Instagram Ad Sizes 2026 are important for creating advertisements that look clear and professional across different Instagram placements. The recommended sizes vary depending on whether you are creating a Feed ad, Story ad, Reel ad or Carousel ad. Using the correct dimensions helps prevent unwanted cropping and keeps important text and visuals visible.
For most Instagram advertising campaigns, three main sizes cover the major placements: 1080 × 1350 pixels for Feed ads, 1080 × 1920 pixels for Stories and Reels, and 1080 × 1080 pixels for square Carousel cards.
Instagram Ad Sizes 2026: Quick Reference
Instagram offers several advertising formats, and each has different creative requirements. The following sizes are commonly used for the major placements:
| Instagram Ad Type | Recommended Size | Aspect Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Feed Ad | 1080 × 1350 px | 4:5 |
| Square Feed Ad | 1080 × 1080 px | 1:1 |
| Story Ad | 1080 × 1920 px | 9:16 |
| Reels Ad | 1080 × 1920 px | 9:16 |
| Carousel Card | 1080 × 1080 px | 1:1 |
| Carousel Card | 1080 × 1350 px | 4:5 |
The 4:5 format gives Feed ads more vertical space than a square creative, while 9:16 is designed for full-screen Stories and Reels.
Instagram Image and Video File Limits
Choosing the correct dimensions is only one part of creating an Instagram ad. You also need to consider the file format and size.
For image ads, JPG and PNG formats are commonly supported, while video ads can use MP4 or MOV formats.
Important file specifications include:
- Images: JPG or PNG
- Image file size: up to 30 MB
- Videos: MP4 or MOV
- Video codec: H.264 is commonly recommended
- Audio codec: AAC is commonly recommended
- Video file size: up to 4 GB
- Carousel ads: generally 2 to 10 cards
- Carousel cards should use the same aspect ratio for a consistent presentation
Always check the latest requirements in Meta Ads Manager before publishing, as advertising specifications can change.
1. Instagram Single Image Ads
Single Image Ads are one of the simplest Instagram advertising formats. They use one image along with advertising copy and a call-to-action.
They can be used to promote products, services, websites, articles, offers and other content.
Recommended size
For Instagram Feed advertising, 1080 × 1350 pixels is a useful vertical format, while 1080 × 1080 pixels can also be used for square creatives.
A good image should be clear, easy to understand and designed with mobile screens in mind.
Key points
- Recommended Feed size: 1080 × 1350 pixels
- Square option: 1080 × 1080 pixels
- Formats: JPG or PNG
- Keep important information easy to read
- Use a clear call-to-action
2. Instagram Carousel Ads
Instagram Carousel Ads allow advertisers to display multiple images or videos within one advertisement. Users can swipe through the cards to see additional content.
Carousel ads can be useful when you want to:
- Explain a product step by step
- Present several products
- Show different features
- Tell a visual story
- Share multiple pieces of information
- Compare different options
A carousel can contain 2 to 10 cards, with the cards designed in a consistent format.
Recommended Carousel Size
A common square Carousel format is 1080 × 1080 pixels. A vertical 1080 × 1350 pixel format can also be useful where supported.
For a professional-looking carousel, keep the dimensions and visual style consistent across all cards.
3. Instagram Video Ads
Video ads use moving content to communicate a message to Instagram users. They can be used for product demonstrations, tutorials, promotional messages and brand content.
For Feed placements, square and vertical formats can be used depending on the placement and campaign setup.
For full-screen vertical placements, 1080 × 1920 pixels is the standard canvas size for Stories and Reels.
Important video specifications
- Recommended vertical size: 1080 × 1920 pixels
- Common formats: MP4 or MOV
- H.264 video compression is widely supported
- AAC audio is commonly used
- Maximum file size can be up to 4 GB
- Keep the video clear and mobile-friendly
Video duration limits can vary by placement and Meta’s current advertising requirements, so check Ads Manager when creating the campaign.
4. Instagram Lead Ads
Instagram Lead Ads are designed to help businesses collect information from potential customers through forms.
Depending on the campaign setup, users can provide information such as their name, email address or phone number without having to complete the entire process on an external website.
Businesses using lead-generation campaigns should also make sure that their privacy and data-collection requirements are properly addressed.
For the creative, use a clear image or video that explains what users will receive after submitting the form.
5. Instagram Stories Ads
Instagram Stories Ads appear in the full-screen vertical Stories experience.
The recommended size is:
1080 × 1920 pixels
This uses a 9:16 aspect ratio and is designed to fill a smartphone screen.
Stories are particularly useful for short promotional messages, product announcements, offers and brand storytelling.
Story image specifications
- Recommended resolution: 1080 × 1920 pixels
- Aspect ratio: 9:16
- Common image formats: JPG and PNG
- Maximum image file size: generally up to 30 MB
- Design for a vertical mobile screen
Because Stories are displayed vertically, avoid placing important information too close to the edges.
6. Instagram Stories Video and Reels Ads
Instagram Reels and Stories use vertical, full-screen creative.
The recommended size for both is:
1080 × 1920 pixels
This gives the creative a 9:16 aspect ratio.
Reels and Stories can use short videos to demonstrate products, explain ideas, introduce brands or promote offers.
Recommended video specifications
- Resolution: 1080 × 1920 pixels
- Aspect ratio: 9:16
- File formats: MP4 or MOV
- Video codec: H.264 is commonly recommended
- Audio: AAC is commonly recommended
- Maximum file size: up to 4 GB
The exact duration and other requirements can vary by placement, so review the current specifications shown in Meta Ads Manager before uploading your creative.
Instagram Ad Safe Zones
Correct dimensions alone do not guarantee that every part of your design will remain visible.
Stories and Reels contain Instagram interface elements such as profile information, captions and call-to-action areas. These can cover parts of your creative.
For a 1080 × 1920 pixel design, keep important text, logos and key visual elements away from the top and bottom areas.
A practical design approach is to leave approximately:
- 250 pixels at the top
- 340 pixels at the bottom
This leaves a central area of roughly 1,330 pixels where important information can be placed more safely.
However, safe areas can vary depending on the placement and interface. Always preview the creative before publishing.
Instagram Feed Ad Design Tips
Feed advertisements should be designed for mobile viewing. Users often scroll quickly, so the main message needs to be understood at a glance.
Consider these practices:
- Use a clear headline.
- Keep the main message short.
- Use readable fonts.
- Avoid overcrowding the image.
- Place important information near the centre.
- Use high-quality images.
- Make the branding easy to recognise.
- Preview the ad before publishing.
For Feed ads, the first part of the caption is also important because users may see only a short portion before choosing to expand it.
Instagram Carousel Design Tips
When creating a Carousel Ad, consistency is important.
Use the same:
- Dimensions
- Font style
- Branding
- Colour system
- Visual hierarchy
You can use the first card to introduce the main idea and the following cards to provide additional information.
For example, a business could use a carousel to show Product → Features → Benefits → Use Case → Call to Action.
Which Instagram Ad Size Should You Use?
The right size depends on where your advertisement will appear.
| Placement | Recommended Size |
|---|---|
| Instagram Feed | 1080 × 1350 px |
| Square Feed | 1080 × 1080 px |
| Instagram Stories | 1080 × 1920 px |
| Instagram Reels | 1080 × 1920 px |
| Carousel | 1080 × 1080 px |
| Vertical Carousel | 1080 × 1350 px |
If you want to create separate designs for the major placements, preparing 1080 × 1350, 1080 × 1920, and 1080 × 1080 versions gives you flexibility across Feed, Stories, Reels and Carousel placements.
Instagram Ads and Meta Ads Manager
Instagram advertising is managed through Meta’s advertising system. When creating a campaign, advertisers can select Instagram placements along with other available placements depending on their campaign objectives.
Before uploading your final creative, check the placement preview in Ads Manager. This can help identify cropping, text placement or other visual issues before the advertisement goes live.
Final Instagram Ad Size Checklist
Before publishing an Instagram advertisement, check:
- Feed design: 1080 × 1350 pixels
- Square design: 1080 × 1080 pixels
- Story design: 1080 × 1920 pixels
- Reel design: 1080 × 1920 pixels
- Use suitable JPG, PNG, MP4 or MOV files
- Keep important information inside the safe area
- Make carousel cards consistent
- Check text readability on a mobile screen
- Preview every placement before publishing
- Confirm the latest requirements in Meta Ads Manager
Using the right Instagram Ad Sizes 2026 can help your creative display properly across different placements. More importantly, a good ad should combine the correct dimensions with clear messaging, readable design and careful placement of important elements.
FAQs
1. What is the recommended Instagram Feed ad size in 2026?
The recommended Instagram Feed ad size is 1080 × 1350 pixels with a 4:5 aspect ratio.
2. What size should an Instagram Story ad be?
Instagram Story ads are recommended at 1080 × 1920 pixels, using a 9:16 aspect ratio.
3. What is the correct size for Instagram Reels ads?
The recommended size for Instagram Reels ads is 1080 × 1920 pixels with a 9:16 aspect ratio.
4. What is the best size for Instagram Carousel ads?
A common Carousel size is 1080 × 1080 pixels. A vertical 1080 × 1350 pixel format may also be supported.
5. What image formats can be used for Instagram ads?
Commonly supported image formats include JPG and PNG.
6. How large can an Instagram image ad file be?
Image files can generally be up to 30 MB, depending on the current Meta advertising requirements.
7. What is the Instagram Story safe zone?
Important text, logos and other key elements should be kept away from the top and bottom areas where Instagram interface elements may appear.
8. How many cards can an Instagram Carousel Ad have?
An Instagram Carousel Ad can generally contain 2 to 10 cards.
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