The best settings for SHARP PHOTOS on INSTAGRAM and FACEBOOK!

[@simon_dentremont]

A couple extra comments: I’ve tried PNG vs JPG….no difference. Also, there is a setting in Instagram: Settings/Media quality/Upload at highest quality…I’ve noticed no difference. I think it impacts video quality more.

[@arturogonzalez-arquieta7882]

I did see a difference in my jpeg photos with the "highest quality upload" setting

[@sayhowling]

@@arturogonzalez-arquieta7882 i dont, theyre all the same, but cropping it by yourself like the video stated makes a diff

[@willonthewing2860]

For the Windows 11 Instagram App, Google AI says "Currently, the Windows 11 Instagram app lacks a similar dedicated setting to control upload quality. Workaround for higher quality uploads on PC: High-resolution source files: Make sure the images and videos you upload to Instagram from your PC are already saved in high resolution to ensure the best possible quality on the platform." Does this mean at least 1350 along the long edge of a 4:5 crop?

[@csc-photo]

AH! I was doing 2048 for IG as well, had no idea. This is by far the most comprehensive vid I’ve seen on this topic, but also very easy to understand and apply. You are a gifted photographer and teacher - thanks! 🙂📷

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@medevacvii]

Simon, thank you for allowing the opportunity for your viewers to be interactive with your editing and posting process. It means a great deal to us to be part of something greater than our own work and to be able to get the best results from our Facebook and Instagram posts.

[@simon_dentremont]

My pleasure!

[@SplitNwigS_303]

As an amateur wildlife photographer, I am forever grateful for the photography tips you share with us amateur photographers. I can honestly say my skills have improved thanks to you. Cheers Simon 🍻

[@UltimateBowmanza]

I've been texting myself the photos after Lightroom export and sometimes using in house crop to post. I'm just a hobbyist but I feel like a n00b. Thank you as always Simon!

[@MattH039]

I needed this so bad! The most disappointing thing I have experienced in my photography journey is posting a photo that I am extremely proud of, only to have it be compressed into oblivion 😢

[@andeeleininger5968]

I love these little experiments! Every time you do something like this, and walk us through the differences using a mini scientific method experiment, I love it. Just more tools in the tool box!

[@markandrews8420]

For around 5 years I have noticed the compression of my images on socials (Facebook, Instagram) I followed this video and tried the setting you recommended, and I can't believe the difference. Thanks again Simon for a great video.

[@uppitysquirrel]

Very helpful. It's a bit more complicated for insta if your image is not 4x5. Note that 4x5 with 1350 on the long edge has 1080 on the short side. This, 1080, is the horizontal dimension image limit. If I must post a landscape format image I use 1080 for the long edge.

[@Auroralover9797]

Thank you. I was wondering about horizontal photos. About of my IG posts are horizontal.

[@mxzrevman64]

great tips as ALWAYS Simon , here is another tip if you select multiple export presents in LRC you can batch export and save a step, it will export your FB and your gram settings at the same time , thanks again Simon

[@ppBizU]

Come back here 4th time to get properties right. Quality content Simon!

[@VTheGonk]

Another amazing video! On behalf of myself and the many others in the comment section, THANK YOU. You're a fountain of knowledge, and you are bringing a community together.

[@luzr6613]

You said 'corollary'. I've never heard that word used in a YT photography video - i applaud your innovation. As to the rest - thank you very much for caring about something that i don't but should - very thorough and revealing. Happy winter and now go out and take your best photos - i know you keep doing it. Cheers from NZ.

[@deanhelmeci5003]

I have been waiting anxiously for this video ever since you posted the images to vote on. Thank you!

[@WisePhotographyForYou]

Wow! I will be sharing THIS video a lot. A must-see for photographers. Thank you!

[@mike_s_media]

Wow, thank you for this! I just uploaded the same photo from my last post but with the updated settings (that are technically lower quality) and the results are quite surprising! I have no clue how I didn't know this having posted my photos for the past few years!

[@biaderrbiader5632]

I was waiting for something like this, because social media spoil the quality horribly, thanks for movie!

[@DaveKingMusic]

Great stuff! Like you, I’m happy to hear I’ve been doing it correctly 50% of the time.

[@tominthetux]

Looks like Christmas came early! Thank you Simon! Another thoughtfully curated topic well discussed!

[@philwachocki7958]

If You take 3 monitors from the same run and you will find subtle differences too. And left sliders work good sometimes too. Less contrast and exposure can reveal things in landscapes. Try it, you might find it's better, sometimes. I play with settings all the time to find the right picture for me.

[@vexxecon]

I don't know what I expected, but this is a really in depth look at uploading photos. Great info!

[@rodrigogregoriodelasheras5246]

This frist video that could explain the size, and resolution with a examples!!! very nice work, thank you, I could find out I was doing it wrong too.

[@knyalisa4162]

Thank you so much for running the “study” with so many options! I’m not surprised the very sharp/contrasty one won out in the end, in the illustration world it’s also a very known fact that general audiences respond best to images that are very over-cranked on color choice, saturation and contrast.

[@davidgommeren7283]

Excellent detective work! I only post on Instagram (daily, I've got over 20 years of photos to use when I didn't have a chance to go out and take new ones) but have changed my export settings according to your findings. My bigger problem is remembering which one I already posted, but in my own photo manager the next module to add will be automatic social media posting history.

[@Auroralover9797]

Thank you Simon. This was very informative. I appreciate it 🙏 😊

[@lesath7883]

Thank you, Simon. I have used 1000 px on the large side for social media, so that if anyone downloads them, they don't get it the full size. But that might be not the best option for the sharpness of the photos. I will reevaluate that approach.

[@MrFotoFool]

I have been doing the same.

[@callline7183]

Time not to be lazy and do the cropping in Lightroom to get a 4x5 image to export at 1350 pixels. I've been doing the crop in Instagram, especially if adding 10 photo's in a post. Thanks for doing this test and providing the feedback.

[@DanaPushie]

Thanks Simon! Yet another thing I didn't know I needed to know.🤫 Cheers.

[@billkennon319]

MERRY CHRISTMAS and YOU ARE THE HERO! I have not seen this topic discussed anywhere before. I wondered why my smaller images sometimes looked better on IG, now I know. I remember taking your test, and now know why #2 was my choice. Thank you, and I look forward to another year of your tips. Have a happy holiday season. 🎄

[@brnrlnd]

This channel is the best photography channel and it’s not close! Would love to see a video on the best ways/hosts to present photo collections online and for which occasions. IE: client approval vs causal viewing/downloading.

[@chadwoodhouse1905]

Great demonstration! I have been doing 2048 for my Facebook and IG as well. I also didn't know you could save the export settings! I have been manually changing them and have been a pain to try and remember the setting. I'll start implementing that now. Thanks, Simon!

[@simon_dentremont]

I'm glad that was helpful.

[@marckristensen946]

So that's what happened to my profile picture on FB. It looks weird. Thank you for answering my messages, Simon! I'm really grateful. Always nice to get some advice from a professional.

[@Morio666]

I feel this would have been a better test without picture 10. The last one is obviously better than the rest, but not because of the size, resolution or anything like that, but because it had some adjustments done. If only pictures 1-9 were included we might be able to see whether people perceive the differences caused by compressing etc.

[@bushmangarth]

This is so useful. I"m going to get presets going for both facebook and instagram. Thanks Simon.

[@simon_dentremont]

Fantastic!

[@Altamyr_]

I really notice the extra background music and sound effects, great video on an interesting topic! Now to shoot some more pictures :)

[@davebenson1504]

Thank you Simon... I have always used 1000 on long side... so I guess I'll start trying the max long edge on FB... my only social media

[@pixels_speak]

To be honest, I'm not tired of seeing other people's tack sharp photos, I'm just tired of seeing my photos looking dull after posting 😅 Just a light hearted comment, no offense!

[@simon_dentremont]

That's what we're going to fix here!

[@briancarlisle2534]

Good deal. Because man, I’ve tried so many things (that I know of) but yet continue to see my pictures vs these sharp and crisp ones that other folks post (on Facebook) and I’m no where close to that. That part of why I went from M4/3’s (Olympus) to Full frame, thinking that would make a difference.

[@chrischoo3249]

either looking dull or looking too vibrant😅

[@pixels_speak]

@@chrischoo3249 Absolutely correct 😄

[@Dani_Makhoul]

Hello Simon! I was looking back at my comment on Instagram and i choose the 2, and 10. So, i'm so happy for being able to going that and give my opinion! So thanks for that video it deserve a lot. Everytime i learn new thing with you, so i appreciate you so much thank you from my heart 💪🏻

[@DrLoneyDal]

Great experiment with helpful suggestions! Thanks!

[@Dakun]

This video brings up a very interesting side topic. The phenomenon where general audiences tend to like more contrast, clarity, and sharpness while photographers like more "subtle" adjustments. I wonder why this is the case?

[@רוניפינקל]

Now I understand why I'm fighting with Instagram. When I upload photos, sometimes they cut in the edges because in Lightroom, I'm using 2048 pixels in the long edge.... I remember that challenge,it was a game," find the difference." It's a nice idea to make a contest post on Instagram page. I remember your toturial about lightroom classic that you explained in great detail on how to make image processing in 15 minutes, and since then, I have saved the settings without changing anything.well, I'll add another settings for Instagram page... Thanks as usual for this video.

[@jacksponsler9341]

I posted a few pictures using examples and it really worked well. Thank you for the sage advice!!

[@howardrankin7119]

Another insightful and original video. Cheers Simon!

[@birdswithbeau]

Great job on the extra editing elements in this video, I definitely noticed them! Hopefully it can really boost some viewer retention!

[@biscut42]

The new look and sound is good! I wonder if you decided to hire an editor. You had me hooked on watching from much earlier videos, but I can see the appeal of a more lively edit.

[@jcaff6963]

Thanks, Simon, really appreciate your videos. Seasons Greetings to you and your family.

[@charlotterogers8733]

Wonderful. Time to create my presets for social media. My next wish request is the best settings for printing or enlarging my photos and exporting to a print shop possibly like Staples. Thankyou Simon !

[@roryhaymanphotography8882]

I was posting my IG pics at 1350 px and then choosing the option to automatically post to FB and couldn't figure out why they didn't look as nice on FB, and now I know why. Thanks for the tips.

[@dennisyarbro1657]

Very informative, helpful and timely. Thanks for taking the effort to research, test, evaluate and post this information. Best Regards.

[@elyaungul6166]

Thank you so much for this info, it is such an important piece of quality image, especially since most of us expose our work mainly on social media! Just wanted to add that i appreciate the quality of your videos and how you are always improving! I noticed you added a lot of animations to this video, wich was amazing in the short video format you posted, but i find that in the long format it is a bit distracting. I personally think that it doesnt really add value to your videos, that are amazing without it! Thank so much for all the knowledge and inspiration! 😊

[@dabsond]

Based on the 1350 or 2048 pixels on long edge for a 4x5 vertical, what would the best settings for a 4x5 horizontal image on both platforms? Thanks for all the information. Love your videos.

[@Buchholz_Fotograf]

Same question here 👍

[@kielbalicao6024]

Hello. Same question here for horizontal images.

[@miguelbellidolopez130]

Great video Simon! Thanks a lot for the advice, it is truly helpful and I will apply it myself. One quick question, why do you limit the file sixe to 2MB? Saw that in your export settings. Thank you!

[@simon_dentremont]

just to save space.

[@MrFotoFool]

Very helpful and much appreciated. However, I find it interesting you recommend 4:5 ratio for Instagram, since they use a square format.

[@mikedodsonlabview]

This was very helpful. Thank you.

[@simon_dentremont]

You're welcome!

[@im_thusitha]

Thank you so much for the insight, Simon! I was also using the same 2048 resolution for my fb & insta pages. Now I can change that.

[@Arnoldismouldy]

Omg this is perfect timing I literally JUST started my photography instagram

[@vilasmalankar]

Very helpful information. Thanks.

[@ManasesRamos]

Thank you for explaining it clearly so I can understand, I notice that you don't have a video on Electronic vs Mechanical Shutter Comparison :)

[@simon_dentremont]

not yet…on my list

[@wbmansell88]

I’m not sure if you’ve covered the colour space to use…. sRGB vs Adobe RGB. In Raw, does it matter which you use? For example, is it better to shoot in Adobe RGB for the increased saturation once you get to the editing stage?

[@simon_dentremont]

Adobe is technically better, but some displays can’t handle it, so risky.

[@wbmansell88]

@@simon_dentremont - do you shoot in sRGB then for that reason? And by display, do you mean my PC monitor?

[@darrylldoucette6895]

This is great! Could you please provide similar instruction on formatting photos for KZbin?

[@BirdsOnPowerLines]

Agreed! Please. This knowledge would be awesome. I have been making video compilations of still photos and snippets of video (using my iPhone so far because I am a real newbie) for my KZbin channel, and I wonder how to do this better. Now is particularly a good time for me to learn because I just purchased my first 'real' camera (a Nikon ZPIII - sorry Simon I didn't go with the similar Cannon - it was a hard decision). Thank you for the comment @darryldoucette6895 and yet another great video Simon - you are teaching me so much.

[@ciprianbaltaretu]

youtube is only for video

[@darrylldoucette6895]

I’m honestly not sure if the above response is a joke or if I really need to rephrase; I would like to feature still photos in a KZbin video, similar to other photography videos, such as the one we are currently commenting in. I would like information on optimizing said still photos for use in a video.

[@chernoxeneize12]

For stories? 9:16... 4:5 it's a feed post so I guess the long edge 1350 it's not the best. And I'm confuse here.... the long edge will be the vertical right? 1920px for the standar 1920x1080

[@alexmirza5210]

I recently got a used 16 MP Nikon D4s and after cropping the images and some sharpening I get the nicest balance of sharpness and natural unadulterated and detailed look on my Facebook posts.

[@zyntropolis]

Thank you for the amazing video as always Simon. Great information

[@AN71]

Thank you for another fantastic video Simon. This might be a dumb question but if I have my export settings dialed in for Instagram and then share that post to my Facebook, might there be a noticeable difference in quality between the two websites?

[@simon_dentremont]

It could, yes, but likely still passable

[@AN71]

​@@simon_dentremont Thanks! I think I'll just create individual posts for each site only when the photo(s) are "extra" special

[@JonathanMorley]

I often find that when I import my post-processed photo to my phone I run it through more post-processing from within the photos app on the phone to make the image pop better on the phone screen. Depending on the photo, I don't always need to do this. It also gave me insight into the initial post-processing on my computer.

[@stevocanuck]

Hi Simon. I have a question I was wondering if you could help answer. If I’m in my room for example pointing my camera at the door, and want to capture a photo of a person walking past my room, how would I ensure that they’re in focus since I cant see when they’re coming I can’t just trace them. Basically I’m asking how do you capture a perfect side shot of someone moving when you don’t know when they’ll appear. Do I hold the focus button continuously, therefore when the person shows up on the screen, will the camera pick up on the person in time? Hope that makes sense, thank you.

[@peterzwik1128]

Thank, this is very useful for me. Grt from the Netherlands.

[@djohansen2367]

What about posting on Instagram story? What are recommended export settings ? Thank you!

[@parthiyer10148]

Hi Simon, this is a timely video - one question for you - instagram also forces the aspect ratio of the first photo to the rest of them if you are making a batch post. As such i have found myself using apps that can add white borders around images with different aspect ratios so i can make a batch post about a common subject. The question for you is - does adding white borders to standardize the aspect ratio also affect image quality? In other words, if we know we are going to be adding white borders anyway, should we still be exporting in 1350 px resolutions ?

[@by_RTS]

What about horizontal photos on insta & fb? Whats the full dimensions there?

[@levyrivera8644]

Another Good Video!! Thanks Great tips, I would never thought of lol

[@baldgamer305]

Great Video Thanks once again Simon 😊

[@frogmanyt2515]

So is there an advantage to upscaling an image first, THEN exporting it with the correct dimensions for instagram/facebook?

[@simon_dentremont]

maybe if it was low resolution to start with

[@cbtsmith1]

I noticed that you exported the pics in this video at 240 per inch. Does it make a difference (for better or worse) if that is bumped to 350 or even higher?

[@simon_dentremont]

for the web it doesn’t matter.

[@cbtsmith1]

@@simon_dentremont Thank you.

[@markusmostrom4416]

Great info and video as usual! I have a question. I feel my images get darker after posting them on FB or Insta. Have you, or anyone else, experienced the same issue?

[@funtaril]

Great tips and useful conclusion as always, but I have to say I found constant zooming in and out with frequent jumps between them a bit distracting in this video. Also, if I open Instagram in desktop browser, click "inspect" on vertical photos (posted clearly from smartphone), and open them in separate tab, then it shows their resolution as 1440x1800 (not 1080). That leaves me somewhat confused.

[@simon_dentremont]

When downloaded back they can come out at various sizes...depends on the device.

[@robertwalsh5301]

Thank you for the information, Simon.

[@Twobarpsi]

Great advice Simon!! Thank you!

[@davidligon6088]

Thanks for this information, I may consider increasing compression for social media. I created those presets a couple years ago: Instagram and Facebook max length on the long side, sRGB, sharpening, etc. However, I have a more complicated preset for Instagram which creates the largest image possible, with a 1080 horizontal limit and a 1350 vertical limit n case I want to upload a narrower vertical or landscape oriented image (fortunately a 4x5 crop is 1350x1080). I typically export JPEG at 100%, though. I am surprised more compression was not a factor.

[@mvp_kryptonite]

Excellent! Always best to check with the platform what their limits are and not exceed them. Same can be applied to KZbin etc for video Printing for highest possible quality from an online service such as snapfish, what dpi do you recommend to export as before exporting and uploading the image?

[@simon_dentremont]

Many printers don't use the dpi settings and scale as needed based on the size you want. It also depends on planned viewing distance, so hard to generalize, But 200 is plenty for most applications.

[@mvp_kryptonite]

@ OK fantastic it’s good to know. My Canon DPP I think is on default 350. Thanks again for the top notch content!

[@thepincayreport9452]

Thank you Simon!!!!!

[@attrapehareng]

I personally rearrange my photos in a carousel with a design tool (I use Affinity designer) and export the slides at 1350x1080px PNGs. It seems to work fine and my images are sharp.

[@cgan2013]

Very good information. To be honest, I couldn’t care less how others perceive sharpness of my images as I do prep my images for upload the same as you…by the pixel dimensions allowed by both FB and IG. Does this sound cocky? Yes, it does. But where I am coming from is that most of the people viewing my images are the same people in awe of images from “artists” such as Peter Lik, who post images of a full moon with the clouds streaming BEHIND the moon. Or better yet, praise images such as those with the Statue of Liberty in front of the Colorado Range! (Exaggerating a bit, yes…but…🤦🏻‍♂️) In other words, many don’t have a discerning eye for reality vs. those that have been manipulated to the extremes. My photographer friends know what to look for…what is real.

[@NemSumeragi]

Whats the difference between exporting in Lr and LrC?

[@simon_dentremont]

Classic has a few more options

[@JustinCarf]

Great stuff! Thank you for this information!

[@larrycoonrod5563]

This was so helpful. Thank you!

[@jim.matheny]

This makes me wonder about the quality using apps such as Meta Business Suite to post directly to FB and IG simultaneously on work accounts. Or when posting using the IG app and selecting also share to Facebook. Is it worth the effort to post directly to each individually rather than posting through the suite?

[@Jessehermansonphoto]

I’m wondering what the issue would be if you just split the difference. Slightly more resolution than IG and slightly less than FB. Probably the route I will go

[@anthonyrodriguez5993]

I just got my first DSLR it's a canon 70d I'm super excited to try my hand at landscape photography until I can afford a lense that will allow me to get stunning (for a beginner 😊) photos I really appreciate the information you share and if you happen to see this is there a particular lense you would recommend for my camera body roughly around $500 US for wildlife photography? Or is that just slightly to low for clean images?

[@johnbethell8666]

Useful advice, thanks!

[@SamMachin-q3t]

That's so interesting! Been waiting for this one after seeing your post on the socials! 😂 I don't know if I've missed it but what size do you to the long edge for horizontal picture? I'd say 80% of my wildlife pics are horizontal but 99% of my landscapes are also horizontal. Love your vids, thanks for all the help you give us.. Legend!

[@robtipper1609]

What would be your setting recomendations for uploading images to companies like Whitewall?

[@simon_dentremont]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3uYq6JndraNhqcsi=I3b9g80JscnfTnd7

[@HarryLewinASR]

Great & useful video. Any ideas about transfering photos via GMail?

[@iang7007]

Thanks Simon God bless you :)

[@simon_dentremont]

You're very welcome

[@brcdqc]

Hello Simon, my current camera is the canon PowerShot SX50 HS it’s 4mm-215mm and it doesn’t provide enough zoom. Could you recommend a budget body & lens combo? I’m on a budget so something under 200. Thank you!

[@russellthorstrom6084]

Great info Simon. Thanks!

[@lior2538]

Wow this is gold information ❤thank you

[@ricardobph]

Hey Simon! Thank you for your videos as always. If you wnat i have a video suggestion: How to give your photos your own style through editing Thank you ❤️

[@UweRoclawski]

On Instagram you can pinch zoom into your image, so higher resolution should be better?

[@puco_cestuje]

the point is that if you upload a higher resolution, IG will compress it... therefore it will look worse when you zoom in (or even without zooming in)... IG will not allow you to upload higher resolution than allowed, that was the point he was making

[@Hymnoz]

Thank you for this! I uploaded a picture of a belted kingfisher to my instagram recently and the details were a mess. I have to check, but I’m sure I must have uploaded a file size above the 1350 pixel long edge limit.

[@richardpgallagher5163]

When posting with the best image quality possible do you think that will encourage people to right click download the image themselves more? Or do you think that's not much of an issue?

[@simon_dentremont]

It is maybe, but better than posting poor quality pics

[@natedagreat90]

Also depends on you network speed if you have bad internet it will upload at lower quality