Conquering Canva for Instagram: A Guide to Post Sizes
Canva has become the go-to tool for creating stunning visuals, and Instagram is the kingdom of visual content. But with Instagram’s ever-evolving features and formats, it can be tricky to keep up with the optimal sizes for your posts. Whether you’re a seasoned social media pro or just starting out, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to create perfectly sized visuals for every part of Instagram using Canva.

1. Grid Posts: Making a Statement
Think of your Instagram grid as your storefront. It’s the first thing people see, and you want to make a lasting impression. Grid posts are a fantastic way to do just that. These are single images cleverly split into multiple squares, creating a captivating puzzle effect on your profile.
Why use Grid Posts?
- Visual impact: Grid posts grab attention and encourage users to stop and take notice.
- Brand storytelling: Use a grid post to tell a story, reveal a new product, or make a big announcement.
- Increased engagement: A well-executed grid post can pique curiosity and drive users to explore your profile further.
Canva Grid Post Sizes:
- Overall Image: Before you split your masterpiece, ensure the overall image is 3240px by 3240px. This guarantees high resolution for each individual tile.
- Individual Tiles: Canva makes life easy by automatically splitting your image. The size of each tile depends on your chosen grid layout (e.g., 3×3, 2×3). The most common tile size is 1080px by 1080px.
Pro Tip: Plan your grid post carefully! Canva offers templates to help you visualize the final result.
2. Explore Posts: Reaching New Horizons
The Instagram Explore tab is a treasure trove of discovery, where users stumble upon new content tailored to their interests. Your goal? Land your posts in this coveted space.
Why use Explore Posts?
- Expand your reach: Go beyond your existing followers and tap into a vast audience.
- Increase brand visibility: Get discovered by potential customers who haven’t encountered your brand before.
- Drive traffic: An engaging Explore post can lead users to your profile and ultimately to your website or online store.
Canva Explore Post Sizes:
- The winning formula: Square images (1080px by 1080px) or portrait orientation (1080px by 1350px) generally perform well in the Explore tab’s layout.
- Experimentation is key: Don’t be afraid to try landscape (1080px by 608px) or vertical videos (1080px by 1920px) to see what resonates with your audience.
Pro Tip: Use relevant hashtags and engaging visuals to increase your chances of appearing in the Explore tab.
3. Feed Posts: The Heart of Your Content
Your Instagram feed is your home base. It’s where you nurture relationships with your followers and share your brand’s story. Feed posts are the bread and butter of your Instagram strategy.
Why use Feed Posts?
- Engage your followers: Share a variety of content to keep your audience interested and coming back for more.
- Build community: Encourage interaction through captivating visuals, compelling captions, and calls to action.
- Showcase your brand: Use feed posts to highlight your products, services, values, and personality.
Canva Feed Post Sizes:
- Square: The classic 1080px by 1080px remains a popular choice.
- Portrait: 1080px by 1350px allows you to take up more space in the feed.
- Landscape: 1080px by 608px is perfect for panoramic views or showcasing a wide range of products.
- Vertical Video: 1080px by 1920px, ideal for Reels and Stories, can also be used effectively in your feed.
Pro Tip: Canva offers a plethora of templates for feed posts, making it easy to create professional-looking visuals in the correct dimensions.

Essential Considerations for All Instagram Posts:
- Aspect Ratio: Always pay close attention to the aspect ratio to avoid awkward cropping or distortion.
- High Resolution: Use high-quality images for crisp, clear visuals.
- Content Type: Tailor your size and format to the type of content you’re sharing (photos, videos, graphics, etc.).
- Canva Templates: Leverage Canva’s vast library of pre-designed templates to streamline your design process.
Conclusion:
By understanding the different Canva post sizes for Instagram, you’ll be well-equipped to create visually stunning content that captivates your audience and elevates your brand presence. So, fire up Canva, experiment with different formats, and watch your Instagram engagement soar!