Checked on October 4, 2026, based on Instagram Help and the "Reel size & aspect ratios" article.
| Item | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Story ratio | 9:16 | Widely confirmed (unofficial) |
| Recommended design canvas | 1080×1920 | Unofficial recommendation |
| Reels allowed ratios | 1.91:1 to 9:16, minimum 720px, 30fps or more | Official |
| Reels cover photo | 420×654 (1:1.55) | Official |
Instagram Help doesn't publish an exact pixel size for Stories. The 9:16 ratio and the 1080×1920 canvas are industry standard.
Why leave the top and bottom empty?
Stories always show your profile picture and name at the top and the reply box and sticker controls at the bottom. Text or faces placed there get covered. Leave about 15% clear at the top and bottom and keep the key content in the central 70%.
How to make one
- Make a 1080×1920 (9:16) canvas. The Image Resizer has an Instagram Story preset that fills or fits your photo.
- Fill the screen with a photo or a background color.
- Place text and graphics in the central area.
- Save as an image and post it as a Story in the Instagram app, where you can add stickers on top.
Stories vs. Reels covers
A Story stays for 24 hours (or longer as a Highlight); a Reels cover is the still image for a Reel. Both are often designed on a 9:16 canvas, but the Reels cover is cropped to 1:1.55 on your profile grid, so keep its key content even closer to the center.
Multi-slide Stories
You can post several Stories in a row to tell one story. Keep the same background color and font across slides so they feel connected, and put one idea on each slide.
Planning Highlights
If a Story will be saved to a Highlight, design the Highlight cover too. It shows as a small circle on your profile, so center the icon or word just like a profile picture. Pick consistent colors with Color Palette from Image.
Good vs. bad
- Good: key text inside the central 70%.
- Bad: important words at the very top or bottom, hidden by buttons.
- Good: designed at 9:16 from the start.
- Bad: a square photo stretched to fill the screen.
Common mistakes
- Posting a square feed photo as a Story, leaving empty space above and below.
- Putting the call to action at the bottom, under the reply box.
- Filling every pixel, so there is no room for stickers or polls later.
Checklist
- 9:16 (1080×1920)?
- Key content in the central 70%?
- About 15% clear at the top and bottom?
- Space left for stickers?
FAQ
What size is an Instagram Story in pixels?
Design at 1080×1920 (9:16). Instagram doesn't publish an official pixel size, but this is the standard canvas.
Where is the Instagram Story safe zone?
Roughly the central 70% of the height. Leave about 15% at the top (profile name) and 15% at the bottom (reply box) free of important text.
Can I use the same image for a Story and a Reels cover?
Yes, both work on a 9:16 canvas, but the Reels cover is cropped to 1:1.55 on your grid, so keep its key content closer to the center.