Instagram Stories use a full-screen vertical format that is completely different from standard Instagram feed posts. Using the wrong dimensions results in black bars on the sides or top and bottom, making your story look unprofessional. Here is how to prepare any image for Instagram Stories.
Instagram Story Image Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1080×1920 px |
| Aspect ratio | 9:16 (vertical) |
| Format | JPG or PNG |
| Max file size | 30 MB (photo) |
| Safe zone | Central 1080×1420 px |
How to Convert Images for Instagram Story
Visit imgresizr.com and upload your horizontal or square image. Use the Crop tool to select 9:16 aspect ratio — this creates the vertical format Instagram Stories require. You may need to extend the background or recompose the image if important content gets cut off. After cropping, resize to 1080×1920 pixels. Download as JPG for photos or PNG for graphics with text.
Handling Horizontal Photos for Stories
Landscape (horizontal) photos present a challenge for Stories. Options include: cropping the centre of the image to 9:16, placing the landscape image on a coloured or blurred background within a 9:16 canvas, or using the image as an element in a designed story with text and stickers. imgresizr.com's canvas tool can help with the latter approaches.
Instagram Story Safe Zone
- Top 250px: Instagram's profile name and indicators overlay this area
- Bottom 250px: Story controls and CTAs (call to action links) appear here
- Keep text and key visuals in the central 1080×1420px area
Convert any image to Instagram Story format for free at imgresizr.com — resize, crop, and download in under a minute.