Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure your photos look flawless on your Instagram feed!

Written By Kevin Kirn Long




  • Skip the Crop to 4x5: Avoid cropping your photos to a 4x5 aspect ratio before exporting them from your editing software.

  • Optimal Image Size: Keep your image size at 1080x1350 pixels, as Instagram prefers (Instagram’s details here). Larger sizes risk degradation due to compression. Set the short edge to 2160 pixels and 240ppi before exporting as a JPEG. This allows for cropping in the following steps while maintaining image quality.

Screen shot of Lightroom Classic export settings for Instagram.

  • Apply Output Sharpening: Use standard output sharpening for screens in your editing software to enhance the sharpness of your photos.

  • Prevent Compression: Transfer photos from your computer to your phone using methods like Airdrop (iOS) or Google Drive (Android) to prevent compression and maintain quality. Ensure you follow each step carefully.

Screenshot of 4x5 aspect ratio crop for Instagram optimization. Example shows same female model wearing black sitting in front of grey studio background.

  • Crop in the Photo App: Crop your photos to a 4x5 aspect ratio within your phone's camera app before importing them to Instagram. This step helps maintain the quality of your uploads.

  • Adjust Media Quality Settings: In your Instagram profile settings, switch to the highest quality setting under "Media Quality"

Screenshot example of Instagram upload settings. Example shows upload at highest quality toggle selector to on.

  • Avoid In-App Editing: Refrain from editing your photos within the Instagram app (unless uploading a carousel) to maintain the best quality.

  • Sharpen Carousel Posts: For carousel posts, add a sharpening effect of 10 to each photo within the app to maintain upload quality.

Kevin Kirn Long
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