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The Challenge
Instagram Stories and Reels require 1080×1920 pixels (9:16) to fill the screen. Non-vertical images display with borders or get cropped unpredictably. Text and stickers placed near edges get covered by Instagram's UI elements — username bar at top, reply bar at bottom.
Instagram Story and Reels size requirements
Instagram Stories and Reels both use 1080×1920 pixels in a 9:16 full-screen vertical format. This is the same dimension used by TikTok and YouTube Shorts, making it a universal vertical content size. Instagram recommends keeping text and important elements within the centre 1080×1420 pixel area — the top 250 pixels are covered by the username bar and icons, and the bottom 340 pixels by the reply bar and swipe-up UI. Reels have an additional consideration: the grid thumbnail displays in 3:4 ratio (1080×1440 centre crop), so key content for the cover should be centred.
Safe zone for text and stickers
- Top 250 pixels (14%) — covered by username, time, and close button
- Bottom 340 pixels (20%) — covered by reply bar, share, and swipe-up
- Side margins: 6% on each side — may be cropped on some devices
- Keep all text, logos, and CTAs within the centre 1080×1420 pixel area
Story and Reels checklist
- 1080×1920 pixels in 9:16 vertical format
- All text and key elements within centre 1080×1420 safe zone
- No important content in top 250px or bottom 340px
- High contrast text — Stories are viewed quickly
- Same dimensions work for Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts
- Reels cover thumbnail shows 3:4 crop — centre key visuals
- JPG for photos, PNG for graphics with text
One size for all vertical platforms
1080×1920 (9:16) is the universal vertical video and image format. It works for Instagram Stories, Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Facebook Stories, and Snapchat. Resize your content once and repurpose across platforms. The only difference is safe zones — each platform places UI elements (usernames, buttons, like icons) in slightly different positions. For cross-platform content, keep all text within the centre 60-70% of the image to ensure visibility everywhere.
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload image to pre-configured 1080×1920 tool
Preview resized story
Download and upload to Instagram
Specifications
- Dimensions
- 1080×1920 pixels
- Aspect ratio
- 9:16 (full-screen vertical)
- Safe zone
- Centre 1080×1420 pixels
- Top margin
- 250 pixels (14%) — covered by username/icons
- Bottom margin
- 340 pixels (20%) — covered by reply/swipe UI
- Also used for
- Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts
Best Practices
- 1080×1920 works for Stories, Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts — resize once, use everywhere
- Keep text within centre 1080×1420 — Instagram's UI covers top and bottom
- Reels cover thumbnails crop to 3:4 on your profile grid — centre the subject
- Stories auto-advance after 7 seconds — make your visual impact immediate
- Use bold, high-contrast text — Stories are viewed quickly on small screens
- Horizontal images display with bars — always convert to vertical before uploading
- Highlight covers display as circles — centre your icon or text
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are Instagram Stories?
1080×1920 pixels with a 9:16 aspect ratio. This fills the entire phone screen vertically. Keep text and important elements within the centre 1080×1420 area to avoid being covered by Instagram's UI.
Are Instagram Reels the same size as Stories?
Yes, both use 1080×1920 pixels (9:16). The difference is that Reels also appear on your profile grid in a 3:4 crop (1080×1440 centre area), so the cover image needs key content centred.
Can I use the same image for Stories, Reels, and TikTok?
Yes. All use 1080×1920 (9:16). The only variation is where each platform places UI elements. Keep key content centred within the middle 60-70% and it works across all vertical platforms.
Why does my Story have black bars?
Your image is not 9:16 vertical. Landscape or square images don't fill the screen, so Instagram adds bars. Resize to 1080×1920 before uploading, or crop to 9:16 ratio first.
What is the Instagram Story safe zone?
The centre 1080×1420 pixels. Instagram covers the top 250 pixels with the username bar and icons, and the bottom 340 pixels with the reply bar and action buttons. Any text or important elements in these areas will be hidden.