Instagram Carousel Sizes: An Ultimate Guide for All IG Carousels

Do you want to post polished Instagram carousels that grab attention? Then, you should explore the various Instagram carousel sizes. With new updates coming in every now and then, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to keep track of Instagram carousel dimensions.

However, you just can’t ignore the carousel specs for Instagram. Otherwise, your images may suffer unwanted cropping and blurring. Additionally, various image and video types follow different dimension specifications when uploading them.

In this blog, we will cover everything about Instagram carousel sizes, their dimensions, aspect ratios, and file sizes. Furthermore, we have also covered the best carousel Instagram size and best practices to apply for carousel sizes.

Why Should You Care About Instagram Carousel Sizes

Instagram carousels have been the talk of the town for their engagement. You can create a stunning carousel post, but still fail to make an impression if you ignore the Instagram carousel dimensions while uploading them.

What happens when you don’t abide by the standard carousel specs? Here are a few issues that users face in different situations.

Inconsistent Instagram Carousel Aspect Ratio

There are various image types, including portrait, vertical, and horizontal. Each of these has a different aspect ratio. When users select different image types, Instagram may force-match all the images, similar to the first slide. As a result, you have a series of severely cropped pictures, ruining your entire post.

Low Resolution and Blurred Carousel Content

High-quality content instantly enhances the appeal of your Instagram carousel posts. However, that’s only possible when you adhere to the minimum image size. If you upload highly compressed pictures, it interferes with the polished look of your post. Additionally, low-resolution and blurred content can portray an unprofessional image for your brand.

Poor Mobile Optimization 

Optimizing carousel is crucial as most people view your posts on a small screen. If you do not optimize your images and videos, the text may become unreadable, or the pictures will not display correctly.

Unexpected Cropping of Instagram Carousel Photos

Without proper sizing, Instagram often crops image elements placed too close to the margins. That becomes problematic as it brings inconsistency to the image content and reduces the overall appeal of your carousel post.

That’s why it’s crucial to keep a check on the Instagram carousel post size. In the upcoming section, you can explore different Instagram carousel sizes.

Standard Instagram Carousel Image Size 

Images are the most preferred type of content that users pick for carousels. But what size should an Instagram carousel be for various image types? Take a quick look at this picture, which illustrates multiple sizes.

Now, let’s explore each of these images for Instagram carousel sizes.

a) Portrait (Vertical) Carousel Images

Vertical carousel images are suitable for most Instagram users, as they adapt easily to the vertical screen of a tablet.

• Size: 1080 × 1350 pixels.
• Instagram Carousel Aspect Ratio: 4:5.
• Best for: Tutorials, infographics, storytelling sequences.
• Pros: The vertical pictures occupy more screen space and have higher engagement potential. These formats are excellent for showing attention to detail and comparisons.
• Cons: If mixed with square or landscape in one carousel, all might get cropped.

b) Square Carousel Images

As the name suggests, a square Instagram carousel post has equal dimensions in terms of length and width. 

• Size: 1080 × 1080 pixels.
• Instagram Carousel Aspect Ratio: 1:1.
• Best for: Product catalogs, grids, brand consistency.
• Pros: These layouts are balanced and versatile, providing ease of readability and offering bite-sized information.
• Cons: Takes up less screen space in the feed than in portrait mode.

c) Landscape (Horizontal) Carousel Images

The landscape carousel image displays in full frame when you turn the phone orientation horizontally.

• Size: 1080 × 566 pixels
• Instagram Carousel Aspect Ratio: 1.91:1
• Best for: Wide visuals, such as scenery, real estate, and product comparisons.
• Pros: These are ideal for panoramic shots and landscape photography.
• Cons: These posts have the smallest presence on mobile feeds, leading to reduced engagement in many cases.

Image File Requirements for Carousel Posts

You have reviewed all the details about pixel size and aspect ratio for various images. Next, we would explore ‘what are the rules for Instagram carousel?’ Here are some specifications related to file format and size that you should consider when uploading carousels.

• File format: JPG or PNG.
• Recommended resolution: At least 1080px wide
• Image maximum file size: 30 MB

To make your images pop and maintain consistency of the color palette across devices, you should use the sRGB color profile.

What is the Best Size for Instagram Carousel

For Instagram carousels, the best size is vertical or portrait images, with a size of 1080 x 1350 pixels and an aspect ratio of 4:5. There are multiple reasons why the vertical format is the best choice. First, this format adapts well to our phones, occupying the maximum screen real estate. That means more chances for likes, shares, saves, and comments.

Second, the latest grid view update of Instagram from square to portrait view in a 3:4 format. This shift helps reward creators with more space. However, if you had been posting in mixed formats, your feed’s aesthetic might suffer. 

For best results, carefully assess the aesthetics of your entire grid and plan accordingly for both single-image and carousel posts.

Instagram Carousel Video Size

After discussing images extensively, let’s talk about the video size for carousels on Instagram. 

Square Video Format

• Video specs: 1080 x 1080 pixels 
• Aspect ratio: 1:1

Vertical (Portrait) Video

• Video specs: 1080 x 1350 pixels  
• Aspect ratio: 4:5

Accepted File Types

While the recommended file format is MP4, Instagram also accepts MOV format for videos. Also, ensure that you export videos at 1080p within the maximum file size of 4 GB using the H.264 codec to avoid any quality loss.

What is the Safe Zone for the Instagram Carousel 

Knowing about a safe zone helps you to place crucial elements within the visible area. You can be posting product photos, text copy, or offers within the carousels. Without proper knowledge of safe margins, you may compromise these elements by placing them too close to the edge of the margins. 

As a result, the Instagram carousels may appear cropped, giving an unprofessional look. Take a look at this image, which illustrates the safe zone for carousels on Instagram. Notice how aligning the elements away from the margins ensures better visibility.

Instagram Carousel Limit

When you are creating an Instagram carousel, it’s obvious to ask how many images in an Instagram carousel can you upload? Instagram has increased the number to 20 slides per carousel post. 

Instagram Carousel Image Limit

There are still many doubts about the image limit on Instagram. How many images in an Instagram carousel, or is the Instagram carousel limit still 10? It’s time to put all doubts to rest, forever.

The maximum number of images allowed in an Instagram carousel is 20 photos, each with a file size of up to 30 MB.

Instagram Carousel Video Length

With all the new updates in Instagram now and then, you might wonder ‘How long can a carousel video be on Instagram 2025? You can have up to 20 videos for each carousel. Each slide should be within 60 seconds with a file size limit of 4 GB.

Best Practices for Instagram Carousel Sizes

Keeping every size specification for the Instagram carousel can be challenging. Here are some quick tips to keep in mind when uploading Instagram carousel posts. These best practices will ensure your carousels do not suffer from visibility or quality issues.

Maintain Consistency in Image Formats

Instagram allows you to upload different types of image formats by selecting the ‘Mixed’ option. However, for the best results and hassle-free uploads, it is recommended to choose images with the same aspect ratio. 

Keep Important Elements within the Safe Zone

We have already illustrated how Instagram carousel specs can interfere with your images if you keep design elements too close to the margins. As a general rule, keep everything centered, but avoid cluttering the image. It also ensures visibility of the content in the grid view of your Instagram page.

Use Portrait Images for Better Visibility

We have already noticed that Instagram is shifting to vertical image formats. That means, if you want to increase the chances of visibility and engagement for your content, leverage portraits as much as you can. 

Optimize IG Carousels for All Devices

While most Instagram carousel sizes vary for different images and videos, one thing that remains constant is the width. So, keep the width to 1080px to prevent compression. Also, upload files in suitable formats within the file size limit for images and videos. For images, opt for JPEG; for videos, MP4 files are the best choice.

How to Optimize Instagram Carousel Sizes with DocHipo

Optimizing your Instagram carousel designs is a smooth sail with a design tool like DocHipo. In fact, you can skip the blank canvas and kickstart designing with Instagram Carousel Templates, offering standard dimensions and high-resolution graphics for smooth upload. Let’s explore how DocHipo solves design and optimization problems in just minutes.

But first, you need to sign up with DocHipo before you start customizing your design. Next, follow these simple steps.

1. Choose Your Instagram Carousel Template

After signing up, let’s jump right into choosing the right template. So, start by searching for carousel templates. Now, select a category to narrow down your search or simply scroll down to explore all the Instagram carousel templates. Select any layout that aligns with your purpose.

2. Optimize and Customize the Carousel Design

As you can see, the template is of the standard image size for vertical or portrait carousel display.

Now, select the Page Resize option. You can easily switch the carousel size to any other image size, whether for Instagram carousels or other standard social media post formats. To do this, you need to type the custom dimension for your design and apply the changes to the canvas. 

After changing the dimension, you can customize the text, colors, and visuals within the design. 

Further, explore the smart resize feature in DocHipo.

3. Download Your Instagram Carousel Design

Once you are impressed with your design, click on the three dots in the upper-right corner. Next, download the design in a suitable format and quality.

Learn more about designing carousels with this video tutorial.

Wrapping Up

Choosing the right Instagram carousel size is key to making your posts look sharp and professional. Thus, stick to the recommended dimensions, keep consistency across all slides, and optimize for mobile viewing. The right size not only boosts visual appeal but also ensures your content grabs attention, drives engagement, and tells your story seamlessly.

If you want to create stunning Instagram carousels, DocHipo can be your ally. With premium carousel templates in preset standard sizes, you can create Insta-worthy designs within minutes. Sign up with DocHipo and start designing today!

FAQs

What is Instagram carousel post size?

The Instagram carousel sizes for various image and video types are:

• Square: 1080X1080 pixels with an aspect ratio of 1:1.
• Portrait: 1080X1350 pixels with an aspect ratio of 4:5.
• Horizontal: 1080X566 pixels with an aspect ratio of 1.91:1.

How to post landscape and portrait photos on Instagram together?

To upload landscape and portrait images within the same carousel post, follow these steps:

1. Open Instagram and choose the ‘+’ icon to post
2. Select the photos and videos you wish to upload 
3. Choose the ‘Mixed’ ratio icon at the corner of the image
4. Add caption and hashtags, and share the carousel post

What size is Instagram carousel 4×5?

The Instagram post of 4X5 is 1080 pixels wide and 1350 pixels high.