Designing for Instagram & Facebook
Each platform has its own size
A design that looks perfect in the Instagram app can be badly cropped on Facebook or WhatsApp if you use the wrong size. Learning the standard sizes for each platform prevents that embarrassing crop.
The standard sizes
| Platform / spot | Size (px) |
|---|---|
| Instagram square post | 1080 x 1080 |
| Instagram / Facebook story | 1080 x 1920 |
| Instagram portrait post | 1080 x 1350 |
| Facebook feed post | 1200 x 630 |
| WhatsApp status | 1080 x 1920 |
| YouTube thumbnail | 1280 x 720 |
Square posts for feeds
1080 x 1080 is the safest all-round size for Instagram and Facebook feeds. When in doubt, design square - it is never badly cropped on either platform.
Stories and statuses
1080 x 1920 fills the whole phone screen. Keep important content in the centre safe area - the top and bottom of a story are covered by your profile name, the platform buttons and sometimes the keyboard.
Portrait posts
1080 x 1350 is a 4:5 portrait that shows more in the Instagram feed than a square, and it is the favourite size of many creators for posts with a lot of text.
Tip: Design a story version of a post with just the headline and key message - stories are seen quickly, so less text performs better.
Practical exercise
Design for two platforms:
- Create a 1080 x 1080 post for your feed
- Create a 1080 x 1920 story version of the same message
- Keep the key text in the story's centre safe area
- Export both and save them to your gallery
Check your understanding
What is the safest feed size for Instagram? 1080 x 1080 px.What size is a story or status? 1080 x 1920 px.Where should content sit in a story design? In the centre safe area, away from the top and bottom edges.
Answer the questions out loud or on paper. If any are hard, re-read this lesson before moving on.
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