Instagram Placeholder Images — All Sizes

Instagram posts, stories, and reels each have strict pixel requirements. Using the wrong dimensions causes cropping, letterboxing, or blurry output. The Instagram preset generates correctly sized placeholders for every format so you can build and test layouts before the real photography is ready.

Size reference

NameDimensionsDescription
feed1080x1350Portrait feed post — 4:5 aspect ratio, the recommended format for maximum feed real estate
square1080x1080Square feed post — classic 1:1 format, works in both feed and profile grid views
story1080x1920Story frame — full-screen 9:16 vertical format for Stories
reel_cover1080x1920Reel cover — same 9:16 dimensions as Stories, used as the preview thumbnail
landscape1080x608Landscape post — 1.91:1 ratio, matches Open Graph and works as a feed or ad image

Why these sizes matter

Instagram's algorithm favors content that fills the frame without cropping. Portrait feed posts (4:5 ratio at 1080×1350) get more screen real estate than square posts. Stories and reels use the full 9:16 viewport (1080×1920). Landscape posts (1.91:1 at 1080×608) match the Open Graph format. Getting dimensions right from the start prevents re-exporting assets after the design is approved.

Use cases

Social media design templates

Build branded post templates in Figma or Sketch at the correct pixel dimensions before sourcing photography.

Scheduling tool previews

Preview how a post will look in Buffer, Later, or Hootsuite before adding real images. Placeholder sizing shows exactly how the crop will fall.

Ad creative testing

Verify that your ad layout renders correctly at all Instagram placements — feed, story, and reel — before committing to production assets.

FAQ — Frequently asked questions

What is the best image size for Instagram feed posts?
The recommended size is 1080×1350px (4:5 portrait ratio). It takes up the most vertical space in the feed without being cropped, giving your content more visibility.
What dimensions do Instagram Stories use?
Instagram Stories use 1080×1920px (9:16 ratio). Keep key content within the central 1080×1420px safe zone to avoid overlap with UI elements.
Can I use the same image for Stories and Reels?
Yes. Both use the 1080×1920px 9:16 format. The reel_cover size in this preset is identical to the story size.

Ready to generate Instagram placeholder images?

Open the generator with this preset pre-loaded and download your pack in seconds.