A strong Instagram mockup is designed for the full post and the smaller profile preview. Start at the destination ratio, keep the product screen readable, and protect important content from edge crops.
Instagram post sizes: quick reference
These dimensions provide a practical baseline for crisp feed, story, and Reel artwork. Instagram can change how previews appear, so review the published crop as well as the original export.
| Placement | Aspect ratio | Recommended canvas |
|---|---|---|
| Square feed post | 1:1 | 1080 × 1080 px |
| Portrait feed post | 4:5 | 1080 × 1350 px |
| Landscape feed post | 1.91:1 | 1080 × 566 px |
| Story or Reel | 9:16 | 1080 × 1920 px |
Size reference: Buffer’s Instagram image-size guide. Check Meta’s publishing interface before a campaign with fixed placement requirements.
Square, portrait, or landscape?
Square
Best when the same artwork must travel across several channels. Keep the screenshot centered and use short copy.
Portrait
Useful for product launches because the taller canvas gives the interface and headline more room in the feed.
Landscape
A natural fit for wide browser screenshots, though small interface details need extra attention on mobile screens.
Story / Reel
Designed for full-screen viewing. Leave breathing room near the top and bottom for interface overlays.
How to make an Instagram post mockup
- Pick the publishing placement.Choose feed, carousel, story, or Reel cover before composing the design.
- Use the final aspect ratio.Starting at the destination shape prevents a last-minute crop from removing product details.
- Add one clear product moment.Crop the source screenshot around the feature or outcome the post is about.
- Create contrast around the frame.Use a background, device finish, and shadow that separate the interface without overpowering it.
- Keep the headline short.One benefit or launch message is easier to scan than a list of features.
- Check the center-safe area.Zoom out and confirm that the product, logo, and message survive a tighter profile-grid preview.
Choose a social preset, place your screenshot, adjust the frame and background, then export the final artwork.
Turn one mockup into a carousel story
Use the first card for the strongest result, then let each following card answer one question. Keep the same background system and headline position so the sequence feels connected.
Export every carousel card at the same dimensions. Mixing aspect ratios can create inconsistent cropping or spacing when the set is published.
Instagram mockup export checklist
- The canvas matches the intended placement ratio.
- Product UI is readable at feed size, not only at full-screen zoom.
- Important text and logos stay away from vulnerable crop edges.
- Every carousel card uses the same dimensions.
- The source screenshot is high-resolution and free of private data.
- The exported image was previewed on a phone before publishing.
Instagram post mockup FAQ
What size should an Instagram post mockup be?
Use 1080 × 1080 pixels for a square post, 1080 × 1350 for a 4:5 portrait post, or 1080 × 566 for a 1.91:1 landscape post.
What size should an Instagram Story mockup be?
Use a 1080 × 1920 pixel canvas with a 9:16 aspect ratio for Instagram Stories and full-screen Reel artwork.
Should I use square or portrait for an Instagram product post?
Square is easy to reuse across channels. Portrait uses more vertical feed space and is often better when a product screenshot needs room for a short headline and supporting frame.
How do I keep text from being cropped in the profile grid?
Keep the main product screen, headline, and logo near the center. Profile-grid previews may use a different crop than the full post, so avoid placing essential content against the outer edges.