How to post on Instagram with portrait and landscape photos: Master the art of combining portrait and landscape photos on Instagram

Instagram is a highly visual platform, but posting a mix of portrait and landscape photos in a single carousel can be tricky. By default, Instagram requires all images in a carousel post to share the same aspect ratio (either portrait, square, or landscape). If you upload mixed formats, Instagram automatically crops them to match the first photo’s orientation, risking unwanted cuts or negative space. To showcase both portrait and landscape images together while maintaining their integrity and aesthetic, you’ll need a strategic approach—one that, much like thoughtful interior design, balances unity with diversity.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to post both portrait and landscape photos together on Instagram:

1. Decide the Primary Orientation: Before uploading, choose whether you want all images presented in portrait (4:5) or landscape (16:9) format. Instagram will require all carousel images to conform to the first photo’s aspect ratio.
2. Prepare Your Images: Use a photo editing app (such as Canva, Photoshop, or free mobile apps) to adjust each image. For the non-conforming orientation, add borders (white or in your brand color) to fit the overall chosen ratio. For instance, if you choose portrait as the main orientation, add top and bottom borders to landscape photos to make them 4:5. This prevents cropping or awkward resizing by Instagram.
3. Maintain Visual Unity: Like customizing a room with coordinated color palettes, consider using consistent padding, background colors, or subtle design elements around your photos to create a harmonious flow across the carousel.
4. Upload Your Edited Photos: In Instagram, start by selecting your first image (which sets the ratio for the set). Add the rest, and you’ll see they all retain their intended aspect within your chosen border style.
5. Preview and Post: Double-check your carousel in preview mode to ensure nothing important is cropped. Add your caption, tags, and post as usual.

As an interior designer, I always approach visual layouts with the user experience in mind—thinking about flow, focal points, and balance. Similarly, when designing your Instagram posts, aim for consistency in size and color, which makes your feed visually appealing and professional. Tools like AI Photo Shoot can be incredibly helpful for preparing and previewing your content for online presentation, ensuring your images look their best across platforms.

Tips 1:

To elevate visual consistency, use the same background color or subtle frames on each image. This simple design technique echoes the coordination of fabrics or finishes in an interior, providing a seamless viewing experience across your Instagram carousel.

FAQ

Q: Can I upload both portrait and landscape photos in one Instagram post without cropping?

A: No, Instagram requires all images in a carousel to share the same aspect ratio. You’ll need to add borders to ensure the images fit the chosen orientation.

Q: What’s the best aspect ratio for Instagram carousel posts?

A: The most popular is 4:5 (portrait), as it uses more screen space when scrolling the feed.

Q: How do I add borders to my photos?

A: Use editing apps like Canva, Photoshop, or mobile apps to place your images on a canvas of the desired aspect ratio, filling extra space with a color of your choice.

Q: Why is the order of uploaded images important?

A: The first photo sets the aspect ratio for the entire carousel. All subsequent photos will be forced to match it on Instagram.

Q: Is there a tool that helps preview Instagram carousel layouts?

A: Many third-party apps simulate Instagram carousels; they can help you visualize your feed before posting, ensuring your design stays intact.