Instagram Story size in pixels: 1080×1920 and safe zone 2026
If you search for Instagram Story dimensions in pixels, the official answer remains 1080×1920 px at 9:16. The issue is rarely memorising numbers — most Canva or Figma templates already use them — but exporting correctly and respecting the safe zone where Instagram's UI covers clock, icons and buttons.
Quick table: Instagram Story sizes 2026
| Format | Pixels (W × H) | Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Story / vertical Reel | 1080 × 1920 | 9:16 | Standard when uploading from gallery |
| Highlight cover | 1080 × 1920 | 9:16 | Crops to circle — centre icon or logo |
| Minimum acceptable | 600 × 1067 | 9:16 | Visible quality loss — avoid if possible |
Why 1080×1920
Instagram normalises uploads to its internal resolution. 720×1280 gets upscaled and softens text; 2160×3840 adds weight without visible gain on most phones. 1080 px width remains the sweet spot.
Safe zone: pixels the UI covers
Even at 1080×1920, not all area is usable. Top ~250 px and bottom ~200 px are covered by system UI and reply fields. Keep headlines in the central third with ~65 px side margins.
Export your Story at 1080×1920 without manual pixel math — adapt here to Instagram Story format with the safe zone visible while you frame.
