to under 5MB. For 1080x1080px images, aim for 500KB-2MB for optimal balance of quality and speed.
Grid looks inconsistent
Plan your grid in advance. Use the same filter, color palette, and aspect ratio across posts. Tools like Planoly or Later can help visualize your grid before posting.
Related Specifications
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.What's the ideal size for Instagram posts?
Instagram recommends 1080x1080 pixels for square posts. While you can upload larger images, Instagram will downscale them to 1080px width, so it's best to upload at exactly 1080x1080px to maintain control over quality.
Q.Why do my images look blurry on Instagram?
This usually happens when you upload images larger than 1080px. Instagram's compression algorithm can degrade quality. Upload at exactly 1080x1080px with high JPEG quality (80-100%) for best results.
Q.Can I use different aspect ratios for Instagram posts?
Yes! Instagram supports 1:1 (square), 4:5 (portrait), and 1.91:1 (landscape). However, square posts (1:1) take up the most screen space and are most versatile across the platform.
Q.What's the maximum file size for Instagram posts?
Instagram accepts images up to 30MB, but for optimal quality and upload speed, keep files under 5MB. Larger files may be compressed more aggressively.
Q.Should I use JPEG or PNG for Instagram?
JPEG is recommended for photos due to smaller file sizes and faster uploads. PNG is better for graphics with text, logos, or images requiring transparency, but be aware of larger file sizes.
Q.How do I ensure my images look good on both mobile and desktop?
Design for mobile first (99% of users are on mobile). Keep important elements centered and test at small sizes. Desktop will always look good if the mobile version works.