How to Fit Tall Photos on Instagram: Best Practices and Guidelines
Instagram has become one of the most influential platforms for photographers and content creators to share their work. However, to ensure that your tall photos (vertical images) fit perfectly on Instagram without losing quality, there are several steps and practices you can follow. This guide will walk you through the process, from cropping to resizing, and even using Instagram's built-in tools to achieve the perfect fit.
Cropping the Photo
Instagram supports a maximum aspect ratio of 4:5 for portrait photos, meaning your photo should ideally be 1080 pixels wide by 1350 pixels tall. To make your tall photo fit within these dimensions, you can start by cropping the photo. This can be done using a photo editing app or software like Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, or even online editors such as Canva.
Open your photo in the editing app of your choice. Locate the aspect ratio tool or function that allows you to set the crop dimensions. Enter the dimensions of 1080 pixels wide by 1350 pixels tall, or simply select the 4:5 aspect ratio preset. Carefully crop the photo to fit within these dimensions while maintaining the necessary content.Resizing the Image
Another method to fit your tall photo on Instagram is to resize it to the appropriate dimensions before uploading. This can be done using various photo editing tools available online or through desktop software.
Open the photo editing tool of your choice. Locate the option to resize the image. Enter the dimensions of 1080 pixels wide by 1350 pixels tall. Save the resized image for uploading to Instagram.Add Borders for Finer Control
If you prefer not to crop the image, you can add white or colored borders to the top and bottom of the photo. This method helps maintain the aspect ratio without losing any content.
Open the photo editing tool. Locate the border or frame function. Choose a border that matches the 4:5 aspect ratio by adding padding to the top and bottom. Preview the result to ensure the borders are appropriately sized.Use Instagram's Built-in Tools
Instagram provides built-in tools that allow you to control the size of the photo when you are in the process of uploading. Here's how you can use them:
Open the Instagram app and navigate to the photo you wish to upload. Tap the photo to bring up the editing options. Use the pinch and zoom feature to adjust the size while ensuring it fits the 4:5 ratio. Tap 'Post' to share your photo.Keep in mind that the final image should still fit within the 4:5 ratio to avoid any quality loss.
Post as a Carousel
For taller photos that cannot be cropped or resized, consider posting them as a carousel. Instagram allows you to create multiple photos in one post, where you can include the full image across several slides. This way, you can showcase the entire height and width of your photo without cropping it.
Choose several photos that complement each other and create a cohesive story. Upload each photo individually to the carousel format. Tap 'Create Carousel' in the Instagram app. Select the full image for each slide. Review and post the carousel.Instagram's Current and Upcoming Features
It's worth noting that Instagram has undergone several updates over the years, and new features continue to roll out. For instance, Instagram first introduced the feature of sharing multiple images or videos within a single post, but it initially required square images. However, the platform has evolved, and you now have the flexibility to share both portrait and landscape images in a slideshow format.
When uploading photos, you can now select the format (portrait or landscape) before uploading. This ensures all photos in a single post are consistent in their aspect ratio.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively fit your vertical images on Instagram while maintaining the quality and aesthetics of your content.