Why and How to Crop Photos for Instagram
Instagram comes with many features. After every few months and sometimes a year, it adds features to keep users hooked to the app. For example, initially, there was just a regular post. Later, with time, it included IGTV, stories, and live video options too. Now in 2024, there are more than two ways to share content.
But in the process of adding new features. Certain aspects remain the same throughout. One of the examples is about cropping photos for Instagram – this is what we will focus on in this blog.
Why Crop Photos for Instagram?
No matter what, we need to crop Instagram posts in which there is one or more than one image. Here are some of the best reasoned and logical answers.
- One of the biggest and most coherent reasons is the “incompatible size.” It knows the most accurate dimension for the picture. That’s the reason why it works out best in a square frame.
- Another reason why it crops the picture is to fit the dimensions automatically.
- The only possible way to remove white space from the picture is to crop the image.
- If your picture doesn’t comply with official terms of use and conditions. It simply resizes and crops the picture.
Different Sizes and Types of Cropping for Instagram Posts
Instagram is relatively rigid about sizes and dimensions. It only acknowledges pictures that range from 320 pixels to 1080 pixels. Even though there are particular dimensions to remember for different features. Instagram users don’t have to worry much.
It is because if you post an image with less than 320 pixels, Instagram expands it automatically. Likewise, if you are uploading a picture with more than 1080 pixels, it will bring it down to 1080 pixels. So, in short, you don’t have to sweat the details.
Even then, you should know the basics of cropping pictures.
1. Instagram Stories
- Size is always 1080 pixels x 1920 pixels
- This size is perfect, which means there is no negative space (black space) in pictures
- Size is adjusted automatically
2. Cropping Instagram Image Posts
- Instagram square picture posts are ideally 1080 pixels x 1080 pixels
- Landscape pictures on Instagram are measured at 1080 pixels x 608 pixels
- Portrait images on IG are 1080 pixels x 1350 pixels
3. Instagram Reels
- Usually, reels range between 30 & 90 seconds.
- The pictures reel is different and doesn’t need particular dimensions
Uploading Pictures with the Right Size on Instagram
There are several ways and methods to crop an Instagram photo. For example, there are third-party applications, the manual process, and the automatic procedure of cropping pictures.
Method #1: Third-Party Applications to Crop Photos on Instagram
Editing applications are available on both iOS and Android. With the help of these apps, editing, which includes cropping as well, gets more manageable. It takes less time and minimum effort to get the desired cropped picture.
Method #2: The Much-Known – Manual Method
However, when it comes to the manual method. We can say cropping is done in two ways – smartphone app and browser. Let’s check out both approaches.
Crop Instagram Photo on an App
All you have to do is to follow the steps mentioned below.
Step #1: Open the application on your smartphone.
Step #2: To add the picture, click “add (+).”
Step #3: Now choose “Post” from the options below towards the end of the app.
Step #4: You have to select a picture in this step. You can choose to take a fresh one too.
Step #5: On the right, top side, click on the option “Next.”
Step #6: Towards the bottom, you will see “Edit.” Click on it.
Step #7: Press the option “Adjust.”
Step #8: You will have the option to zoom in and zoom out. To do that, pinch the screen.
Step #9: There will be a frame. You can replace and reposition the picture to fit in the frame.
Step #10: Select “Done.” this will save all the changes made.
Step #11: Click “Next,” located on the right, top side.
Step #12: Now, it is time to share. Click on the “Share” option.
Crop Photos for Instagram through Web Browser
As we know, Instagram is accessible on the web as well as on applications. So, certain steps will be needed if you use a web browser to crop an Instagram photo. We have shared the steps below so that it becomes easy to follow.
Step #1: Open the website – www.instagram.com and give details to log in.
Step #2: Find (+) “add” sign and click on it.
Step #3: A dialogue box will open, and you will see “Drag Photos.” Drag the picture into the box.
Step #4: Choose the best option from the bottom, left.
Step #5: Reposition and rotate to fix the image within the frame.
Step #6: Press “Next” on the right-side top corner.
Step #7: Click “Next” after making the necessary changes.
Step #8: Now press “Share.”
Method #3: Easy Peasy One – Automatic Method
Do you wish to know how Instagram crop size without the user getting worried? Well, it is simple. As soon as you share an image, Instagram eliminates the black space automatically. If you are thinking you would be the only one using auto mode. Then you are wrong. It is not the case. You, along with many other Instagram users, prefer to worry less about the cropping thing.
However, at times when you are running an Instagram business or official profile. The need to be more careful about black space in the frame would matter. It is because this way you will comply with the much-needed marketing strategy.
Also Read: How to Go Live on Instagram?
Takeaway: Crop Instagram Photos
Well, it is a must to crop a picture on Instagram. Otherwise, it doesn’t look professional in a public and official IG account. Likewise, if you want to make money on Instagram, it is best to check everything from the description to the size of the pictures uploaded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question #1: How to fit the whole picture on Instagram?
Answer: Follow the steps below to fit the whole picture on Instagram.
Step #1: launch the application.
Step #2: Upload an image.
Step #3: The image will automatically be resized and cropped into a square.
Step #4: Now click the arrows to fit the image without black/white space.
Question #2: How to crop multiple photos on Instagram?
Answer: This is how you can crop several pictures on Instagram.
Step #1: To share multiple pictures on Instagram, you must choose landscape or portrait.
Step #2: Then click on the “Crop” option.
Step #3: Now, adjust the image to fit it in the frame
Question #3: Why does Instagram prefer to crop my pictures?
Answer: There are particular ratios on which Instagram posts pictures. If an uploaded photo is not supported on those ratios, it automatically crops the image. However, the picture resolution is not changed automatically.
Question #4: What are the different ratios of cropping a picture for Instagram?
Answer: Following are the ratios of cropping a picture for Instagram.
Regular landscape post: 1:91:1
Regular vertical post: 4:5
Instagram video: 1.91:1 – 4:5
Instagram story size: 9:16
Question #5: How to upload a full image on Instagram without cropping?
Answer: To avoid cropping, include a white background. It will make the image square. This way, your picture will not be cropped to a 4:5 ratio. This works out best for videos and GIFs as well.
About the Writer
Qudsia Ehtram is a Veteran Content Creator at Digital Aimz and a seasoned creative head at QD Writing Services. She is a ghostwriter of 30 novels for US audiences and holds 27 years of experience under her wings. Cherry on top, she is handling working for a number of brands as a Social Media Consultant.