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The correct Instagram Story size is 1080 x 1920 pixels, which corresponds to a 9:16 aspect ratio. To avoid blurriness or cropping, you can easily resize any photo to these dimensions using a free app like YouCam Perfect.
If you’ve ever uploaded a Story that came out blurry, cropped in the wrong place, or just looked... off, you’re not alone. Instagram has very specific Story dimensions, and if you’re not using the right size, your content gets compressed, cut off, or distorted. This can ruin an otherwise perfect post.
In this guide, you'll learn exactly what Instagram Story size to use, why it matters so much, and how to easily resize, rotate, and even expand your content using the free app YouCam Perfect. Whether you're a content creator, a small business owner, or just obsessed with Stories, this guide is for you.
What Is the Best Instagram Story Size in 2025?
Here are the exact specifications you need to know for perfect, high-quality Instagram Stories:
| Element | Specification |
|---|---|
| Story Size (Dimensions) | 1080 x 1920 pixels |
| Aspect Ratio | 9:16 |
| Accepted File Types | .JPG, .PNG (for photos); .MP4, .MOV (for videos) |
| Max Video File Size | 4GB |
| Max Length per Slide | 60 seconds for video (previously 15 seconds) |
✅ Pro Tip: Always aim for 1080 pixels wide by 1920 pixels tall. This is the ideal Instagram Story size for full-screen vertical content that looks crisp and professional.
Why Instagram Story Dimensions Matter
Ignoring the correct dimensions isn't just a minor mistake; it directly impacts how your audience perceives your content. If your Story doesn’t match the correct size, Instagram's algorithm will automatically adjust it, which can cause several problems:
- Blurriness: The app will compress oversized or incorrectly proportioned images, resulting in a loss of quality.
- Awkward Cropping: Important elements like text, faces, or product details might get cut off as Instagram forces your image to fit.
- Black Bars: Uploading a horizontal photo will result in unsightly black bars above and below it, making your Story look unprofessional.
When you use the correct Instagram Story resolution (1080x1920), you ensure:
- Your visuals are high-quality and sharp.
- Text, stickers, and polls don’t get awkwardly cut off.
- Your content looks polished and professional, which boosts engagement.
How to Resize a Photo for Instagram Story Using YouCam Perfect
So, you have the perfect shot, but it's a horizontal landscape photo or a square portrait. This is where YouCam Perfect saves the day, allowing you to perfectly format any image for your Story in seconds.
Key Tools in YouCam Perfect for Instagram Story Editing:
- Crop Tool: Resize to the 9:16 aspect ratio with a single tap.
- Rotate Tool: Easily straighten any photo that's slightly tilted.
- AI Background Expansion: Magically stretch the edges of your photo to fill the Story frame without distorting the main subject.
Step-by-Step Guide: Resize for Instagram Story in Seconds
- Open Your Photo in YouCam Perfect: Download the app (it's free on iOS & Android) and select the image you want to edit.
- Use the Crop Tool: Tap "Crop & Rotate," then choose the preset labeled “Story (9:16)” to instantly size your image for Instagram Stories.
- Straighten with the Rotate Tool: Is the horizon a little tilted? Use the Rotate slider to realign your image perfectly.
- Expand the Background: The Background Expansion tool is a game-changer. It uses AI to smartly stretch the sides and fill the 9:16 frame, so you don't have to crop out important parts of your image.
- Preview and Save: Make sure your subject is centered and that any text or stickers you plan to add in Instagram will have enough space. Avoid placing key elements too close to the edges.
Final Thoughts: Instagram Story Size Made Easy
Instagram Stories are one of the most powerful tools for showing off your creativity and connecting with your audience. But if your content isn’t the right size, you're leaving engagement and likes on the table. With this guide, you now know everything you need to create perfect Stories every time.
So next time you're about to post, take a quick second to resize it right with a tool like YouCam Perfect and watch your content come to life.
📌 Try YouCam Perfect now to crop, rotate, and expand your photos for Instagram Stories in seconds. Perfect size, every time. Download it free on iOS or Android.
About the Editors
The PERFECT Corp. Editorial Team
We are a team of experts on photo and video editing apps. Our goal is to deliver engaging content on everything from stunning selfie edits to eye-catching video effects. We cover the latest trends and share niche tips to help you master digital creation.
Instagram Story Size Questions, Answered (FAQ)
- What is the correct size for an Instagram Story in 2025?
- The best and correct Instagram Story size is 1080 pixels wide by 1920 pixels tall. This ensures your content fills the entire screen without any quality loss or awkward cropping.
- What’s the correct Instagram Story aspect ratio?
- The correct aspect ratio for Instagram Stories is 9:16. This is the standard vertical full-screen format used on all modern smartphones, which is why it's perfect for immersive viewing.
- Can I upload horizontal photos to Instagram Stories?
- Yes, but Instagram will automatically display them with large black bars above and below to fill the 9:16 screen, or it will zoom in and crop your photo. For the best results, always use a vertical image or resize your horizontal photo first.
- How do I resize a photo for an Instagram Story without losing quality?
- The best way is to use a dedicated photo editing app like YouCam Perfect. Its "Story (9:16)" crop preset instantly resizes your image to the correct dimensions. For horizontal photos, its AI Background Expansion tool can fill the empty space without reducing image quality.
- Why are my Instagram Stories blurry?
- Blurriness is usually caused by Instagram's compression algorithm. This happens when your photo is either the wrong size (forcing the app to resize and compress it) or has too low of a resolution to begin with. Always start with a high-quality image and resize it to 1080x1920 pixels before uploading.
