Instagram landscape aspect ratio

Why the 1.91:1 Landscape Aspect Ratio Matters on Instagram

Instagram, by design, prioritizes visual content, and its algorithms often favor posts that fit seamlessly within its display parameters.

This often results in unwanted cropping, white borders, or black bars, which can detract significantly from your original vision and the overall aesthetic of your feed.

For instance, a 16:9 photo, a common instagram aspect ratio horizontal for cameras and video, will be slightly cropped on the sides when Instagram displays it as a 1.91:1 post.

Conversely, if you upload a wider aspect ratio, say 2.35:1 cinemascope, Instagram will add black bars to the top and bottom to fit it within the 1.91:1 frame, reducing its visual impact.

You maintain full creative control over your composition, ensuring that every detail you intended to be seen is visible to your audience.

This precision is particularly important for photographers, videographers, and businesses where visual branding is paramount.

The Impact of Incorrect Aspect Ratios on Engagement

When your content is awkwardly cropped or framed with borders, it can appear less professional, less deliberate, and consequently, less engaging.

Users scroll rapidly through their feeds, and visually jarring content is more likely to be overlooked.

A study by Buffer found that images are crucial for engagement, and a well-composed, properly sized image performs better.

Furthermore, Instagram’s algorithm tends to favor high-quality content that provides a good user experience.

This means that by simply adhering to the 1.91:1 ratio, you’re not just making your content look better.

You’re also potentially increasing its reach and visibility, leading to higher likes, comments, and shares.

Understanding Instagram’s Core Aspect Ratios for Optimal Display

Instagram’s platform is meticulously designed around specific aspect ratios to ensure a consistent and high-quality visual experience for its users.

Adhering to these ratios is fundamental for any content creator or business aiming for maximum impact on the platform.

The platform’s commitment to these ratios means that any deviation often results in automatic adjustments that can compromise your visual content.

The Dominant Ratios: Square, Portrait, and Landscape

Instagram broadly supports three primary aspect ratios for feed posts:

• Square 1:1: This was Instagram’s original and most iconic aspect ratio. It allows for a straightforward, symmetrical presentation and remains a popular choice. A common resolution for 1:1 is 1080px by 1080px.
• Portrait 4:5: This taller orientation maximizes screen real estate, allowing for more vertical detail to be displayed without requiring users to tap to see the full image. The recommended resolution is 1080px by 1350px. This ratio often performs well due to its ability to fill a significant portion of the user’s mobile screen.

Understanding these foundational ratios is the first step in mastering your Instagram content strategy. Roughly 70% of Instagram users access the platform via mobile devices, which further emphasizes why optimizing for these specific mobile-friendly ratios is paramount.

Why Instagram Diverges from Standard 16:9 for Landscape

Achieving the Perfect Instagram Landscape Aspect Ratio

Pre-Production Considerations for Landscape Shots

• Test Shots: If possible, do a few test shots and quickly preview them in an editing app or on a computer to get a feel for how they’ll translate to the 1.91:1 frame. This can save significant time and effort in the long run.
• Lighting and Subject Placement: Ensure your main subject and critical lighting elements are positioned within the central safe zone of the 1.91:1 frame, especially if you anticipate slight variations in cropping by different viewers’ devices.

According to a recent Creator IQ report, high-quality visuals are a top priority for brands collaborating with influencers, highlighting the need for precise formatting.

Post-Production Tools and Techniques for Instagram Landscape Sizing

• Photo Editing Software:
  • Adobe Lightroom/Photoshop: These industry-standard tools offer precise cropping options. You can manually set the aspect ratio to 1.91:1 or use a custom crop tool. When exporting, ensure your resolution is set to 1080px wide by 566px high for optimal clarity without unnecessary file size.
  • Snapseed Mobile: A powerful free mobile editing app with a robust crop tool where you can set custom aspect ratios, including 1.91:1.
  • InShot/PicsArt Mobile: These apps also provide easy-to-use cropping functionalities with predefined aspect ratios or custom input.
• Video Editing Software:
  • Adobe Premiere Pro/DaVinci Resolve: When creating a sequence, set your sequence settings to 1920px by 1004px a scaled-up version of 1.91:1 that maintains quality or precisely 1080px by 566px. You can then adjust your footage within this frame.
• Key Techniques:
  • Non-Destructive Cropping: Always work with copies of your original files or use non-destructive editing techniques to preserve your raw footage.
  • Preview Before Export: Always preview your cropped photo or video in the exact 1.91:1 aspect ratio before finalizing your export to ensure all critical elements are visible and the composition is pleasing.

On average, businesses using Instagram publish 3-4 posts per week, making consistent and correct formatting a crucial part of their content strategy to maintain professionalism.

Instagram Landscape Aspect Ratio for Different Content Types

While the 1.91:1 aspect ratio is the general rule for Instagram feed posts, it’s important to understand how this applies across different content formats like photos, videos, and carousels.

Each content type might have specific nuances in how it handles sizing and display, and mastering these can significantly elevate your Instagram game.

Instagram Landscape Photo Aspect Ratio Best Practices

• File Type: Stick to JPEG .jpg for photos. While PNG is supported, JPEGs are generally smaller in file size and perfectly adequate for web display.
• Quality: Aim for the highest quality export setting in your editing software. Even at 1080px width, a high-quality JPEG compression will look sharper and more professional.
• Common Mistakes:
  • Uploading true 16:9 photos: Instagram will automatically crop the sides to fit 1.91:1, potentially cutting out important elements of your composition.
  • Uploading overly wide panoramic shots e.g., 2.35:1: These will get letterboxed black bars top and bottom to fit the 1.91:1 frame, making your photo appear very small and less impactful on a mobile screen. If you have an ultra-wide panoramic, consider using a carousel post and splitting it into multiple square or portrait segments for better viewing.

A 2023 study by Hootsuite revealed that 80% of Instagram users follow at least one business account, making professional-looking photography essential for brand credibility. Instagram layout sizes

Mastering the Instagram Landscape Video Aspect Ratio

• Resolution: For video, aiming for a resolution of 1920 pixels wide by 1004 pixels high which maintains the 1.91:1 ratio at a higher quality is ideal, though 1080px by 566px is also perfectly acceptable and lighter on file size. Higher resolutions like 4K can be downscaled by Instagram, which might affect clarity.
• Frame Rate: Keep your frame rate between 23.976 fps 24fps and 30 fps for smooth playback.
• File Size & Length: Instagram video length is limited to 60 seconds for feed posts, and file size should ideally be under 100MB for quick uploads and smooth streaming. Larger files can take longer to process.
• Codecs: Use H.264 codec for video and AAC codec for audio, as these are widely supported and efficient.
• Video Cropping Nuances: Unlike photos, where a simple crop works, video cropping involves more complex rendering. Ensure your editing software is set to export the precise 1.91:1 dimension. If you’re adapting 16:9 footage, you’ll need to decide whether to crop the sides or “fit” the 16:9 into the 1.91:1 frame which will result in thin black bars. For maximum impact, cropping the sides to fill the 1.91:1 frame is usually preferred, provided critical visual information isn’t lost.

Videos that are properly formatted and high-quality can see up to 49% more engagement compared to non-optimized videos, according to recent social media analytics.

Instagram Landscape Post Size Ratio for Carousels

Data indicates that carousel posts generally achieve higher engagement rates around 1.92% compared to single image or video posts, making them a powerful format when optimized correctly with consistent aspect ratios.

Tools and Software for Resizing and Cropping Instagram Landscape Content

Whether you’re a professional photographer with access to advanced software or a casual user relying on mobile apps, there are options available to help you resize and crop your content to the optimal 1.91:1 ratio.

Desktop Software Solutions for Precision

• Adobe Photoshop Image Editing:
  • Why it’s great: Unparalleled control, layers, advanced selection tools, and precise cropping.
  • How to use: Open your image. Select the “Crop Tool” C. In the options bar at the top, select the “Ratio” dropdown and choose “W x H Resolution” or enter your custom ratio 1.91:1. Alternatively, directly input the dimensions like “1080px x 566px”. Drag the crop box to frame your content, ensuring all critical elements are within the new boundaries.
  • Export: Use “File > Export > Export As” and set the dimensions to 1080px wide by 566px high. Ensure quality is high for JPEGs.
• Adobe Lightroom Classic Image Management & Editing:
  • Why it’s great: Excellent for batch processing photos and non-destructive editing.
  • How to use: In the Develop module, select the “Crop Overlay” tool R. In the toolbar below, change the aspect ratio to “Custom” and input 1.91:1. You can also choose from presets if you’ve saved one. Adjust the crop box.
  • Export: When exporting, set the image sizing to “Resize to Fit: Width & Height” and enter 1080px by 566px.
• DaVinci Resolve / Adobe Premiere Pro Video Editing:
  • How to use:
    • DaVinci Resolve: In the “Project Settings” cog icon, under “Master Settings” > “Timeline Resolution,” enter 1920×1004 or 1080×566 if you prefer lower resolution from the start. This creates a timeline that is 1.91:1. Import your footage and use the “Transform” controls in the Inspector to scale and position your video within this frame, cropping out sides or top/bottom as needed.
    • Adobe Premiere Pro: Create a new sequence File > New > Sequence. Go to the “Settings” tab and under “Video” > “Frame Size,” enter 1920 for horizontal and 1004 for vertical or 1080×566. Place your footage on the timeline and adjust its “Scale” and “Position” in the Effect Controls panel to fit the 1.91:1 frame without letterboxing.
  • Export: Set your export resolution to the sequence settings e.g., 1920×1004 or 1080×566. Use H.264 codec for video and AAC for audio.

Roughly 60% of social media managers use professional desktop software for content creation, highlighting its importance for optimized outputs.

Mobile Apps for On-the-Go Cropping

• InShot iOS & Android:
  • Why it’s great: User-friendly interface for both photos and videos, with dedicated aspect ratio presets.
  • How to use: Open your photo/video. Tap “Canvas” or “Crop.” You’ll often find presets like “Instagram 1.91:1” or you can manually enter a custom ratio. It will then allow you to zoom/pan to fit your content within the frame.
• CapCut iOS & Android:
  • Why it’s great: Powerful free video editor with an intuitive interface, popular for TikTok but excellent for Instagram too.
  • How to use: Start a new project, import your video. Select the clip, then tap “Format.” Choose “1.91:1.” You can then pinch to zoom and drag to position your video within the new frame.
• Snapseed iOS & Android:
  • Why it’s great: Google’s free photo editor, offering advanced tools in a simple package.
  • How to use: Open your photo. Tap “Tools” > “Crop.” Select the “Aspect Ratio” icon and choose “Custom” to enter 1.91:1 or look for a preset.
• PicsArt iOS & Android:
  • Why it’s great: A comprehensive photo and video editor with many creative features beyond just cropping.
  • How to use: Import your media. Go to “Tools” > “Crop.” Look for the “Ratio” option and set it to 1.91:1. Adjust your photo within the crop area.

Mobile-first content creators make up a significant portion of Instagram’s user base, with over 1 billion active users on the platform monthly, many of whom rely solely on their smartphones for content creation.

Troubleshooting Common Instagram Landscape Aspect Ratio Issues

Why Your 1.91:1 Content Might Still Look Wrong

Sometimes, despite carefully cropping to 1.91:1, your content might still appear off on Instagram. Here are a few reasons why:

• Resolution Discrepancies: While 1080px wide by 566px high is the ideal, uploading significantly smaller resolutions can lead to pixelation or blurriness when Instagram scales it up. Conversely, extremely large files e.g., 4K photos or videos might be heavily compressed by Instagram, resulting in a loss of detail and sharpness. Aim for that sweet spot of 1080px width for photos and 1920px width for videos while maintaining the 1.91:1 ratio.
• Instagram’s Internal Processing: Even perfectly sized content goes through Instagram’s compression algorithms. This is standard for all platforms to manage server load and optimize loading times. While you can’t bypass this, starting with a high-quality, correctly sized file minimizes the negative impact.
• Device Display Variations: How your content looks can slightly vary across different mobile devices and screen sizes. While the aspect ratio remains constant, the physical display of pixels might differ. This is generally minor but worth noting.

Data suggests that poor image quality is a leading cause of low engagement on social media, emphasizing the importance of proper resolution and aspect ratio.

Avoiding Unwanted Cropping and Black Bars Letterboxing/Pillarboxing

The bane of many Instagram content creators is unwanted cropping or the appearance of black bars.

• Start with the Right Aspect Ratio: The best defense is a good offense. If possible, compose your shots in-camera with the 1.91:1 in mind. This way, you minimize the amount of cropping needed in post-production.
• Check Instagram’s Preview: When you’re uploading to Instagram, the app gives you a final preview. Always take a moment to review this. If you see unwanted cropping or borders, it’s best to go back to your editing software and re-export. Don’t rely on Instagram to “fix” it for you. it will likely just apply its default, which might not be what you want.

In a survey of Instagram users, 55% stated that visually appealing content was the primary reason they followed an account, underscoring the necessity of correct aspect ratios.

Advanced Tips for Instagram Landscape Content Creators

Leveraging the “Fill” vs. “Fit” Option on Instagram

When you upload a photo or video to Instagram that doesn’t perfectly match its preferred aspect ratios, the app often gives you two options: “Fill” or “Fit.” Understanding these can be crucial. Instagram new hashtags for likes

*   Caveat: Be extremely careful, as "Fill" can unexpectedly cut off important parts of your image or video if you haven't pre-cropped.
*   When to use: Use "Fit" if you absolutely cannot lose any part of your original composition, even if it means having black bars. This is often the case for cinematic videos or very specific artistic compositions where cropping is not an option.
*   Caveat: Black bars can make your content appear smaller on a mobile screen, reducing its visual impact.

A study by Later found that properly formatted images receive 23% more interactions than those with incorrect aspect ratios, emphasizing the choice between “fill” and “fit.”

Designing for the Instagram Feed Grid

While the 1.91:1 aspect ratio primarily affects how the post looks in the feed, Instagram displays all posts as squares on your profile grid.

Around 65% of Instagram users visit profiles directly rather than just seeing content in their feed, making a well-curated grid with thoughtful thumbnail choices essential for first impressions.

Considerations for Instagram Stories and Reels

While this article focuses on feed posts, it’s worth briefly touching on Instagram Stories and Reels, as they have vastly different aspect ratio requirements.

Video content on Instagram, particularly vertical formats like Stories and Reels, has seen explosive growth, with Reels accounting for over 20% of the time users spend on Instagram, highlighting the importance of optimizing for these distinct vertical aspect ratios.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ideal Instagram landscape aspect ratio?

What is the recommended resolution for Instagram landscape photos?

What is the best aspect ratio for horizontal videos on Instagram?

The best aspect ratio for horizontal videos on Instagram’s main feed is also 1.91:1. While you can upload at a slightly higher resolution like 1920 pixels wide by 1004 pixels high, the 1.91:1 aspect ratio remains consistent for optimal display.

Can I upload 16:9 videos or photos to Instagram as landscape?

This often results in unwanted cropping of your original composition.

How do I prevent Instagram from cropping my landscape photos?

What happens if my landscape photo is wider than 1.91:1 on Instagram?

What is the difference between 1.91:1 and 16:9 aspect ratios?

The difference is subtle but significant: 1.91:1 is slightly less wide and taller than 16:9. For every 1.91 units of width, there is 1 unit of height e.g., 1080×566. For 16:9, there are 16 units of width for every 9 units of height e.g., 1920×1080, making it a wider format. Instagram optimizes for 1.91:1 for its feed.

How does the Instagram landscape aspect ratio affect my profile grid?

Can I use the 1.91:1 aspect ratio for Instagram Stories or Reels?

No, while 1.91:1 is for feed posts, Instagram Stories and Reels are primarily designed for a vertical 9:16 aspect ratio 1080px by 1920px. Uploading 1.91:1 content to Stories or Reels will result in significant black bars on the sides, making the content appear very small.

What tools can I use to crop photos to the 1.91:1 Instagram landscape ratio?

You can use various tools: desktop software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom for precision, or mobile apps such as InShot, CapCut, Snapseed, or PicsArt which often have predefined Instagram aspect ratios or custom crop options. Instagram image aspect ratio

Is there a maximum file size for Instagram landscape photos or videos?

Yes, for photos, file size should ideally be under 30MB, and for videos, it’s generally recommended to keep them under 100MB, although Instagram’s official limits can be higher.

Smaller file sizes ensure faster uploads and smoother playback.

Does Instagram compress landscape photos and videos?

Yes, Instagram compresses both photos and videos upon upload to optimize for web display and reduce server load.

Starting with high-quality, correctly sized 1.91:1 files minimizes the negative effects of this compression.

Should I add borders to my landscape photos if they don’t fit 1.91:1?

Borders pillarboxing or letterboxing can make your content appear smaller and less professional on the mobile screen.

What is the ideal frame rate for Instagram landscape videos?

How do I check the aspect ratio of my existing photo or video?

You can check the aspect ratio of your existing media by viewing its properties or details on your computer right-click on file > properties/get info or within most photo/video editing software which display dimensions. Divide the width by the height to get the ratio.

Is it better to upload a higher resolution landscape photo and let Instagram downscale it?

While Instagram can downscale higher resolutions, it’s generally best to upload at the recommended 1080px width for photos or 1920px width for videos while maintaining the 1.91:1 aspect ratio.

This gives you more control over the quality and avoids potentially heavy compression by Instagram.

Can Instagram automatically adjust my landscape content to 1.91:1?

This usually involves cropping the sides or adding black bars, which may not be the desired outcome. It’s better to do it manually.

What is the “best landscape aspect ratio Instagram” prefers?

If I shoot in 2:1, how do I get it to 1.91:1 for Instagram landscape?

If you shoot in a 2:1 aspect ratio, you’ll need to crop your photo or video slightly to fit the 1.91:1 ratio. Instagram grid aspect ratio

This means you’ll either lose a tiny bit from the sides or add very thin black bars on the top and bottom, depending on your preferred method in editing. Cropping is usually preferred.

Does the aspect ratio change for Instagram ads?

However, for other ad placements like Stories or Reels ads, the 9:16 vertical aspect ratio is typically required.

Always check Instagram’s official ad specifications for the most up-to-date requirements.