This post was updated in August 2024 to provide you with the latest information.

Stay Within the Lines: Instagram’s Safe Zone and Ad Sizes

Maximize your Instagram ad spending with ease! Paying attention to Instagram’s safe zone and ad sizes is crucial for success.

Keep up-to-date with the latest guidelines and create standout content to increase the success of your campaigns. Whether using static images, videos, or a combination, selecting the appropriate size and format is essential for achieving your advertising goals.

Instagram’s Safe Zone and Aspect Ratios: Ensuring Your Ads Look Great on Every Device

To help you navigate the intricacies of Instagram advertising, we have compiled a comprehensive guide that includes best practices, actual specifications, and safe zones for various ad formats, including images, videos, carousels, Instagram Stories, and Reels ads.

With this valuable resource, you’ll have the knowledge and tools to create effective campaigns that resonate with your target audience and achieve your desired outcomes.

How to Find the Instagram Ad Sizes of Your Creative Assets

1.91:1

16:9

1:1

4:5

2:3

9:16

Designing Instagram ad creatives with mobile users in mind and using vertical video with taller aspect ratios can help create compelling content. Facebook, Instagram, and Audience Network support aspect ratios from 16:9 to 9:16. Selecting a taller aspect ratio enables the full use of the mobile device screen, capturing the viewer’s attention and creating an engaging experience.

To determine an image’s aspect ratio:

1. Identify its dimensions in pixels. These can typically be found in the file information or through editing software.
2.  The relationship between the width (first number) and the height (second number) can be calculated once the dimensions are known. For instance:

• If an image has dimensions of 1600 pixels x 900 pixels or 3200 pixels x 1800 pixels, it falls into the 16:9 aspect ratio. 
• On the other hand, if the image has dimensions of 1600 pixels x 1600 pixels or 3200 pixels x 3200 pixels, it falls into the 1:1 aspect ratio. 

Avoid Ad Mistakes with Instagram’s Safe Zone

Different Instagram ad sizes and ad placements have specific image and video aspect ratio requirements. Safe zones are essential in Instagram Stories and Reels, as creative elements placed here are at risk of being covered by the profile icon or call to action, which could hurt your ad’s performance.

Best Practices in Matching Instagram Ads Sizes

Creating attention-grabbing mobile ads is essential for successful advertising. Images and videos should cover as much screen space as possible to achieve this. Choosing an appropriate aspect ratio that suits different placements and formats is essential. 

Here are some recommended aspect ratios for various placements and formats advertisers can use to create more effective mobile ads:

Ad Type	Recommended Aspect Ratio
Feed Images	1:1 (Square)
Feed Videos	4:5 (Vertical)
Video Carousels	1:1 (Square)
Instagram Shop	1:1 (Square)
Stories and Reels	9:16 (Full Screen)
In-stream Video	16:9 (Horizontal)
Meta Audience Networks	9:16 (Vertical)

Following these recommended aspect ratios and incorporating other best practices, such as a safe zone for Instagram ads, you can create mobile ads that stand out and drive results. Remember that the correct aspect ratio may vary depending on your ad creative, so test different options to find what works best for your campaign.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Use the Instagram Reels Safe Zone Template

1. Download this png file.
2. You can add this transparent template as a layer to any editing software.
3. By dragging it down to a layer, you can adjust the captions or other content to fit correctly within the safe zone. 
4. Before exporting, remember to hide or remove the layer to avoid unintended elements in the final ad creative.

The Importance of Staying Within the Instagram Lines

Visually stunning mobile ads that effectively reach your target audience on Instagram require more than just an eye-catching design. Advertisers must consider multiple factors, including aspect ratios and placement options, to maximize screen coverage and capture users’ attention. One crucial element to remember when designing ads is Instagram Safe Zone- the area within the ad guaranteed to be visible on all devices, ensuring that no critical information is cut off.

Choose the appropriate aspect ratio for each placement and stay up-to-date with any changes in placement options to optimize Instagram ads for success. Designing videos with a mobile-first approach is recommended, and vertical videos (with aspect ratios of 4:5, 2:3, and 9:16) are particularly effective because people tend to hold their phones upright. Facebook, Instagram, and Audience Network support various aspect ratios, from 16:9 to 9:16, for different ad formats, such as photo and video ads, carousel ads, Instagram Stories, and Reels ads.

To make the most of your Instagram campaigns, continual testing and iteration of ad creatives are crucial. Advertisers should aim to create attention-grabbing visuals that fit the various formats and placements available. By following Instagram ads’ safe zone and best practices and keeping up-to-date with the platform’s specs and guidelines, advertisers can produce visually stunning ads that drive better business results.