All Platforms

Visual-first advertising platform for reaching engaged audiences through Stories, Reels, Feed, and Shopping.

Overview

Instagram advertising focuses on visual storytelling and authentic content. The platform rewards native-looking content that blends seamlessly with organic posts. Reels and Stories formats continue to grow in importance for advertisers.

Reels has the highest organic reach and engagement

Stories disappear in 24 hours—create urgency

Shopping features enable direct purchases

Influencer partnerships can be whitelisted as ads

Ad Formats & Specifications

Feed Ads

Brand awareness, product showcases

image
Square1080×1080px (1:1)
Portrait1080×1350px (4:5)
Landscape1080×566px (1.91:1)
Caption2,200 characters max
HashtagsUp to 30 (3-5 recommended)

Stories Ads

Time-sensitive offers, behind-the-scenes, polls

image
Dimensions1080×1920px (9:16)
Safe ZoneKeep text in middle 1080×1420px
Video DurationUp to 60 seconds
File SizeImage: 30MB, Video: 250MB

Reels Ads

Trending content, entertainment, viral potential

video
Dimensions1080×1920px (9:16)
DurationUp to 90 seconds
AudioOriginal or licensed music
Safe ZoneAvoid bottom 20% (UI overlay)

Shopping Ads

E-commerce, direct product sales

image
Product TagsUp to 5 per image
Catalog RequiredYes (Meta Commerce Manager)
Image SpecsSame as Feed ads

Brand & Compliance Requirements

Requirements

  • Content must be authentic and not misleading
  • Branded content requires Paid Partnership tag
  • Must comply with Instagram Community Guidelines
  • Age-gating required for restricted products

Restrictions

  • No misleading filters or excessive editing
  • Influencer partnerships must be disclosed
  • No promotion of dangerous products
  • Music licensing must be in place
  • No spam or engagement manipulation

Pro Tips for Instagram

  1. 1

    Create content that looks native, not like ads

  2. 2

    Use trending audio for Reels to boost reach

  3. 3

    Include clear CTAs but keep them subtle

  4. 4

    Leverage Stories interactive elements (polls, quizzes)

  5. 5

    Post consistently to build algorithm favor

Automate your Instagram workflow

Stish validates your assets against Instagram specs automatically. Create, manage, and deploy campaigns without the guesswork.