In late 2024, Instagram rolled out an update that lets users post different-size photos in the same Carousel. Until now, Instagram forced all of the images in a post to match the aspect ratio of the first photo. While this cropping behavior is still the default, there's now a workaround that allows you to post portrait and landscape photos together.

However, there are still limitations. Instagram will automatically crop any image taller than a 4:5 portrait (like a screenshot) or wider than a 1.91:1 landscape (like a panorama). To work around this, some photos may still need to be resized, bordered, or split.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to post different size photos on Instagram, and work around current limitations by adding borders or splitting wide images into multiple slides.

## How to Post Different-Size Photos on Instagram

In 2024, [Instagram introduced a Resize toggle](https://www.threads.com/@lindseygamble_/post/C7xw8bPO_Xi/-new-instagram-now-allows-you-to-post-carousels-featuring-photos-of-different-si) that lets users post vertical, horizontal, and square photos together in a single carousel. Previously, the app would automatically crop every image to match the aspect ratio of the first photo.

Although this is still the default behavior, turning on the Resize toggle allows you to preserve each photo’s original format. Here’s how to enable it and post different-sized photos on Instagram:

### Step 1: Open Instagram and Create a New Post

Once you’ve opened [Instagram](https://www.kapwing.com/resources/tag/instagram/), tap the **➕** icon to start a new post. To create a carousel, tap the multiple-image icon above your photo library on the right. From there, you can choose up to 20 photos or videos for your post.

After making your selections, tap **Next** in the top-right corner.

When you're creating a new Instagram post, make sure to select the carousel option.

### Step 2: Select the Resize Option

Tap the resize/expand icon in the bottom-left corner of the preview. You’ll see three options: mixed, portrait, and square.

To post horizontal and vertical photos together in the same carousel, make sure to select **Mixed**.

Make sure to select the "Mixed" option to post both horizontal and vertical photos.

Here is what option looks like in practice:

- **Mixed**: Keeps each photo’s original aspect ratio.
  - The only setting that allows multiple aspect ratios in one carousel.

The Mixed option preserves the original aspect ratio of each photo, unless it exceeds Instagram’s limits (taller than 4:5 or wider than 1.91:1)

- **Portrait**: Crops all images to a vertical 4:5 frame.
  - Wider or taller images will be trimmed to fit.

- **Square**: Forces all images into a 1:1 square
  - Any other aspect ratio will be cropped to fit.

### Step 3: Preview Your Carousel and Share Your Post

Before posting, check how your photos look in the carousel preview. You can still reorder, delete, or re-edit any images.

Once everything looks right, tap **Next** to add your caption and [hashtags](https://www.kapwing.com/resources/instagram-hashtags-the-ultimate-guide-for-creators-as-follows-are-removed/), then tap **Share** to publish your post.

## How to Resize Photos for Instagram Without Cropping

Anything taller than 4:5 or wider than 1.91:1 will still be cropped by [Instagram’s aspect ratio limits](https://www.kapwing.com/resources/social-media-video-aspect-ratios-and-sizes-the-2025-guide/), even if you use the Mixed option in carousels.

Resizing or editing your photo prior to uploading it on Instagram ensures that it won’t be incorrectly cropped.

The original 9:16 photo - (Right) The cropped 3:4 photo after upload on Instagram

Adding borders is a simple way to make a photo fit Instagram’s supported sizes without cropping.

In her engagement post to Travis Kelce, [Taylor Swift](https://www.instagram.com/taylorswift/) used this exact trick, adding borders to a portrait image in a carousel filled with landscape shots.

### How to Post One Long Image as Two Slides on Instagram

If you want to share an extra-wide image, posting it with either of the other methods can make it look small or compressed in the feed. A better solution is to split the photo across two slides in a carousel, so viewers can swipe to see the full image without losing quality.

Photographer [Gareth Llewellyn](https://www.instagram.com/withgar/) uses this technique often, splitting panoramic photos across two slides in a carousel.

### Frequently Asked Questions

#### Can you post different size photos in one Instagram post?

Yes. With Instagram’s new Resize toggle, you can post vertical, horizontal, and square photos together in the same carousel. To keep each photo at its original aspect ratio, select Original when uploading.

#### Why does Instagram crop my photos?

Instagram crops photos that don’t match its supported aspect ratios. Only 4:5 (portrait), 1:1 (square), and 1.91:1 (landscape) are allowed. Anything taller or wider than these ratio will be automatically trimmed to fit the feed.

#### Can I post both landscape and portrait photos in the same carousel?

Yes, but only if you use the **Mixed** in the Resize toggle. If you skip this, Instagram will crop all photos in the carousel to match the first image’s aspect ratio.

#### How do I stop Instagram from cutting off my photos?

The best way to prevent cropping is to resize your photos before uploading. You can do this by adding borders (to fit within 4:5 or 1:1) or by splitting wide images into multiple slides in a carousel.

#### What is the best aspect ratio for Instagram photos?

The best aspect ratio for Instagram posts is **4:5 (portrait)**. It takes up the most space in the feed without being cropped, making your post more noticeable.