Instagram Ad Sizes & Dimensions: 2026 Complete Spec Guide
Instagram ads appear across six distinct placements — Feed, Stories, Reels, Explore, Shop, and Search — each with different optimal dimensions and creative requirements. Using the wrong size means cropped images, truncated text, and wasted budget on ads that look unprofessional.
This reference guide covers every Instagram ad placement with exact specifications. Bookmark it for your next production cycle.
TL;DR — Quick Reference Table
| Placement | Recommended Size | Aspect Ratio | Video Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feed (Image) | 1080 × 1350px | 4:5 | N/A |
| Feed (Video) | 1080 × 1350px | 4:5 | 1-60s (recommended) |
| Stories | 1080 × 1920px | 9:16 | 1-120s |
| Reels | 1080 × 1920px | 9:16 | Up to 90s |
| Carousel | 1080 × 1080px | 1:1 | 1-60s per card |
| Explore | 1080 × 1080px | 1:1 or 4:5 | 1-60s |
Instagram Feed Ad Specs
Image Ads
- Recommended: 1080 × 1350px (4:5) — takes up maximum screen real estate on mobile
- Also supported: 1080 × 1080px (1:1), 1080 × 566px (1.91:1)
- Minimum resolution: 600 × 315px
- File formats: JPG, PNG
- Max file size: 30MB
Video Ads
- Recommended: 1080 × 1350px (4:5)
- Supported ratios: 1.91:1 to 4:5
- Duration: 1 second to 241 minutes (1-60 seconds recommended)
- File formats: MP4, MOV
- Max file size: 4GB
- Cover image: Choose a strong thumbnail — it's the first impression before autoplay
Copy Specs
- Primary text: 125 characters visible (2,200 max before "...more")
- Headline: Not displayed on Instagram Feed (only shows on Facebook)
- Hashtags: Can include in primary text. 3-5 relevant hashtags recommended.
Instagram Stories Ad Specs
- Resolution: 1080 × 1920px (9:16)
- Image display time: 5 seconds
- Video duration: 1-120 seconds (15 seconds or less recommended for retention)
- File size: 30MB (image), 4GB (video)
Safe zones — critical:
- Top 14% (0-270px from top): Overlapped by profile info and platform UI. Keep clear.
- Bottom 20% (1535-1920px): Overlapped by CTA/swipe-up area. Keep text above.
- Center safe zone: 1080 × 1260px area in the center of the frame. Put ALL important content here.
Instagram Reels Ad Specs
- Resolution: 1080 × 1920px (9:16 vertical)
- Duration: Up to 90 seconds (15-30 seconds recommended for ads)
- Audio: Strongly recommended — Reels is sound-on by default
- Captions: Add burned-in text or use SRT. Essential for accessibility and sound-off viewers.
- Safe zones: Similar to Stories. Keep text centered. Bottom 20% and right side overlap with UI elements (like, comment, share buttons).
Instagram Carousel Ad Specs
- Cards: 2-10 images or videos per carousel
- Image size: 1080 × 1080px (1:1) — all cards must be the same ratio
- Video size: 1080 × 1080px (1:1)
- Video duration: 1-60 seconds per card
- File size: 30MB per image, 4GB per video
- Headline per card: 40 characters (displayed below each card)
Design tip: Each card should work independently AND as part of a sequence. The first card is your hook — make it earn the swipe.
Instagram Explore Ad Specs
- Image: 1080 × 1080px (1:1) or 1080 × 1350px (4:5)
- Video: Same dimensions, 1-60 seconds
- Note: Explore ads appear when users tap into an Explore post. They look like regular Feed posts in the expanded view.
Instagram vs. Facebook: Key Spec Differences
| Element | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optimal Feed ratio | 4:5 (1080×1350) | 1:1 (1080×1080) |
| Headline display | Not shown in Feed | Shown below image |
| Primary text visible | 125 chars | 125 chars |
| Sound-on expectation | Higher (especially Reels) | Lower (most viewing sound-off) |
| Stories safe zones | More critical (smaller phone UI) | Similar but slightly more forgiving |
Production Tips for Instagram Ads
Design for 4:5 on Feed. 4:5 takes up 20% more screen space than 1:1 on mobile Instagram. This is a significant attention advantage in a fast-scrolling feed.
Always check safe zones on Stories/Reels. Use a safe-zone template overlay during production. Content that looks great in editing can be obscured by platform UI elements.
Optimize the first frame of video. Instagram shows a still frame before autoplay. Choose or create a thumbnail that's compelling enough to earn the play.
Create platform-specific versions. Don't just crop a Facebook ad for Instagram. Instagram audiences expect cleaner visuals, less text overlay, and more visual-first storytelling.
Test sound-on and sound-off versions. Reels viewers expect audio. Feed viewers often browse silently. Consider which placement is primary and design the audio experience accordingly.
Instagram Ad Specs FAQ
What's the best Instagram ad size in 2026?
1080×1350px (4:5) for Feed ads — it takes up the most screen space on mobile. 1080×1920px (9:16) for Stories and Reels — full-screen vertical.
Can I use square (1:1) images on Instagram?
Yes, 1:1 works across all Instagram placements. But 4:5 takes up more screen space in Feed, giving you a visibility advantage. Use 1:1 when you need the same creative for Facebook and Instagram simultaneously.
What's the Instagram Stories safe zone?
Keep all important content in the center 1080×1260px area. The top 270px overlaps with profile info; the bottom 385px overlaps with the CTA area.
Do Instagram Reels ads need sound?
Strongly recommended. Reels is a sound-on environment. Ads without audio feel out of place and typically receive lower engagement.
Specs Handled — Now Find Winning Creative
Correct dimensions are the starting point, not the finish line. Once your production specs are locked, focus on what actually drives results: strong hooks, compelling messaging, and proven creative patterns. Research Instagram winners in Adlude Discovery and turn them into your next campaign.