What size is an Instagram Story?

1080 x 1920 pixels, a 9:16 full-screen frame. The same size works for Reels covers, TikTok photo posts and Snapchat.

What is the Instagram Story safe area?

Roughly the top 250 pixels and the bottom 250 pixels are covered by Instagram's own interface - the profile row and the reply bar. Keep text and logos out of both bands.

Can I make a Story on my phone?

Yes. Emaki Studio runs in the mobile browser, and exporting on a phone or tablet opens the system share sheet so the image saves straight to Photos.

All formats

Instagram Story maker

A Story is a full-screen frame with other people's interface painted over the top and bottom of it. Design for the whole 1080 x 1920 and keep everything that matters in the middle band, and it works whether it is tapped through in two seconds or paused.

Size: 1080 x 1920 (9:16)
Keep clear: Top ~250 px (profile row) and bottom ~250 px (reply bar)
Sticker room: Leave a gap if you plan to add a poll, link or music sticker in the app
Export: Full-resolution image, or an MP4 if you animate it

What makes it work

Fill the frame, centre the message Background artwork runs to all four edges; text and logos live in the middle band. That single rule is what stops a Story looking clipped on one phone and fine on another.
Leave a hole for the stickers Polls, questions, links and music are added in the Instagram app after you upload. Design the empty space they will sit in, or they land on top of your headline.
One message per frame A Story is seen for a couple of seconds. If it takes longer than that to read, split it across two frames - which is what a multi-slide project gives you in one export.
Contrast beats decoration Stories are watched in daylight, one-handed, at low brightness. A solid panel behind the type is worth more than any effect on it.
Animate it if it earns it Giving the layers an entrance and exporting an MP4 turns the same design into a Reel-shaped clip. Fades, slides, zoom in and pop are free, as is the export itself.

Templates that fit: Story photo stack, Animated frame

Open the editor · Browse the how-to guides

What size is an Instagram Story?: 1080 x 1920 pixels, a 9:16 full-screen frame. The same size works for Reels covers, TikTok photo posts and Snapchat.
What is the Instagram Story safe area?: Roughly the top 250 pixels and the bottom 250 pixels are covered by Instagram's own interface - the profile row and the reply bar. Keep text and logos out of both bands.
Can I make a Story on my phone?: Yes. Emaki Studio runs in the mobile browser, and exporting on a phone or tablet opens the system share sheet so the image saves straight to Photos.