Instagram Story Size & Dimensions
Last updated: January 2026
Get the exact Instagram story size, dimensions, aspect ratio, and resolution for images and videos.
Best Instagram Story Size (Dimensions & Aspect Ratio)
The recommended Instagram story size is 1080 x 1920 pixels with a 9:16 aspect ratio. This vertical format fills the entire screen on most smartphones, providing an immersive viewing experience.
While Instagram accepts stories as small as 720 x 1280 pixels, using the full 1080p resolution ensures your content looks crisp and professional on high-resolution displays like newer iPhones and Android flagships.
Safe Zone (What to Avoid)
Instagram overlays UI elements on your stories that can cover important content. The top 155 pixels display your username, timestamp, and close button, while the bottom 155 pixels show the reply bar and interactive stickers. This safe zone applies to the standard Instagram story size of 1080 x 1920 px, leaving a 1080 x 1610 px safe area in the center.
Keep important text, logos, and call-to-actions within this safe zone to ensure they're always visible. Test your design with our free safe zone checker.
Why Stories Look Blurry (3 Fixes)
If your Instagram stories appear blurry, here are the most common causes:
Low resolution source
Always start with images at least 1080x1920. Upscaling smaller images introduces blur.
Heavy compression
Instagram compresses uploads. Export as PNG for graphics or high-quality JPEG (85%+) for photos.
Poor upload conditions
Upload over WiFi rather than mobile data. Instagram uses lower quality when bandwidth is limited.
Story vs Reels vs Post Sizes
Here's how Instagram content formats compare:
| Format | Size (px) | Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| StoriesThis page | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 |
| Reels | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 |
| Feed (Portrait) | 1080 x 1350 | 4:5 |
| Feed (Square) | 1080 x 1080 | 1:1 |
| Instagram carousel size → | Multiple | 4:5, 1:1, 1.91:1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions
Create Instagram Stories in Seconds
Use Overvisual's AI-powered story maker to automatically add perfectly positioned text to your photos. Smart face detection ensures your overlays never cover faces.
Related Tools
Instagram Story Safe Zone Checker
Upload your story image or video to check the Instagram story safe zone and avoid text getting cut off by Instagram.
Try toolInstagram Carousel Size & Dimensions
Get the exact Instagram carousel size and dimensions, including aspect ratios and resolution, for portrait, square, and landscape formats.
Try tool