The recommended and optimal size for an Instagram story in Photoshop is 1080 pixels wide by 1920 pixels high. This provides a full-screen, high-quality display for both photos and videos.
Understanding Instagram Story Dimensions
When creating content for Instagram Stories, adhering to specific dimensions ensures your visuals appear crisp, fill the screen, and avoid awkward cropping or empty spaces. The vertical orientation is key for this platform.
Recommended Dimensions
| Aspect | Value | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 1080 pixels | The horizontal resolution for your Instagram story content. |
| Height | 1920 pixels | The vertical resolution for your Instagram story content, ensuring it fills the screen. |
| Aspect Ratio | 9:16 | This vertical ratio is standard for full-screen mobile content, ensuring your story looks natural on smartphones. |
| Minimum Size | 600 x 1067 pixels | While larger is better, this is the smallest size Instagram will effectively display. |
| Maximum File Size | 30 MB (images) | Keep file sizes manageable for quick uploads and optimal viewing. |
These dimensions apply universally to both static images and video clips you intend to upload as an Instagram Story.
Creating an Instagram Story Document in Photoshop
Setting up your canvas correctly in Photoshop is the first step to a perfect Instagram Story.
- Open Photoshop: Launch the application.
- Create a New Document: Go to
File > Newor pressCtrl/Cmd + N. - Enter Dimensions:
- Set Width to
1080 pixels. - Set Height to
1920 pixels.
- Set Width to
- Resolution: Set Resolution to
72 Pixels/Inch. This is ideal for web and screen-based content. - Color Mode: Choose
RGB Color(8-bit) as this is the standard for digital displays. - Background Contents: Select
White,Black,Background Color, orTransparentbased on your preference. - Click Create: Your new canvas is now ready for your story design.
Practical Tips for Photoshop Story Design
- Safe Zones: Remember that Instagram's interface (profile picture, username, story controls) will cover small portions at the top and bottom of your story. Design with these "safe zones" in mind, keeping critical information and design elements away from the very edges.
- Top Safe Zone: Approximately 250 pixels from the top edge.
- Bottom Safe Zone: Approximately 310 pixels from the bottom edge.
- Aim to keep your main content within the central
1080 x 1420 pixelarea.
- High-Quality Assets: Use high-resolution images and graphics within your Photoshop document to ensure clarity.
- Export Settings: When exporting from Photoshop, save your file as a JPEG (.jpg) or PNG (.png) for images. For videos, ensure they are exported in an
.mp4or.movformat.- For images, use
File > Export > Export As...and choose JPEG or PNG. Aim for a quality setting around 70-80% for JPEGs to balance file size and quality.
- For images, use
- Text Readability: Choose clear, readable fonts and ensure sufficient contrast with your background. Avoid placing essential text too close to the edges.
- Brand Consistency: Maintain your brand's visual identity, including colors, fonts, and imagery, across all your stories.
By following these guidelines, your Instagram Stories created in Photoshop will be perfectly sized and optimized for maximum impact and engagement.
