Instagram highlight cover size (2026): make covers that fit
How highlight covers are cropped, the size to design at, and a resizer with a circle guide for icons.
Highlight cover size dimensions at a glance
- Story frame 9:161080 × 1920Recommended
Post it as a Story, then pick it as the cover.
- Square 10801080 × 1080
Upload it from your photos when you edit a cover.
Free Instagram highlight cover resizer
Pick a size, choose a photo, then crop or fit it. The download is a JPEG at the exact pixel size. Your photo never leaves your device.
Your photo stays on your device. Nothing is uploaded.
Or drop an image on the preview.
What Instagram says about highlight cover size size
- Official size
- Not published by Instagram
- Shape on your profile
- Small circle
- Design at
- 1080 × 1920 (a Story frame) or 1080 × 1080
- Keep the icon inside
- The centre circle, with space around it
How highlight covers are cropped
A highlight cover comes from one of the Stories in the highlight, or from a photo you upload. Either way, your profile shows only a small circle from it.
Design the cover as a full Story frame, but treat everything outside the centre circle as background. The resizer’s circle guide shows the area that stays visible.
Highlight cover design tips
- One icon or one short word per cover. Two words at most.
- Same style across covers: one colour, one icon style, one line weight.
- Brand colours make a row of covers read as one set.
- High contrast: a light icon on a dark circle, or the reverse.
- Name the highlight in plain words underneath (Shop, Reviews, Free guide), not just with the icon.
How to change a highlight cover
- On your profile, press and hold the highlight, then tap Edit highlight.
- Tap Edit cover, then pick a Story from the highlight or upload a photo.
- Move and zoom it so the icon sits in the circle, then tap Done.
Use a highlight as a lead magnet shelf
A “Free guide” highlight works like a menu. Each Story inside can ask people to reply with a keyword.
BuzzWire’s story-reply automation sends the DM with your link when they do.
Turn your “Free guide” highlight into DMs
Ask people to reply with a keyword on each Story, and BuzzWire DMs them your link. Free plan: unlimited DMs, sent within Instagram’s limits.
Start free →Frequently asked questions
What size is an Instagram highlight cover?
There is no official size. A cover is a Story frame, so design it at 1080 × 1920 pixels (9:16), or upload a 1080 × 1080 square when you edit the cover. Instagram shows only a small circle from the middle, so centre your icon.
Can I add a highlight cover without posting a Story?
Yes. When you edit a highlight, you can choose a photo from your camera roll as the cover instead of a Story from the highlight. Upload a square image with the icon in the middle, then move and zoom it to fit the circle.
Why is my highlight cover cut off?
Because Instagram shows the cover as a circle, the corners and edges of your design are hidden. Keep the icon or word small enough to sit inside the centre circle with some space around it. The resizer’s circle guide shows the visible area.
What should I put on highlight covers?
A simple icon or one short word in your brand colours, with high contrast. Use the same style on every cover so the row looks like a set. Name each highlight in plain words, like Shop, Reviews or Free guide.
Does this tool upload my images?
No. The resizer runs in your browser. Your images never leave your device and nothing is saved. It draws the cover at the exact size and downloads a JPEG you can post as a Story or upload as a cover.