Instagram is notorious for cropping photos. If your image doesn’t fit the platform’s aspect ratio requirements, it’ll be automatically cropped, potentially ruining your composition. This guide provides a step-by-step solution on how to upload full photos to Instagram without cropping, preserving your original image quality and avoiding those unwanted cuts.
Graphic showing how to select the 4:5 aspect ratio in Kapwing
Resizing Your Photos for Instagram: A Step-by-Step Guide
The key to uploading full photos on Instagram without cropping is resizing them beforehand using a third-party tool. Kapwing’s free online image resizer is a great option, accessible from any browser without downloads. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Create a 4:5 Canvas in Kapwing
Go to Kapwing.com and choose “Start with a blank canvas.” Select the 4:5 preset aspect ratio. This is the optimal ratio for Instagram feed posts.
Step 2: Upload Your Photo
Click “Add Media” and upload the photo you want to post on Instagram. You can upload from your device, paste a URL, or import from cloud storage like Google Photos or Drive.
Graphic of the upload media button in Kapwing
Step 3: Center Your Photo on the Canvas
Add your uploaded photo to the canvas by clicking the blue plus icon. Kapwing will automatically center it, adding white borders to the sides if necessary. This ensures your entire image is visible.
Step 4: Choose a Black Background
Click outside your image to select the background and click “Edit background.” Select black as your background color. A black background blends seamlessly with Instagram’s dark mode interface, making the borders less noticeable.
How to select the background of an image then edit the color
Step 5: Download and Post
Click “Export” in the top right corner, then download your resized image as a JPEG. Now you can upload your full photo to Instagram without any automatic cropping.
Why Use a Black Background for Instagram Posts?
With the majority of users browsing Instagram in dark mode, a black background helps your resized photo blend seamlessly with the app’s interface. This minimizes the appearance of borders and keeps the focus on your image. While transparent PNGs would be ideal, Instagram converts them to JPEGs, filling transparent areas with black anyway.
Understanding Instagram Image Requirements
Instagram has specific size requirements for photos:
- Height: 566 to 1350 pixels
- Width: 320 to 1080 pixels
Instagram Image Size Requirements
Uploading images within these dimensions ensures optimal quality. Using a tool like Kapwing for resizing allows for lossless compression, preventing pixelation and maintaining image clarity. Stick to the recommended aspect ratios (between 1.91:1 and 4:5) for the best results. For more details, consult a comprehensive social media size guide.
