Instagram DM Link Preview Rules: Tech Specs 2026
What our audit engine enforces: file limits, image formats, aspect ratios, resolution, and Open Graph tags.
Key specs at a glance
OG:Image
Mandatory for image preview
File size
Max 8 MB
Formats
JPG, JPEG, PNG, WebP, GIF, SVG
Recommended ratio
1.91:1 (ideal 1200 × 630)
More link preview guides
Check how your links appear in WhatsApp, Instagram DMs, Facebook, Slack, and more.
Three preview outcomes you'll see
No preview image
This usually happens when OG data is broken. Instagram only renders the URL—no image card appears in the DM.
- Image exceeds 8 MB
- Invalid or blocked file type
- Missing
og:imageor unreachable image URL
Critical: Without an image, your link takes up less space in DMs and gets way less visibility.
Preview with quality issues
The image shows, but Instagram crops or scales aggressively. Result: blurry preview or wrong focal area.
- Image renders but quality is subpar
- Aspect ratio not close enough to 1.91:1
- Resolution below recommended specs
Tip: Fine for testing, but not ideal when you want strong click-through on campaigns.
Perfect preview
Meets all recommended limits and delivers the most consistent display in Instagram DMs. Title, description, and image stay crisp and readable.
- File under 8 MB
- Valid format and clean compression
- 1200 × 630, ratio 1.91:1
Best practice: Keep the main subject centered so cropping on small screens still works.
Required meta tags
Instagram relies on Open Graph data for the DM link card. The cleaner your tags, the more reliable the preview image, title, and description when shared.
og:titleCard title. Keep it short, clear, and benefit-focused.
og:descriptionContext text. Instagram uses it when there's enough space in the card.
og:imageMain preview image. Without this tag, no visual card is built.
Technical checklist
og:image set and reachable
Use an absolute HTTPS URL and ensure crawlers can load the file without redirect chains.
Image under 8 MB
Compress the image before upload so the preview loads fast and stable.
Valid file type
Use JPG/JPEG/PNG/WebP/GIF/SVG and avoid exotic MIME types.
Clean aspect ratio
1200 × 630 px (1.91:1) works best to minimize unwanted cropping in the DM view.
FAQ
Test your Instagram DM preview
Run your URL through our link checker and fix issues before your campaign goes live.