Instagram Carousel Size Guide 2025: Perfect Dimensions & Best Practices

Get the perfect Instagram carousel dimensions every time. This guide covers optimal sizes, aspect ratios, and design tips to maximize engagement and avoid cropping issues.

Quick Reference: Instagram Carousel Dimensions

Optimal Instagram Carousel Size (2025):

• Aspect Ratio: 4:5 (portrait) recommended
• Dimensions: 1080 x 1350 pixels (preferred) or 1080 x 1080 pixels (square)
• Maximum Slides: 10 images or videos per carousel
• File Size: Max 30MB per image

Instagram Carousel Dimensions: Complete Specifications

Supported Aspect Ratios

Portrait (4:5) - Most Recommended

• 1080 x 1350 pixels
• Takes up more screen space in the feed
• Best for fashion, portraits, tall designs
• Highest engagement potential

Square (1:1) - Universal Choice

• 1080 x 1080 pixels
• Universal compatibility across devices
• Good for general content, products
• Safe choice for consistent display

Landscape (1.91:1) - Limited Use

• 1080 x 566 pixels
• Best for scenic photos, wide infographics
• Takes up less screen real estate
• Consider for specific content types only

Detailed Size Specifications

How Many Slides Can Instagram Carousels Have?

Carousel Slide Limits:

• Maximum slides: 10 images or videos per carousel post
• Optimal range: 5-8 slides for best engagement
• Sweet spot: 5-7 slides balances storytelling with attention span
• Pro tip: Use odd numbers (3, 5, 7, 9) for more visually appealing layouts

Design Best Practices for Instagram Carousels

1. Consistent Aspect Ratios

Why it matters: Mixed aspect ratios in one carousel create awkward cropping and poor user experience.

Do:

• Use the same aspect ratio for all slides in one carousel
• Choose 1:1 (square) for maximum compatibility

Don't:

• Mix square and landscape images in one carousel
• Use aspect ratios not supported by Instagram

2. Image Quality & Resolution

Technical Requirements:

• Minimum resolution: 320 x 320 pixels
• Recommended resolution: 1080 x 1080 pixels
• Maximum file size: 30MB per image
• Supported formats: JPEG, PNG, GIF (non-animated), BMP, TIFF
• Color space: sRGB recommended for best display

3. Content Flow & Storytelling

Slide 1: Hook Grab attention immediately. Use bold visuals, intriguing text, or compelling imagery.

Slides 2-8: Value Deliver on your promise. Provide tips, showcase products, or tell your story progressively.

Final Slide: Call-to-Action End with a clear CTA. Ask for engagement, direct to your bio, or prompt specific actions.

Platform-Specific Considerations

Feed Display

Your carousel's first slide is crucial as it appears in the Instagram feed. Make sure it:

• Works as a standalone image
• Clearly indicates it's part of a series
• Includes engaging visual elements
• Has readable text (if using text overlays)

Stories & Reels Integration

• Carousel posts can be shared to Stories (individual slides)
• Consider how each slide looks when shared separately
• Include your handle/branding on important slides
• Design slides to work both in carousel and standalone contexts

Tools for Creating Perfect Carousel Sizes

Free Tools:

• Canva: Instagram carousel templates
• Adobe Express: Professional carousel designs
• GIMP: Free image editing with precise dimensions
• Figma: Design collaboration tool with Instagram presets
• SocialRails Grid Maker: Instagram grid planning tool

Professional Tools:

• Adobe Photoshop: Advanced image editing
• Adobe Illustrator: Vector-based designs
• Sketch: UI/UX design for social media
• Affinity Designer: Professional design alternative
• Later: Visual content planning

Common Instagram Carousel Size Mistakes

❌ Mistake #1: Mixed Aspect Ratios

Using different aspect ratios within one carousel causes Instagram to crop images awkwardly, cutting off important content.

Solution: Use our Instagram Image Cropper to crop all your carousel images to the same aspect ratio before uploading. It supports all Instagram formats (square 1:1, portrait 4:5, landscape 1.91:1, and story 9:16) with browser-based processing and no watermarks.

❌ Mistake #2: Low Resolution Images

Uploading images smaller than 1080px results in pixelated, unprofessional-looking carousels that hurt engagement.

❌ Mistake #3: Ignoring Safe Zones

Not accounting for Instagram's interface elements (like the slide indicator dots) can obscure important content.

❌ Mistake #4: Using All Slides Without Purpose

Using all 10 slides without a strategic reason can lead to viewer fatigue and lower completion rates. Only use as many slides as needed to tell your story.

Instagram Carousel Performance Tips

Engagement Optimization

• First slide matters most: The first slide determines whether users swipe further
• Slide progression: Design slides to encourage swiping with visual flow
• Call-to-action placement: Include CTAs on multiple slides, not just the last
• Visual consistency: Maintain brand colors and fonts throughout

Algorithm Benefits

• Increased dwell time: Carousels keep users on your post longer
• Multiple engagement opportunities: Users can like, comment, and swipe
• Shareability: Individual slides can be shared to Stories
• Saves potential: Tutorial and informational carousels get saved more

Carousel Ideas by Content Type

Educational Carousels:

• Step-by-step tutorials
• Tips and tricks lists
• Before and after comparisons
• Myth vs fact posts
• Industry insights

Business Carousels:

• Product showcase galleries
• Customer testimonial compilations
• Behind-the-scenes stories
• Team introductions
• Feature announcements

Testing & Optimization

To find your optimal carousel strategy:

1. A/B test slide counts: Try 3, 5, 7, and 10-slide carousels
2. Monitor completion rates: Track how many users swipe to the end
3. Analyze engagement patterns: See which slide positions get the most interaction
4. Test different first slides: The hook slide significantly impacts performance
5. Experiment with content types: Educational vs entertainment vs promotional

Frequently Asked Questions About Instagram Carousel Dimensions

What size should Instagram carousels be in 2025?

The optimal Instagram carousel size is 1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5 aspect ratio). This portrait format takes up more screen space and tends to perform well. Square carousels (1080 x 1080 pixels) are also a reliable choice.

How many slides can Instagram carousels have?

Instagram carousels can have up to 10 slides (images or videos). For best engagement, aim for 5-7 slides that tell a cohesive story.

What's the best aspect ratio for Instagram carousels?

4:5 (portrait) is generally the best aspect ratio for Instagram carousels, followed by 1:1 (square). Landscape (1.91:1) takes up less screen space and is typically used less often.

Can I mix different sizes in one carousel?

No. All images in an Instagram carousel must use the same aspect ratio. Instagram crops all images to match the first image's dimensions.

What file size limit do Instagram carousels have?

Each image in an Instagram carousel can be up to 30MB. Videos can be up to 4GB.

Should I use video in Instagram carousels?

Yes, you can mix images and videos in Instagram carousels. Videos can increase dwell time and engagement.

What's the minimum resolution for Instagram carousels?

The minimum resolution is 320 x 320 pixels, but 1080 pixels width is recommended for best quality on high-resolution displays.

Do Instagram carousels get more engagement than single posts?

Carousels often generate higher engagement because users spend more time swiping through slides, which signals interest to Instagram's algorithm.

What are the exact pixel dimensions for Instagram carousel posts?

Portrait: 1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5), Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1), Landscape: 1080 x 566 pixels (1.91:1). Portrait is commonly recommended.

How do I avoid cropping issues in Instagram carousels?

Use the same aspect ratio for all slides, keep important content away from edges (especially the bottom where dots appear), and preview your carousel before publishing.

Master Instagram Carousel Marketing

Take your Instagram carousels to the next level with SocialRails. Plan, schedule, and analyze your carousel performance with professional tools designed for growth.

Start Your Free Trial →