Instagram Multiple Photo Sizes: Post Different Sizes

How To Post Multiple Photos With Different Sizes On Instagram

Trying to post a carousel with vertical, horizontal, and square shots can feel like forcing puzzle pieces that don't fit. The good news is you no longer need to wrestle with that. If you want Instagram multiple photo sizes in one post, the path is finally clear.

For years, the app cropped every image in a carousel to match the first slide. That ruined carefully framed shots and made mixed-size carousels a pain. Instagram's 2024 update changed the game with a native option that supports different-sized images in a single carousel.

In this guide, you get clear steps on how to upload different size photos on Instagram, the exact photo size requirements, and practical fixes when your images don't fit. You'll also see how PostNitro helps you create a mixed size Instagram post fast, with brand consistency baked in. Keep reading to save time, protect your composition, and make your next carousel stand out.

Understanding Instagram's Mixed-Size Carousel Feature

Instagram added a new resize toggle in 2024 that lets you combine vertical, horizontal, and square images in one carousel. You still start a multi-image post the same way, but now a small resize/expand icon appears in the bottom-left during the preview step. Tap it, and you'll see three options that control how your images display.

Mixed or Original keeps each slide's aspect ratio if it falls within Instagram's limits. This is the setting that enables Instagram carousel different sizes. Portrait forces every slide into 4:5 vertical, which works well for a tall, feed-first look. Square crops every slide to 1:1 for a classic grid vibe.

Mixed is the star for Instagram multiple image sizes, but limits still apply. Anything taller than 4:5 or wider than 1.91:1 gets cropped. That means very tall screenshots or super-wide panoramas still need prep. If you want to post multiple photos Instagram different dimensions without losing key details, pick Mixed, then check every slide in preview to confirm nothing important gets cut off.

"Instagram carousels drive 1.4x more reach and 3x more engagement than single image posts when optimized correctly." – Social Media Examiner

Instagram Photo Size Requirements And Aspect Ratio Limits

Instagram supports three aspect ratios for feed posts:

• Portrait: 4:5 ratio
• Square: 1:1 ratio
• Horizontal: 1.91:1 ratio

Anything outside those limits will be trimmed to fit the feed.

Here are the common pixel sizes that work well:

• 4:5 portrait at 1080 × 1350
• 1:1 square at 1080 × 1080
• 1.91:1 horizontal at 1080 × 566

The 4:5 portrait ratio often drives more feed engagement because it takes up more vertical space on mobile. Use it for hero shots, product posts, or slides that need attention. Reserve 1:1 for clean grid looks and 1.91:1 for true horizontal scenes. Pre-editing protects your layout and gives you full control over your Instagram photo size requirements.

Step-By-Step Guide: Posting Different-Sized Photos In One Instagram Carousel

You can post varied size photos Instagram supports in just a few taps. These steps walk you through start to finish, including the Mixed setting that preserves each slide's shape.

1. Start A New Post

Open Instagram and tap the plus icon. Pick Post so you can add a multi-image feed carousel, not a Story or Reel.

2. Choose The Carousel Option

In your gallery, tap the layered squares icon. This lets you pick up to 20 photos or videos for one post.

3. Select Your Media

Pick your vertical, square, and horizontal files. Try to place your strongest slide first since it sets the hook and becomes the grid thumbnail.

4. Open The Resize Options

Tap Next, then find the resize/expand icon in the bottom-left of the preview screen. It looks like a small expand control.

5. Pick The Mixed Or Original Setting

Mixed keeps each slide's orientation if it fits Instagram's limits. This is the key for Instagram aspect ratio multiple images in one post.

6. Preview Every Slide

Swipe through to check crops and composition. Watch for text near edges and faces near the top or sides so nothing feels cramped.

7. Make Quick Edits

Reorder slides, remove weak frames, and apply light filters. Keep color and contrast consistent across different sized images Instagram displays in one carousel.

8. Add Finishing Touches And Publish

Write a clear caption, add 3–10 relevant hashtags, tag products or people, and add a location if helpful. Tap Share when you're happy.

Pro tip: PostNitro can resize photos for Instagram carousel automatically, suggest aspect ratios, and keep your brand kit consistent across every slide.

Advanced Workaround: Adding Borders To Fit Non-Standard Photos

When an image is too tall or too wide for Instagram's limits, borders solve it without cutting content. You place the photo on a new canvas that uses a supported ratio, then fill the empty space with a solid color. This keeps the full frame and gives a crisp look.

Pick a canvas ratio that fits your goal, like 4:5 or 1:1. Drop your photo in the center and fit it inside the canvas. Then choose border colors that match your brand or pull a tone from the image. Black or white works for a clean, gallery-style look that blends well with dark or light mode.

Keep these tips in mind:

• The first slide shows in your profile grid, so bordered first slides will show borders in your grid layout
• If you want a clean grid, place bordered images later in the carousel
• Match border width on all sides for a balanced appearance
• Test how borders appear in both light and dark mode

PostNitro's template library with preset ratios speeds this up and keeps your Instagram grid layout multiple photos consistent without guesswork.

Advanced Workaround: Splitting Wide Images Across Multiple Carousel Slides

Extra-wide photos often look tiny when forced into 1.91:1. Splitting the image across two or more slides creates a seamless, swipeable panorama. This works well for panoramic shots, wide product photos, and step-by-step or before-and-after reveals.

To plan, decide the per-slide ratio, then build a wider canvas that equals the number of slides times the width of one panel. Fit your photo on that wide canvas, export it, then crop each panel in order. Export again and upload left to right for a smooth swipe.

Here are quick two-slide dimensions that work well:

Per-Slide Ratio

Canvas For 2 Slides

4:5 portrait

2160 × 1350

1:1 square

2160 × 1080

1.91:1 horizontal

2268 × 1188

Exporting once to "flatten" before cropping helps prevent tiny alignment shifts. Keep visual anchors like horizons or edges continuous across crops for a clean swipe. PostNitro's Instagram Free Image Splitter & Grid Maker does this in a few clicks and preserves quality for Instagram photo dimensions carousel posts.

Optimizing Your Mixed-Size Carousels For Maximum Engagement

Carousels often beat single-image posts because they drive longer viewing time and offer more touchpoints. Lead with your most compelling slide, then build a story arc that rewards every swipe. Use clear headings, short body text, and readable type sizes that work on small screens.

Design considerations for mobile:

• Keep key text and faces away from edges
• Use consistent color palettes, fonts, and logo placement
• Test readability at actual phone screen size
• Maintain visual flow between slides

Template sets and brand kits help you keep a cohesive look even with Instagram multiple photo sizes across slides.

Data shows well-optimized carousels can reach much higher engagement, especially with 4:5 where it fits. PostNitro suggests smart layouts, auto-formats your post multiple photos Instagram different dimensions, and offers a live preview so you can see exactly how it will look in the feed and grid.

"The first three slides of a carousel account for 80% of total engagement. Make them count." – Later.com

Conclusion

Mixed-size carousels are no longer a headache. With Instagram's 2024 resize toggle and a clear plan, you can post different sized images Instagram accepts without losing your frame. Stick to 4:5, 1:1, and 1.91:1, and use borders or splits when your files sit outside those limits.

Carousels still win for attention and clicks, and a clean sequence can lift results fast. PostNitro makes this simple by auto-sizing content, keeping brand elements consistent, and giving you fast tools like the free splitter to build swipeable sets in minutes. Put these steps to work, test a few formats, and refine what earns the most swipes and saves.

Want a faster path to pro results? Try PostNitro's AI-powered carousel generator or the Free Image Splitter & Grid Maker and publish your next mixed-size Instagram carousel with confidence.

FAQs

FAQ 1: Can You Post Different Size Photos In One Instagram Post?

Yes. Instagram now supports a mixed-size carousel through the resize toggle added in 2024. During the preview step, tap the resize/expand icon and pick Mixed or Original to let each slide keep its own aspect ratio. If you skip this, Instagram will crop all slides to match your first image. Remember that every slide still needs to fit within 4:5, 1:1, or 1.91:1 to display as intended.

FAQ 2: Why Does Instagram Crop My Photos?

Instagram trims any photo that sits outside its supported ratios. The app accepts 4:5 portrait, 1:1 square, and 1.91:1 horizontal. Photos taller than 4:5 or wider than 1.91:1 get cut to fit the feed window. Pre-editing your files gives you full control over the crop. You can also add borders, split wide images, or use the Mixed setting so you can post an Instagram album different sizes without surprises.

FAQ 3: How Do I Stop Instagram From Cutting Off My Photos?

Resize files before you upload. That single step prevents most issues and makes Instagram multi photo post sizes line up the way you planned. Use the Mixed option for Instagram carousel different sizes, add borders to fit tall or wide images inside 4:5 or 1:1, and split very wide photos across two or more slides. Tools like PostNitro auto-optimize dimensions and provide a preview, so you see the final crop before you hit Share.

FAQ 4: What Is The Best Aspect Ratio For Instagram Photos?

4:5 portrait is often the best for feed posts because it fills more vertical space on mobile screens. That extra height can boost visibility and swipe-throughs, which can lift engagement. Use 4:5 for hero slides, text-forward frames, and product shots. Keep a consistent look across your Instagram photo dimensions carousel where possible, and mix in 1:1 or horizontal only when the content calls for it.

FAQ 5: Can I Post Both Landscape And Portrait Photos In The Same Carousel?

Yes, you can mix vertical and horizontal photos in one post using the Mixed option. Start a carousel, go to the preview screen, tap the resize/expand icon, and select Mixed or Original. Each image then keeps its original orientation as long as it fits the supported ratios. If you forget to select Mixed, everything will match the first slide's ratio, which can force unwanted crops.