Square video aspect ratio (1080×1080) — the legacy Instagram feed format, still useful for cross-posting across many platforms.
Last verified · 2026-05-29 · by Moe Ameen
1:1 (square) was the original Instagram feed format and held that position from 2010 until ~2020, when 4:5 took over as the preferred portrait ratio. Square video still has utility as the "lowest common denominator" — a 1:1 video renders cleanly on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and Pinterest without letterboxing or awkward cropping.
For creators producing one video per piece and cross-posting widely, 1:1 is a defensible choice. The downside: it occupies less vertical screen real estate than 4:5 on mobile feeds, and it's not eligible for Reels.
Best use today: LinkedIn organic video (where 1:1 still outperforms 16:9 in mobile feeds), embedded blog video, and ad creative where the platform requires one master asset.
1:1 video is the square aspect ratio at 1080×1080 pixels — the original Instagram feed format that held that position from 2010 until around 2020, when 4:5 took over as the preferred portrait ratio.
For creators producing one video per piece and cross-posting widely, 1:1 is a defensible 'lowest common denominator' — it renders cleanly on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and Pinterest without letterboxing or awkward cropping.
It occupies less vertical screen real estate than 4:5 on mobile feeds, and it is not eligible for Reels.
Its best uses today are LinkedIn organic video, where 1:1 still outperforms 16:9 in mobile feeds, embedded blog video, and ad creative where the platform requires one master asset.