Instagram Stories Size

By Peter Assentorp Instagram stories size

What is the Instagram Stories Size? This is one of the most common questions I get. Instagram Stories are one of the most popular features on the platform, used by hundreds of millions of people daily. Getting the size right ensures your content looks professional and engages your audience effectively. On this page you will find everything from the perfect size to use as well as free templates for the most popular design tools.

Stories

Video

1080 × 1920

Max. Duration: 15 seconds

Image

1080 × 1920

Max. Duration: 7 seconds

Download Free Templates

What if a size changes?

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What is the Instagram Stories size in pixels?

An Instagram Story displays at 1080 × 1920 pixels. This vertical format is optimized for mobile viewing and takes up the full screen on smartphones. Instagram Stories are a hugely popular feature that allows you to share moments that disappear after 24 hours, making them perfect for timely content, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and casual updates.

The 9:16 aspect ratio is the standard for vertical video and is used across most social media platforms. This means you can create content once and repurpose it across Instagram, Facebook Stories, Snapchat, and more. Keep in mind that Instagram Stories support both static images and videos up to 15 seconds in length per segment.

What does 9:16 aspect ratio mean for Instagram Stories?

The aspect ratio of an image or video refers to the relationship between its width and height. An aspect ratio of 9:16 on Instagram Stories means that the width is 9 units, and the height is 16 units. This vertical format is specifically designed for mobile viewing, where phones are held upright.

To put it simply, 1080 x 1920 pixels is a 9:16 aspect ratio. To do the math:
1 unit = 120 pixels
9 units = 120 × 9 = 1080 pixels (width)
16 units = 120 × 16 = 1920 pixels (height)

The aspect ratio is scalable, meaning that 540 x 960 is also a 9:16 aspect ratio. However, you should always use the full 1080 x 1920 resolution for the best quality on high-resolution displays.

How do I create Instagram Stories?

There are many great tools you can use to create professional-looking Instagram Stories. Some of the most popular options include:

Canva - Great for beginners with lots of templates
Adobe Spark - Free and easy to use
Figma - Professional design tool
Photoshop - Full-featured photo editing
Illustrator - Vector graphics and design
Sketch - Popular among designers
Unfold - Mobile app with beautiful templates
InShot - Mobile video editing

If you're looking for a free alternative, you can use our 100% Free Social Image Maker to create all assets for your social media channels. This image maker already has the Instagram Stories size available out of the box, so you don't have to look up the dimensions to get started. It's easy to use and receives regular updates and improvements.

Best practices for Instagram Stories

Instagram Stories are designed for quick, engaging content that captures attention. Since they disappear after 24 hours, they're perfect for more casual, authentic content. Here are some tips for creating engaging Stories:

Design for vertical viewing - never use horizontal content
Keep text large and easy to read on small screens
Leave safe zones at the top and bottom (about 250px each) for UI elements
Use high contrast colors for better visibility
Keep video segments under 15 seconds for best results
Add interactive elements like polls, questions, and stickers
Use consistent branding and colors
Include a clear call-to-action

What's the difference between Instagram Stories and Reels?

While both Instagram Stories and Reels use vertical video, they serve different purposes. Stories disappear after 24 hours and are more casual, appearing at the top of the app. Reels are permanent (unless you delete them), appear in multiple places including the Reels tab and Explore page, and are designed for more polished, entertaining content. Both use the same 9:16 aspect ratio (1080 x 1920 pixels), but Reels can be up to 90 seconds long while Stories are limited to 15 seconds per segment.

Learn more about Instagram Post Size and Instagram Profile Picture Size on our other pages.

Common mistakes to avoid with Instagram Stories

One of the biggest mistakes people make with Instagram Stories is not designing for the safe zones. Instagram's UI elements (profile picture, text input, and navigation) cover portions of your Story, especially at the top and bottom. Always keep important text and visual elements within the safe zone to avoid them being covered.

Another common mistake is using horizontal images or videos. Unlike feed posts where you can use various aspect ratios, Stories are specifically designed for vertical content. Horizontal content will appear with large black bars above and below, wasting valuable screen space and looking unprofessional.