You can easily change the aspect ratio of your photo or video when posting on Instagram by using the dedicated aspect ratio button.
When you select a photo or video to post on Instagram, it often defaults to a square (1:1) aspect ratio. However, Instagram allows you to post in other popular formats, such as vertical (4:5) and horizontal (1.91:1), directly within the app's posting flow.
Steps to Change Aspect Ratio
Changing the aspect ratio is a simple process built into the Instagram upload screen:
- Select Your Media: Open the Instagram app and tap the '+' icon to create a new post. Choose the photo or video you want to share from your gallery.
- Locate the Aspect Ratio Button: Once your media appears in the editing screen, look at the bottom left corner of the photo or video display area.
- Tap the Button: Tap the full-size button in at the bottom left of the photo display (it looks like two corners). This is the key step!
- Automatic Adjustment: Tapping this button will automatically adjust your photo into a landscape ratio (specifically 1.91:1 horizontal or 16:9 depending on the original photo orientation) or a portrait ratio (specifically 4:5 vertical) if the photo orientation is vertical. It switches from the default 1:1 square view.
- Adjust and Crop: Once the aspect ratio is changed, you can further adjust the cropping of the photo by pinching to zoom in and out on the image. This allows you to frame your shot exactly how you want within the chosen ratio.
- Continue Editing: Add filters, edit settings, write your caption, tag people, and share your post.
This quick method lets you break away from the traditional Instagram square and utilize more of your original image dimensions.
Why Change the Aspect Ratio?
There are several reasons why creators choose to change the aspect ratio:
- Show More Content: Vertical (4:5) posts take up more screen real estate in the mobile feed, potentially grabbing more attention.
- Fit Original Photo: Avoid cropping out important parts of a photo or video that wasn't originally shot in a square format.
- Aesthetic Preference: Some images or videos simply look better in a widescreen horizontal format or a taller vertical one.
Common Instagram Aspect Ratios
Instagram supports a few primary aspect ratios for feed posts:
| Aspect Ratio | Orientation | Common Use Case | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | Square | Traditional Instagram format | Default when uploading. |
| 4:5 | Vertical | Takes up maximum screen height | Ideal for portraits or tall subjects. |
| 1.91:1 | Horizontal | Widescreen format | Ideal for landscapes or wide scenes. |
By using the aspect ratio button, you primarily toggle between the default 1:1 and the automatically detected best fit (4:5 or 1.91:1) for your media, allowing you to then fine-tune the crop.
