Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms, allowing users to share their experiences and creativity through visual content. However, posting a full vertical picture without cropping can sometimes be a challenge. By default, Instagram favors a specific aspect ratio for posts, which can cut off parts of a tall image. Thankfully, there is a way to upload full vertical images while maintaining their original composition.
Understanding Instagram’s Aspect Ratios
Before posting a vertical image, it’s important to understand Instagram’s supported aspect ratios:
- Square: 1:1 (1080 x 1080 pixels)
- Portrait (Vertical): 4:5 (1080 x 1350 pixels)
- Landscape (Horizontal): 1.91:1 (1080 x 566 pixels)
Most phone cameras capture vertical photos with an aspect ratio of 9:16, which Instagram does not fully support. If a photo exceeds the 4:5 limit, Instagram will crop it automatically unless adjustments are made.
How to Post a Full Vertical Picture on Instagram
Follow these steps to upload a tall photo without cropping:
1. Open Instagram and Start a New Post
Launch the Instagram app and tap the plus (+) icon at the bottom to start creating a new post.
2. Select Your Vertical Image
Choose the image from your gallery that you want to upload. If the image is taller than a 4:5 ratio, Instagram will initially display it cropped.
3. Adjust the Size
To post the full image, look for the “expand” button (a small two-arrow icon) at the bottom left of the preview. Tapping this button adjusts the image to fit within Instagram’s allowed aspect ratio.
4. Add Borders if Needed
If your image is still being cropped after resizing, you can use a third-party app to add white borders around your picture. These borders help fit your image within Instagram’s 4:5 ratio without losing any parts of the original photo.
5. Apply Filters and Adjustments
Once the image is properly fitted, proceed to edit the picture with Instagram’s built-in filters and adjustment tools to enhance its quality.
6. Write a Captivating Caption and Post
After making the necessary edits, add an engaging caption, hashtags, and location if desired. Then, tap Share to upload your full vertical image.
Alternative Methods for Uploading Full Vertical Images
If you encounter difficulties using Instagram’s built-in cropping tool, consider these alternative methods:
Using Photo Editing Apps
There are several apps available that can help resize an image while preserving the full composition:
- Canva – Allows you to create custom-sized images.
- Snapseed – Offers resizing and background extension features.
- InShot – Adds borders and adjusts the aspect ratio easily.
Using Instagram Stories Instead
If maintaining the 9:16 aspect ratio is crucial, consider using Instagram Stories instead of a regular post. Stories support full-screen images, making them ideal for tall pictures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why is Instagram cropping my vertical photo?
Instagram limits portrait posts to a 4:5 aspect ratio. If your image exceeds this, Instagram will automatically crop it. You can prevent this by adjusting the crop in the preview screen or adding borders.
2. What is the best resolution for a vertical Instagram post?
The optimal resolution for a vertical post is 1080 x 1350 pixels. This ensures high quality while staying within Instagram’s aspect ratio limits.
3. Can I post a full 9:16 image on Instagram?
No, Instagram does not support full 9:16 images for regular posts. However, you can upload them to Instagram Stories or use an app to add white borders and fit them within the allowed ratio.
4. What happens if I ignore the cropping and post as-is?
If an image is taller than the 4:5 ratio and you do not manually adjust it, Instagram will automatically crop the image, potentially cutting out important details.
5. Do third-party apps affect image quality?
It depends on the app used. Some apps may reduce quality when adding borders or resizing an image. To minimize quality loss, use high-resolution settings when saving edited photos.
By following these steps, anyone can successfully post full vertical images on Instagram while maintaining their original composition. Whether using Instagram’s built-in tools or third-party apps, understanding aspect ratios and resizing techniques can help enhance the visual appeal of posts.