What size is an Instagram story?

Meta recommends a 9:16 ratio. The pages we checked don't name a single pixel size, so the checker shows your image's ratio to compare with 9:16.

What happens if my image isn't 9:16?

Meta says 9:16 avoids cropping or blank space, so another shape may be cropped or padded.

How big can a story image be?

8 MB, as a JPEG, per Meta's developer docs.

Do these specs apply in the Instagram app?

Meta publishes them for apps that post to Instagram through its API. Instagram Help's stories pages don't list sizes.

Free tool

Instagram story size checker

Meta's developer docs for publishing to Instagram recommend a 9:16 aspect ratio for story images and videos, to avoid cropping or blank space. Story images there are JPEG files up to 8 MB. Drop in an image and the checker reads its width, height and ratio.

Try it

Placement	Size
Story image (9:16 recommended)	Meta recommends 9:16; no official pixel size

Local image

Drop a local file to check it. Nothing is uploaded.

How it works

1
Drop in an image. The browser reads it, and nothing is uploaded.
2
The checker shows its width, height and ratio.
3
Compare the ratio with 9:16, which is 0.5625.
4
Before you post, save it as a JPEG under 8 MB.

Platform facts

Meta recommends a 9:16 aspect ratio for story images.
Source: Meta, IG User Media reference (checked 2026-10-30)
A story image must be a JPEG of 8 MB or less.
Source: Meta, IG User Media reference (checked 2026-10-30)

FAQ

What size is an Instagram story?: Meta recommends a 9:16 ratio. The pages we checked don't name a single pixel size, so the checker shows your image's ratio to compare with 9:16.
What happens if my image isn't 9:16?: Meta says 9:16 avoids cropping or blank space, so another shape may be cropped or padded.
How big can a story image be?: 8 MB, as a JPEG, per Meta's developer docs.
Do these specs apply in the Instagram app?: Meta publishes them for apps that post to Instagram through its API. Instagram Help's stories pages don't list sizes.

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Related tools

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Sources

Meta, IG User Media reference (checked 2026-10-30)