Posting a photo on Instagram without paying attention to the aspect ratio almost always results in the platform's automatic crop — cutting exactly where you didn't want it to. Cropping the image manually before posting guarantees the framing turns out the way you planned it.
Each Instagram format uses a different aspect ratio
The feed accepts square, vertical, or horizontal photos within specific limits. Stories and Reels, on the other hand, are always vertical, filling the entire phone screen. The same original photo may need different crops depending on where it's going to be published.
How to crop your photo for each format
- Decide where you're posting: feed, Stories, or Reels.
- Open ImageTools' Crop Image tool and upload the photo.
- For feed, use a 1:1 (square) or 4:5 (portrait) aspect ratio. For Stories/Reels, use 9:16 (vertical).
- Adjust the crop area to keep the main subject centered, avoiding cutting off faces or important details.
💡 Tip: for photos going into Stories, leave a safety margin at the top and bottom edges — interface elements (like the profile name and stickers) usually cover those areas.
Recommended aspect ratios and sizes
| Format | Aspect ratio | Recommended size |
|---|---|---|
| Feed (square) | 1:1 | 1080 x 1080 px |
| Feed (portrait) | 4:5 | 1080 x 1350 px |
| Stories / Reels | 9:16 | 1080 x 1920 px |
Common mistakes when preparing images for Instagram
- Posting without cropping and letting Instagram crop on its own: the platform's automatic crop doesn't always respect what's important in the image.
- Using the same photo without adjustment for feed and Stories: the feed's square ratio cuts off the edges when used directly in vertical Stories.
- Ignoring the safe area in Stories: text or a face too close to the edges can end up covered by interface elements.
Ready to try it
Crop your photo to the right aspect ratio for Instagram, right in your browser and at no cost.
Crop image for InstagramWhat's the ideal aspect ratio for posting on the Instagram feed?
Instagram accepts square (1:1), portrait (4:5), or landscape (1.91:1) aspect ratios in the feed. The 4:5 ratio tends to take up more screen space and generate more engagement.
Why does my photo show up cropped on Instagram?
Instagram automatically crops images that don't exactly match the platform's accepted aspect ratios. Cropping the image manually before posting avoids unwanted cuts.
What's the ideal size for Stories and Reels?
Stories and Reels use a vertical format, 9:16 aspect ratio, typically 1080x1920 pixels.
Do I need to crop differently for feed versus Stories?
Yes. The feed accepts more square or slightly rectangular formats, while Stories and Reels require an elongated vertical format (9:16). The same photo may need two different crops.