The exact display size of an Instagram thumbnail is 161 x 161 pixels. This is how your photo appears on the grid view of a profile.
When you browse someone's Instagram profile, the small preview images you see arranged in a grid are displayed at a specific size. Based on Instagram's specifications for photo thumbnails:
- Display Size: 161 x 161 pixels.
However, it's crucial to understand that while the thumbnail is displayed at this small size, the photo you upload should be much larger to ensure good quality when someone clicks on the thumbnail to view the full post. The recommended upload size is significantly larger to maintain clarity and detail.
According to Instagram's guidelines:
- Recommended Upload Size: 1080 pixels wide.
This means you should upload images that are at least 1080 pixels on the shortest side (for squares or portraits) or simply 1080 pixels wide for landscape photos. Instagram will then process this larger image and create the smaller 161x161 thumbnail for the grid display.
Understanding Instagram Photo Sizes
It's helpful to differentiate between the size you see on the grid and the size you should upload for optimal quality.
Here's a quick breakdown:
| Image Type | Display Size | Recommended Upload Size | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thumbnail | 161 x 161 pixels | - | Appearance on profile grid |
| Regular Post Photo | Varies (e.g., 1080x1080, 1080x1350) | 1080 pixels wide | Full view when clicked or scrolled through |
- Thumbnail Size (161x161): This is the actual size Instagram displays the thumbnail image at on your profile grid. You don't upload a 161x161 image directly; Instagram generates this thumbnail from your larger uploaded photo.
- Recommended Upload Size (1080px wide): Uploading a photo that is at least 1080 pixels wide ensures that when someone clicks on your thumbnail and views the full post, the image is crisp and high-resolution. If you upload a much smaller image, it might appear blurry or pixelated when viewed at a larger size.
Why Upload Larger Photos?
Uploading photos at the recommended size (1080 pixels wide) has several benefits:
- Image Quality: Provides a clear, sharp image when viewed full-size.
- Future-Proofing: Accommodates potential changes in Instagram's display sizes.
- Flexibility: Allows Instagram to crop and optimize the image for various views (feed, profile, explore).
While the thumbnail you see is a small 161x161 square, always aim to upload high-resolution images following the recommended guidelines for the best results across the platform.
