In the ever-evolving world of social media, staying ahead of trends and understanding platform-specific nuances is crucial for businesses looking to maximise engagement which stems down to using the optimal Instagram dimensions.
What Are Instagram Dimensions?
One of the key aspects of effective Instagram marketing is mastering the correct image and video dimensions for different types of posts. In this blog, we will delve into the latest Instagram dimensions for Carousel Posts, Reels, and Stories, and explore how these specifications will impact the marketing landscape in 2025.
Instagram Carousel Posts: Maximising Engagement
Carousel posts continue to be a powerful tool for storytelling and engagement on Instagram. The optimal image size for Carousel Posts is 1080 × 1350 pixels (4:5 ratio), but when displayed in the grid view, Instagram crops the preview to a 1012 × 1350 pixel (3:4 ratio). This means that while users can swipe through the full-sized images, only the centre portion is visible in the main feed.
From a marketing perspective, this means brands must ensure that their key message or focal point remains centred to capture attention in the initial preview. The importance of visual composition and strategic design will become even more crucial in 2025, as competition for consumer attention continues to intensify.
Instagram Reels: The Rise of Short-Form Video Content
With the growing dominance of short-form video content, Instagram Reels have become a crucial element of social media strategy. The recommended aspect ratio for Reels is 9:16 (1080 × 1920 pixels), but when displayed in the grid, it is cropped to 3:4 (1080 × 1440 pixels). This cropping effect emphasises the need for businesses to position their key content within the safe area to prevent crucial information from being cut off.
Looking ahead to 2025, Reels will likely play an even more significant role in Instagram marketing. Brands will need to create engaging, high-quality video content tailored for the Reels format, focusing on fast-paced storytelling and visually compelling elements. As organic reach continues to decline for traditional static posts, businesses that master Reels will have a competitive edge.
Instagram Stories: Keeping Users Engaged
Instagram Stories remain a staple of digital marketing, offering a way to share time-sensitive content, promotions, and behind-the-scenes glimpses. Like Reels, Stories have an ideal size of 9:16 (1080 × 1920 pixels), but the safe area is 1080 × 1610 pixels. Marketers should avoid placing essential text or elements in areas that might be obscured by Instagram’s UI, such as the bottom of the screen where engagement buttons appear.
In 2025, we can expect Stories to become even more interactive, with features like polls, quizzes, and shoppable links playing a pivotal role. Businesses should prioritise a mix of organic and paid Stories to maintain visibility and engagement with their audience.
Adapting to Social Media Changes with a Skilled Marketing Team
As social media platforms continue to evolve, businesses must stay updated with the latest trends and format changes to remain competitive. Having a marketing team that understands the intricacies of Instagram’s algorithms, dimensions, and content strategies is essential.
Molyneux Marketing specialises in staying ahead of these shifts, ensuring your brand leverages Instagram and other social media platforms to their full potential.
If you’re looking for a team that is well-versed in the latest social media trends and best practices, contact Molyneux Marketing through our website today by clicking here.


