Instagram automatically crops square posts that aren't exactly 1080x1080 pixels. Your photo loses its edges, faces get cut off, and compositions fall apart. Upload images at the right dimensions and your content displays exactly how you intended. No surprises, no re-uploads, no wasted posts.
Recommended Size
1080 × 1080
pixels

Instagram displays square posts at exactly 1080x1080 pixels. Upload anything smaller and your image looks blurry and pixelated. Upload something larger and Instagram compresses it, destroying detail and color accuracy. This exact size hits the sweet spot for maximum quality without triggering compression. Your photos stay sharp whether viewed on a phone screen or a desktop monitor.

Square posts create uniform, visually appealing grids on your Instagram profile. When you mix square, portrait, and landscape posts randomly, your grid looks chaotic and unprofessional. Consistent square posts let you plan your layout, create patterns, and build a cohesive aesthetic that makes visitors want to follow. It's the foundation of every polished Instagram presence.

Square format excels at product photography, flat lays, food shots, and any composition where your subject sits in the center. The equal dimensions on all sides give you balanced framing without awkward empty space or cropped edges. For e-commerce sellers and creators showcasing items, square posts are the go-to format that makes everything look intentional and professional.
The first step in creating an Instagram square post is to choose the image or video you want to share. Make sure that it is high-quality and visually appealing. You can use a photo or video that you have already taken, or take a new one specifically for your Instagram post.
Once you have chosen an image or video, you may want to edit it before posting. You can use the editing tools within the Instagram app or use a third-party editing app to enhance your image or video. Some popular editing tools include adjusting brightness, contrast, and saturation, cropping, and adding filters.
After you have chosen and edited your image or video, it is time to post it to Instagram. Make sure to use relevant hashtags to increase the reach of your post. Once your post is live, engage with your followers by responding to comments and messages. This will help to build a community around your brand or profile.
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The optimal size for an Instagram square post is 1080 pixels by 1080 pixels.
Here are more Instagram asset sizes with their own dimensions.