In today’s hyper-digital age, storytelling has taken on a new form, with Instagram Stories leading the way. The perfect Instagram story size can add a burst of color to your life’s moments while elevating your social media game. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of Instagram Stories, discussing everything from its dimensions to the best practices for creating engaging content.
What Are Instagram Stories?
Instagram Stories is a feature that allows users to post vertical images and videos that vanish after 24 hours. When you post a new story, your profile gains a colorful ring to notify your followers. Simply tap on a profile photo to view a story, and swipe left or right to navigate through the content. You can also see who has viewed your story and add it to your profile as a story highlight. However, unlike other social media platforms, Stories do not allow public comments but do permit direct messages and likes.
Ideal Instagram Story Dimensions
To make the most of Instagram Stories, it’s essential to get the dimensions right. The perfect Instagram story size is 1080 pixels wide by 1920 pixels tall, with a 9:16 aspect ratio. Vertical images and videos are key, and not adhering to these dimensions may lead to cropping or zooming by the platform, potentially degrading the quality of your posts.
- Picture files should be in JPG or PNG formats and under 30 MB in size.
- Video files should be in MP4, MOV, or GIF formats, 15 seconds long, and under 4 GB in size.
- For public accounts, your stories are visible to anyone. For private accounts, they are only visible to your followers.
Ensuring you use the right Instagram story size:
- Keeps your content looking high-quality.
- Avoids pixelation or cropping issues.
- Helps your brand stand out, especially if you’re using Instagram for business.
How To Create Stories
To create a new Instagram story, tap on the story option at the top left corner and select the camera on your smartphone. Using your phone’s camera, you can film a video or capture a picture vertically. You can also take advantage of various features, including Boomerang for special effects. Adding written text, shoutouts, templates, questions, countdowns, and quizzes can make your stories more engaging. Don’t forget to spice up your stories with fun GIFs. Additionally, you can use pictures and videos from your phone gallery, resizing them using photo and video editing apps before uploading.
Best Practices for Instagram Stories
Instagram Stories are versatile and can serve various purposes, from keeping your followers updated to promoting your brand and even influencer marketing. Here are some best practices to get the most out of them:
- Use High-Quality Content: High-quality content appears professional, as Instagram does compress images and videos during uploading.
- Adhere To Correct Dimensions: Stick to the 9:16 aspect ratio to avoid cropping or poor quality in your posts.
- Go Vertical: Unlike regular Instagram posts, Stories work best with vertical content. Horizontal formats may not display correctly.
- Use Editing Apps: Editing apps like Canva, Adobe Spark, and Lumen5 can help you upload high-quality content while adhering to the correct dimensions. They allow you to specify dimensions, edit content, and create graphics.
- Keep Files Within 30 MB: Instagram has a file size limit for stories. Make sure your files remain under 30 MB.
FAQs
What is the best size for an Instagram story?
- The ideal Instagram story size is 1080 pixels in width and 1920 pixels in height with a 9:16 aspect ratio. Images should be in JPG or PNG formats, and video files should be in MP4, GIF, or MOV formats with a maximum length of 15 seconds. Instagram Stories are designed for vertical content.
Does changing Instagram story dimensions change the shape of videos?
- No, changing the dimensions does not affect the video’s shape. While 1080 by 1920 pixels provides the best quality, you can reduce the dimensions to speed up uploads without altering the aspect ratio. For instance, using 720 by 1280 pixels maintains the 9:16 aspect ratio.
How long do Instagram stories last?
- Instagram stories disappear after 24 hours of uploading. However, if you add them to your profile as story highlights, they remain visible for as long as you want.
What is the best aspect ratio for Instagram stories?
- An aspect ratio of 9:16, both in terms of height and width, is ideal for Instagram stories. This ratio ensures your posts look good on all devices.
Conclusion
Creating an Instagram story is not a complex task, but creating an engaging one is an art. It’s crucial to navigate the platform’s intricacies while keeping your audience engaged. Instagram Stories provide a powerful means of building an engaged following and enhancing your brand image. Make sure to use the correct dimensions to maintain professionalism and maximize your impact.
What are your favorite hacks for creating compelling Instagram Stories? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below!
Suman(Kul Prasad) Pandit is an accomplished business professional and entrepreneur with a proven track record in corporate and start-up sectors in the UK and USA. With a focus on sustainable business practices and business education, Suman is highly regarded for his innovative problem-solving and commitment to excellence. His expertise and dedication make him a valuable asset for businesses seeking growth and success.