Instagram Ad Sizes You Should Be Using in 2026 for Maximum ROI

Creating high-performing Instagram ads in 2026 is all about staying up to date with platform updates, new creative formats, and evolving user behavior. While Instagram ad specifications change regularly, following current best practices ensures your campaigns remain visually appealing, fully functional, and optimized for engagement.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to Instagram ad sizes and formats for 2026.

General Instagram Ad Sizes

1. Instagram Link Ad

Creative:

• Image size: 1200×1200 px
• Aspect ratio: 1:1
• Format: PNG
• Limit text overlay to <20% of the image

Copy:

• Max: 2,200 characters (Instagram displays ~90 characters in feed previews)
• Hashtags: up to 30

2. Video Link Ads

Creative:

• Image size: 1200×1200 px
• Minimum resolution: 720p
• Max file size: 4 GB
• Video length: up to 120 seconds
• Format: MP4 or MOV
• Main video thumbnail: <20% text overlay

Copy & Hashtags: Same as Link Ad

Longer video ads (portrait):

• Size: 1200×1500 px
• Aspect ratio: 4:3

3. Carousel Ads

Carousel ads allow multiple images or videos (2–10) each with a separate link.

Creative:

• Image size: 1200×1200 px
• Format: PNG
• Minimum resolution: 720p
• Max video length: 60 minutes (recommended: 30 seconds)
• Video format: MP4 or MOV

Copy:

• 2,200 characters max, recommended 90
• Hashtags: up to 30

4. App Installation Ads

Creative:

• Image size: 1200×1200 px
• Aspect ratio: 1:1
• Format: PNG
• Text overlay: <20%

Copy:

• 2,200 characters max, recommended 90
• Hashtags: up to 30

5. Collection Ads

Collection ads display a main image or video and allow users to browse 4–8 additional images in-app. Each image can include a link, price, and headline.

• Creative: Same as regular ad sizes
• Copy: Up to 90 characters
• CTA: Fully customizable

Instagram Story Ads

1. Link Ad – Image/Video

• Display: 5 seconds or until the user taps forward
• Safe zones: Leave 14% (approx. 250 px) top/bottom clear of logos or text
• Image/video size: 1080×1920 px
• Aspect ratio: 9:16
• Video length: up to 15 seconds
• File size: up to 4 GB
• Format: PNG, MP4, MOV
• Text overlay: <20%

2. Carousel Story Ads

• Same specs as Link Story Ads
• Duration: 5 seconds per card or until tap

Key Takeaways for 2026

• Stay current: Instagram regularly updates ad specifications and creative features, including Reels and interactive ad formats.
• Prioritize mobile-first design: Most users access Instagram via mobile devices. Always optimize for vertical formats.
• Keep text minimal: Ads with heavy text overlays are penalized in reach and engagement.
• Test and adapt: Use multiple ad variations and formats to determine what resonates best with your audience.

Keeping up with these specifications ensures your Instagram campaigns remain effective, visually appealing, and maximize ROI throughout 2026.