How to square photos for instagram
How to Fit the Whole Picture on Instagram
BorderJulia Enthoven
4 min
This article shows you how to fit the whole picture on Instagram. If you have a full portrait (9:16) image or video or a landscape (16:9) image or video, you can fit the whole picture in your Instagram post by following this tutorial.
Instagram has a maximum aspect ratio of 4:5 on portrait posts (four pixels wide for every five pixels tall). Instagram’s restriction reduces the number of very tall images that take up a lot of vertical space in the feed. Although it’s nice that Instagram keeps users from publishing massive, obtrusive posts, the 4:5 limit makes it difficult to post a whole vertical picture or video that you shot on your phone.
Here's what your tall photos will look like on Instagram without added borders.If you want to fit your whole picture on Instagram but it is taller than the 4:5 aspect ratio, you need to modify your image before posting. Otherwise, Instagram will automatically crop your image to a maximum of 4:5. I recommend the Kapwing resizer as it allows you to add white space on either side to bring your image to the required aspect ratio. In this article, I’ll explain how to fit the whole picture on Instagram in three simple steps:
- Upload picture
- Resize to 4:5
- Download and Post to Instagram
Step 1: Upload Picture
Start by opening the Kapwing’s Resizer tool on your phone or computer. Upload your image file from camera roll or import it from a URL. Kapwing supports images, videos, and GIFs, so you can use it to resize for any kind of media.
The video resizer tool in KapwingOnce your picture loads into the editor, you’ll be taken into the Kapwing Studio Editor where you'll see a preview of your image in the center of the screen.
Step 2: Resize to 4:5
In the Output Size section, select the 4:5 option. This allows your photo to take up maximum vertical space in the Instagram feed without getting sized down. There is a resizing option for Instagram, 1:1, but this shrinks your image to fit in the default square shape.
Resize the image to 4:5 using the button in the Output Size listOnce you have selected the size option, Kapwing adds white padding to either side of your image to make it fit the 4:5 aspect ratio. You can change this white background to any color you want so that it stands out in the Instagram feed.
Step 3: Download and Post
Click the red Export Image button at the top of the screen. After a few moments of processing, Kapwing makes your resized 4:5 picture or video available for download. Whether you're using a desktop computer, iPhone, Android, or tablet you'll be able to instantly download the image to your photo gallery once published.
If you're not signed into a Kapwing account, sign in or sign up using your Google or Facebook account – once you've signed into a Kapwing account, the watermark in the lower right corner will be removed from your final image.
Open the Instagram app and upload your picture. You’ll notice that Instagram crops the picture to square by default, but you can click the expand arrows or pinch the image in the lower left to fit the whole picture on Instagram. When you publish it, Instagram will resize to image width to fit the screen, the white image background will blend in with Instagram’s white background, and your whole picture will appear on Instagram with no cropping.
Note: You can also choose a black background, if you and your followers use Instagram in Dark Mode.
Conclusion
This tutorial shows you a workaround for posting full portrait pictures and videos on Instagram. You can use Kapwing’s Resizer to post multiple images with different sizes on Instagram, add a thin white border around your media, and publish TikTok and Snap videos.
I hope that it helps speed up your social media workflow and enables you to post your beautiful and fun candid moments to Instagram.
For more information on how to resize a video for Instagram, check out this video tutorial (we give you the best sizes for each type of video too!):
Check back in at the Kapwing Resources page or our YouTube channel for other content creation tips and tutorials! And remember to tag us @KapwingApp whenever you share your content on social media– we love to see what our creators are passionate about!
Related Articles:
- How to Post a TikTok on Instagram
- How to Post a Portrait Photo or Video on Instagram
- Resize an Animated GIF
How to Make a Photo Square Without Cropping
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links within the content, sidebar ads, and in other areas, which means if you click those links and make a purchase, I will receive a commission.
Cropping is an easy and amazing capability at your design fingertips, but sometimes you want to be able to have your photo take on a different shape and size without having to crop and remove any bits and pieces.
One popular need and use case comes with Instagram, where you want to be able to post, say, a physical photo in its entirety without having it cropped to fit the Instagram feed size.
So, we are going to go through how to make a rectangle photo into a square without cropping, and then as a bonus, I’ll show you an option for making the most out of the leftover white space.
My preferred tool is Canva, which is what I’ll use with the instructions below, but there are a number of different apps and options that might help you accomplish the same.
(If you’d rather watch a video, here you go!)
Music: https://www.bensound.com/
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To make a photo square without cropping, all you need to do is upload the photo to a square canvas.
From there, you can choose whether or not to fill in the new white blank space and background with other design elements or not.
1. Create a new design
If you’re new to Canva, the first thing you’re going to do is create a design You can easily do so by clicking the “create a design” button at the top right of the screen, or, by searching for an already-built template to work from.
Since you are going to be uploading a photo as the primary element in the next step, I’d suggest starting blank, or finding a template with a background you’d like to utilize.
Your dimensions of the new design are going to be anything square shaped, or, you can simply type in “instagram” and then select the 1080x1080px “Instagram Post” option.
On the Canva app, you’ll see the “Instagram Post” option front and center, and when clicked, you’ll see the option to start with a “blank” design.”
Once you click, you’ll be taken to your new design canvas, where you see a blank white space to work from, along with a number of template options on the left (on Desktop).
2. Upload your picture
The next step is getting the photo you want to use into Canva. So, one spot down from “templates” you’ll see “uploads.” Once you click “uploads” you’ll see a button to “upload media.”
Once clicked, you’ll be able to upload the photo from your computer or just like you would with any other program.
If you’re using the app, you’ll see a plus sign in the bottom right hand corner—click it, and then click “images” to access your phone’s photos.
3. Place & resize the photo
Once you upload your photo, you’ll see it appear under “uploads” and then you can either click it to place it on the design, or, you can drag the photo on to the design.
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Once the photo is on the design canvas, you can grab the corners and drag it as large as possible without cropping.
You will now see your horizontal or vertical photo on the square canvas.
You’ll also see you have some blank white space either above and below the photo, or to the left or right.
You can now choose to download your photo in its new square shape, or you can take an additional easy step to make that white space a bit more appealing if you wish.
4. Add to the background
As mentioned, you have already taken your rectangle photo and have made it into a square shape without having to crop. But, you can take one small step to fill in the white background, like so:
This is my go-to method—simply adding a blurred version of the main phot to serve as your new background.
To do this, add your photo again to your design, and this time, instead of only resizing the photo to be large enough without cropping, go ahead and drag it large enough so that it covers all of the white space.
Then, go to “Position” and then select “backward.” You’ll now see your smaller photo placed on top of the larger photo.
Select the larger photo and then go to “adjust.
” You’ll see the option for “blue” where you can toggle just how much blue you’d like to put in play.
Easy, right? Really, you have so many different options when it comes to this step. Here are a few other examples for inspiration!
Either way, hope this solves your issue of creating a square photo without cropping. If still stuck, please don’t hesitate to comment here or on the YouTube walkthrough, or contact me.
Are you on Canva Pro, or simply the free version? If Canva is in fact a tool you’re loving, Canva Pro gives you even more reasons for such love, with the ability to magically resize designs, upload custom fonts, and so much more.
Or, just pay $5 or so for someone on Fiverr (or find someone on Upwork) to create whatever it is you need for you. I’ve definitely swallowed my pride a few times and just hired a freelancer for quick turnaround, and often receiving something better than I could have done myself.
Full disclosure, as an affiliate, I receive compensation if you make a purchase through these links; there’s no extra charge to you.
How to upload a photo without cropping to Instagram - we comply with the requirements and use applications for posting
Instagram's habit* of cropping photos in the most inappropriate places is frustrating. The user uploads a photo, and Insta boldly compresses and cuts off half of the picture. As a result, heads, legs, parts of the landscape remain behind the scenes, and I only want to delete such a post. Previously, to place a photo without cropping, you had to use additional software, but now there are other ways that we will talk about in our article.
Why Instagram* crops photos
This social network has several reasons to crop users' photos. She tries to adapt pictures so that they look on vertical phone screens, even if the photo has a strange aspect ratio. And besides, network owners want to save space on servers.
The main reason why a social network crops photos is to equalize the conditions for all users so that photos of any size and quality look attractive, and all pages are the same on the social network on all devices.
Insta by default crops photos that do not meet its requirements. If the image width is between 320 and 1080 px and the aspect ratio is between 1.91:1 and 4:5, then the image is published unchanged. If the resolution is lower, Instagram* increases it. If more than 1080 px, then it compresses to 1080 px.
In Paint, the size of the future frame is always indicated at the bottom. The picture can be edited by moving the corners to achieve the desired sizeBy default, Instagram* scales the photo and takes the center of the frame for publication. If you click on the zoom icon in the lower left corner, then Instagram * will take the entire frame for publication.
When you click on the zoom icon, the entire photo is in the frame. The frame can be sent to Insta without editing the edges if the aspect ratio is 16:9. Before publishing, you can see how it will look likeRecommended reading: Optimal image sizes for social networks: cheat sheet.
How to post a photo to Instagram* without cropping
If the photo falls within the proportions Instagram* needs, then Instagram* will not crop part of the image.
| Format | Approval | |
| Avatar photo | square, 1:1 | optimal 160 x 160 px, minimum 110 x 110 px, maximum 180 x 180 px |
| Post photo | horizontal 1.91:1, vertical 4:5, square 1:1 | horizontal, 1080 x 566 px, vertical, 1080 x 1350 px, square, 1080 x 1080 px |
| Photos for stories and IGTV | vertical 9:16 orientation | 1080 x 1920 px |
Official information from the support of Instagram* informs that the photo will be published in the best possible resolution with a width of up to 1080 pixels. This rule does not depend on whether the device is Android or iOS.
If the photo has a width of 320 to 1080 pixels, then its original size is preserved, but only in cases where the aspect ratio meets parameters from 1.91:1 to 4:5. In this case, the height should be from 566 to 1350 pixels, and the width should be 1080 pixels.
If you want to share a photo with a different extension, Instagram* will crop the photo to the correct size.
If the photo is smaller, then Instagram* will increase the width to 320 pixels. If more than 1080 pixels, then the width will be reduced to 1080 pixels.
There are several ways to add a full photo to Instagram*. To do this, select one of the options:
- do not use the background;
- use a vertical photo;
- present the photo as a panorama.
Let's consider these placement methods in more detail.
How to upload a photo without a background
Previously, all images of non-standard sizes were published by the social network with a white background behind the frame.
This was necessary if the width or height of the photo was not enough. Now you can do without it. Instagram* allows you to post pictures that do not fit the size requirements. When publishing, an automatic transparent background will appear on the image.
There will be no background if the photo is scaled when publishing. After the frame is selected, it remains to decide on the part of the picture that you want to publish. But there is a nuance - sometimes important parts of the photo disappear, because Insta crops them.
Half of the text at the bottom of the frame and part of the character's head are missing from the photo. But there is no transparent background on the sides. It is worth scaling if the essence of the image is in the center of the frame, and there is nothing important at the edgesRecommended reading: How to make your own stickers in Telegram.
How to upload if the photo is vertical
Not so long ago, Instagram* introduced the ability to post vertical long photos.
A special button has appeared in the interface that allows you to stretch the image on the sides and add a transparent background there. The photo will be in full size, but with frames.
How to work with a panoramic photo
Instagram* will not allow you to post a panoramic photo in the feed because it is too long horizontally. To upload a frame to the social network completely, without cropping along the edges of half the frame, you need to use special software.
There are 2 simple programs that will help you with this - SwieablePanorama (iOS only) and InSwipe Panorama for Instagram* (works on Android and iOS). In any of the programs, a photo is easily loaded and cut into several identical blocks. They can be uploaded to Insta in the form of a carousel. This is a rather unusual and winning way to publish a panorama without losing the quality and meaning of the image.
Recommended reading: How to make an attractive cover for a VK group.
How to adjust the size to Insta
To make the image meet the requirements of the social network, you can use special applications. Finding software that will help you crop a photo or fit it to the right size is not difficult.
Crop yourself from a computer
In order for the image to be displayed on the network completely, you can crop it manually, through the program. Almost any graphic editor will help with this, even the simplest Paint will cope with the task of changing the size in pixels or as a percentage.
Here are a couple of programs through which photos are usually cropped:
- Photoshop .
A huge number of functions and possibilities for editing. The only difficulty is that you will have to install this rather big software and understand its intricacies. - Lightroom . Here you crop the layers, choose the aspect ratio, adjust the sharpness. You can apply the settings of one photo to the next, which will be processed later.
- Canva . A great online program for creating covers, pictures and more. You can not only compress the size or change the aspect ratio of the frame, there are many possibilities. Available effects, insert any text or background, elements and inserts.
The main thing is to remember the proportions and the maximum possible expansion of the image, depending on its purpose. After all, it can be square, vertical or panoramic.
The easiest way to check and adjust the aspect ratio is in PaintCompress the size to fit
You can use any online program, including Canva.
Through them you can upload photos, resize and edit. After such processing, Instagram* will not cut the edges.
Blogs usually prepare many photos at once to provide a page with content for weeks and months. To do this, it is convenient to use SMMplanner delayed posting, where posts are posted in advance, and then become visible to subscribers exactly on schedule.
To understand this feature, we advise you to study Delayed Posting to Instagram* from a computer. Here we talked about how to work with it, how to create and plan Stories, how to publish carousels and much more.
Third party apps to share from your phone
Another way to upload full size photos is to use dedicated apps. Below are the most popular and simple among the programs.
InstaSize
Software for Android and iOS phones. There are both standard functions and other features - change the size, edge, frame characteristics. You can edit a photo for publication, create a collage or story.
In addition - the function of zooming pictures. You can pull up a photo from the gallery, clouds, or take a picture right now.
In addition, the following functions are available:
- rotate or resize the photo;
- use the background - over a hundred free options;
- filters - if there are not enough of those that are in Insta;
- blocks of text - insert, change slope, location;
- stickers - the user has more than 400 different stickers to choose from.
Run the program and select a picture to share. A light frame will appear in the frame, under which you need to fit the image.
After that, the frame can be published - Instagram * will no longer crop it.
We looked at the main ways you can post a photo to Instagram* without cropping half of the photo. All of them are easy to use, because the main thing is just to keep the proportion and resolution of the frame. And through the program, you can further configure filters, add frames and inscriptions, in general, fully prepare the photo for publication in all its beauty. If you know other ways - tell us about it.
The article has been updated. First published: January 26, 2021
Instagram photo sizes and scales 2021
After years of just one type of image and video orientation, many other formats have been added to Instagram. These features provide excellent opportunities for creating new content; however, navigating through IGTV, stories, videos, and other posts can be difficult.
This guide will help you understand the optimal sizes and scales for different Instagram formats.
We hope this helps you and makes things easier. Once you learn the basic rules, you will be able to create high quality content and your social media page will grow faster and more efficiently.
Instagram Image Basics: Size and Aspect Ratio
Before we get into the specifications of Instagram, there are a couple of terms you need to know - size and aspect ratio. Although at first glance they describe the same thing, you need to understand the difference, especially in units of measurement.
Size
Size, also referred to as resolution, refers to how many pixels are contained across the width and height of the image. It is expressed in two numbers; for example: 320px by 1080px. The width is indicated by the first number, and the second is the height.
Resolution is important when taking and uploading high quality photos and images. If the resolution is high, then it contains more pixels - in other words, more data. Thus, the higher the resolution, the higher the image quality.
A pixel-limited screen or platform modifies the source material to fit within the specified dimensions.
Aspect Ratio
The aspect ratio is the ratio between the width and height of an image. This dimension is referred to as x:y. For example, it could be 9:16 where 9 is how wide the picture is and 16 is how tall it is.
The importance of aspect ratio comes down to resizing images without distortion. Some users make the mistake of changing images - they ignore the recommended aspect ratio. As a result, they get strange photos, although this could be easily avoided.
Instagram Image Size: Best Tricks in 2021
Even if you want to post sharp photos, uploading images in high resolution, such as 5400px by 5400px, will not achieve the desired result. On the contrary, it will negatively affect the image quality. Therefore, you should take the time to study and follow the recommended sizes.
The table below will give you a basic idea of common ratios and sizes for various Instagram photos.
| Instagram image format | Aspect ratio | Size |
| Avatar | 1:1 | 180 x 180 px |
| Square photo | 1:1 | 1080x1080px |
| Album photo | 1.91:1 | 1080 x 566 px (608 px) |
| Portrait/vertical photo | 4:5 | 1080x1350px |
| Carousel posts | 1:1 | 1080x1080px |
| Stories | 9:16 | 1080x1920px |
Instagram avatar size
The avatar is located next to the username and profile header, so you should take it seriously. The requirements for an Instagram avatar for mobile and desktop versions are slightly different, so it’s better to choose larger images so that they fit well under both versions.
- Aspect ratio: 1:1
- Optimal size: between 110 x 110 px and 180 x 180 px
- Maximum resolution: 180 x 180 px
Note: The rules do not imply that your avatar must be exactly 180x180px when uploaded.
Theoretically, you can upload images much larger than this. More importantly, they must be square in order for the system to display them correctly.
Before uploading a photo, crop it into a square shape to see what details will be cut off and what will remain visible. The finished avatar will be in the shape of a circle, so you should check that there are no important elements around the edges of the image. You should also remember that the photo will be very small, so it makes sense to enlarge it a little and crop it.
Instagram square image size
Square is the original format that all Instagram users are well aware of. It is still the choice of many users, especially when you consider the fact that posts are displayed in this ratio in the profile grid.
- Aspect ratio: 1:1
- Optimal size: between 600 x 600 px and 1080 x 1080 px
- Maximum resolution: 1080 x 1080 px
Note: When you're composing a square photo, it's best to center the main element.
Since there is not much working space on the sides, crop the photo so that the focus is in the center.
Another working method is symmetrical composition. Even if it breaks the rule of thirds that everyone in the world of photography talks about, it works great for Instagram. Symmetrical composition creates harmony and a sense of aesthetic satisfaction, balance and proportion. Play with lines, mirroring and patterns.
Instagram horizontal (landscape) photo size
Landscape photo orientation is not the best choice for most profiles, but some use it to maintain the look of a professional photo. The standard will still be a square, but you can easily change it with the edit button.
- Aspect ratio: 1.91:1
- Optimal size: between 600 x 315 px and 1080 x 608 px
- Maximum resolution: 1080 x 608 px
Note: Most cameras shoot in 16:9 ratio, not 1.91:1. If you don't resize the photos, they will either be loaded with black edges or the sides of the image will be cut off.
Black edges are highly undesirable as they change the look of the image and make the tape look inconsistent.
There are several advantages to creating landscape photos or cropping them to this format. This ratio seems more natural to the human eye and conveys a sense of space or panoramic perception. Landscape orientation is great for horizontal or horizontally moving objects. And in conclusion - this format is most suitable for viewing from a computer.
Instagram vertical (portrait) photo size
Portrait is a favorite format for marketers as it takes up more real estate on users' screens whenever they're not opening the app. While Instagram gives users room to get creative with non-square formats, there are some limitations.
- Aspect ratio: 4:5
- Optimal size: between 480 x 600 px and 1080 x 1350 px
- Maximum size: 1080 x 1350 px
Note: As we mentioned earlier, the reason portrait photos are prioritized is the most common: they fill almost the entire user's display space.
This means that it catches the eye more and gives more chances that the photo will be noticed. In addition, this format literally gives you more physical space to place your brand.
In this case, the rule of thirds comes into play. Vertical lines can be divided into foreground, middle and background. Ideally, it's best to place something eye-catching in all three parts. As a last resort, there should be at least one main focus point.
Instagram carousel post size
The carousel allows users to upload up to 10 images that match the same aspect ratio. Sometimes it's not easy to align all the photos properly, but it's handy for posting multiple images, close-ups, and other pictures in one post.
- Aspect ratio: 1:1
- Optimal size: between 600 x 600 px and 1080 x 1080 px
- Maximum resolution: 1080 x 1080 px
Note: If you have very high resolution product photos, you should consider uploading these photos in slices in the carousel, ie.
you need to enlarge each part of the photo and divide it into parts. In this way, you can showcase the product with all the details, as well as give a general idea of it.
You can also try posting additional items that complement or are part of the set. This way, you won't clutter your feed with multiple posts that might annoy some users. You can even achieve a panoramic effect by posting a layout carousel, where each photo is a suggestion of the previous one.
Instagram Stories Size
Instagram Stories are very engaging, accessible and easy to follow. Since stories are an effective way to increase reach, engagement, and conversions, you can't afford to upload content in an incomprehensible way.
- Aspect ratio: 9:16
- Optimal size: between 600 x 1067 px and 1080 x 1920 px
- Maximum resolution: 1080 x 1920 px
Note: Instagram provides specific options for different ratios. Photos that do not meet the recommended parameters will not be stretched; instead, the app will add a border around the edges to match the main color scheme of the image.
This option allows you to upload even horizontal photos (however, they will be much smaller than vertical ones).
However, you should still opt for a vertical format in Stories. People use their smartphones vertically, so you don't have to force them to rotate their phones to see the full size image. If you do without using a frame to fill the entire screen, and also rotate the photo vertically, then you will be pleased with the end result.
Instagram video size
If you want to create the perfect Instagram video, then you need to consider the features of the platform. Check out our guide on how to post videos to Instagram and try playing around with different formats. There are many nuances in the publication of videos that are worth getting to know.
Here is a short table of allowed video formats and their features.
| Instagram video format | Aspect ratio | Size |
| Square video | 1:1 | 1080x1080px |
| Horizontal video | 16:9 | 1080 x 608px |
| Vertical video | 4:5 | 1080 x 1350px |
| IGTV | 9:16 | 1080x1350px |
| Storys | 9:16 | 1080x1920px |
Just like with photos, Instagram provides the ability to work with square videos.
This format is standard and universal for all kinds of devices. The technical requirements for square videos are almost the same as those for photos.
- Square video aspect ratio: 1:1
- Minimum and maximum resolution: 600 x 600 px and 1080 x 1080 px
- Duration: up to 60 seconds
- File size: up to 4 GB
Our recommendations for horizontal videos are almost identical to those we gave for photos. The reason why we recommend using a different aspect ratio is that it's too complicated to convert a video to 1.9:1. In addition, most people are used to watching videos in 16:9 format.
- Aspect ratio for horizontal videos: 16:9
- Minimum and maximum resolution: 600 x 315 px and 1080 x 608 px
- Duration: up to 60 seconds
- File size: up to 4 GB
Vertical video and full screen mode are not the same thing. If you're filming a clip on your phone, or recording a video on TikTok or Snapchat, then you'll need to resize the video before posting it to your feed.
- Aspect ratio for vertical videos: 4:5
- Minimum and maximum resolution: 600 x 750 px and 1080 x 1350 px
- Duration: up to 60 seconds
- File size: up to 4 GB
IGTV is Instagram's first attempt at adding a longer video option. To date, this format has proved to be the most suitable for a more detailed display of any topic without a 60-second limit.
- IGTV aspect ratio: 9:16
- Minimum and maximum resolution: 600 x 750 px and 1080 x 1350 px
- Duration: 15 seconds to 60 minutes
- File size: up to 5.4 GB
Note: The recommended cover photo size is 420 by 654 px, which corresponds to a ratio of 1:1.55. Try to fit the cover image to the exact size you need because you won't be able to change it later.
Story video is a way to make short vertical videos. Whether you record video directly from the app or upload it from an album, the requirements remain the same.
