Instagram Story Size Guide
The complete guide to Instagram Story dimensions. Download blank templates and see safe zones to prevent your stories from getting cropped.
Live safe zone mockup
Select layout format to preview constraints:
organic format
Keep hashtags and subtitles out of the reply box area
Download safety grids & transparent canvases
Download our precise PNG layers to overlay onto your project design canvas. Use them as guidelines in Canva, Photoshop, or Figma to verify perfect layout placements before publishing.
Safe zones: what actually gets covered
When you post a story, Instagram puts UI elements directly on top of your image or video. If your text, logo, or CTA sits inside those zones, part of the audience will never see it clearly. Keeping key text inside the center safe area greatly reduces the risk of being covered by Instagram UI, device notches, reply boxes, or ad CTA overlays.
Organic story safe zone
- Minimum caution zone: Keep the top 140px and bottom 250px free of critical text and icons.
- Better safe layout: Leave the top 250px and bottom 350px clear to account for varied tall-aspect-ratio screens and larger device notches.
Story ads safe zone
For Story Ads, Meta recommends leaving the top 14% and bottom 20% free from key creative elements so profile UI and CTA overlays do not cover your message. On a 1080×1920 canvas, this is roughly 250–270px at the top and 340–384px at the bottom depending on the placement guidance you follow.
Resolution and file format specs
Instagram compresses everything you upload. Starting from the right specs means less damage.
| Parameter | Optimal Standard | Acceptable Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels | 720 x 1280 to 1080 x 1920 | Always use 1080px width for HD display. |
| Aspect Ratio | 9:16 vertical | Vertical layout ONLY | Instagram crops horizontal files automatically. |
| Image Format | PNG / JPG | PNG, JPG, WebP | Use PNG for text graphics to prevent compression artifacts. |
| Video Format | MP4 / MOV (H.264 Codec) | MP4, MOV, GIF | Stereo AAC audio is recommended. |
| File Size Limit | < 30MB (Photos) | < 4GB (Videos) | Larger files are heavily compressed by servers. |
Story ads have stricter rules than regular stories
If you run story ads through Meta Ads Manager, dimensions are strictly monitored:
- Safe Zone guidelines: Keep the top 14% (approx. 250–270px) and bottom 20% (approx. 340–384px) clear from key elements like logos or text lines.
- Aspect Ratio recommendation: Organic stories allow user zooming, but paid Story Ads look best when covering the full 9:16 canvas.
- CTA overlay padding: Sponsored stories display CTA buttons (e.g. "Shop Now") at the bottom. Keep around 340–380px at the bottom clear to avoid overlapping with overlays.
Three mistakes that kill otherwise good stories
1. Putting Text Too Close to the Edges
Because smart device screen ratios vary (e.g., iPhone Dynamic Island vs. notch-less screens), stories are auto-stretched. Text placed at the extreme left or right borders will get cropped on some devices.
2. Ignoring Contrast with Overlays
White text placed near the top overlay can blend into Instagram's white account name text. Use semitransparent black background shapes or outline treatments to ensure high readability.
3. Heavy File Compression
Uploading files directly from slow mobile networks triggers heavy server compression. Compress your files using tools like TinyPNG before uploading to preserve visual details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official Instagram Story size?
The recommended Instagram Story size is 1080 pixels wide by 1920 pixels tall (an aspect ratio of 9:16). Files should be in JPG, PNG, or MP4 format, and under 30MB for photos or 4GB for videos.
What are the story safe zones?
The safe zone refers to the middle portion of the 1080 x 1920 canvas. For organic stories, keep key content within the center area (avoid the top 140px and bottom 250px). For Story Ads, keep the top 14% (~270px) and bottom 20% (~384px) clear from logos and CTAs to avoid getting covered by Meta UI elements.
Can I upload photos of different sizes to stories?
Yes, but if the photo does not match the 9:16 aspect ratio, Instagram will auto-crop it or add colored borders to fill the empty space. For professional results, always use the 1080 x 1920 px format.
What is the maximum duration for an Instagram Story video?
A single Instagram Story slide can play a video up to 60 seconds long. If you upload a longer video, Instagram will split it into sequential 60-second slides automatically.