Instagram Story safe area (9:16)
Use 1080×1920 (9:16) and keep important text/faces away from the very top/bottom.
TL;DR
- Size: 1080×1920 (9:16).
- Ratio: 9:16 vertical.
- Format: JPG for photos, PNG for text/transparency.
3 steps (using this tool)
- Upload your image and set size to 1080×1920.
- Keep key content within the centered safe area.
- Export as JPG or PNG.
Practical safe-area tips
- Keep key text/logos within the center area (avoid the very top and bottom).
- When using Crop mode, drag the crop focus to keep faces centered.
- If you must keep everything visible, use Pad mode (adds background space).
One-click workflow
- Open the resizer and upload your image.
- Turn on “Safe area” overlay in the preview.
- Export JPG/PNG locally.
Safe-area template (PNG)
If you need a safe-area template, create a transparent overlay in your design tool using the 1080×1920 canvas and keep text within the center zone. This mirrors common Instagram UI coverage.
FAQ
What is “safe area” on Instagram Stories?
Safe area is the central region where key content is least likely to be covered by Instagram UI overlays.
Quick tip: Treat the top and bottom edges as “UI zones” and keep critical text away from them.
Common mistake: Placing CTAs at the very bottom—buttons/captions often overlap there.
How do I avoid UI covering my text?
Avoid putting crucial text near the top edge and bottom edge, and don’t rely on corner placement.
Quick tip: Keep headlines and CTAs closer to the center and preview before posting.
Common mistake: Designing without a preview—what looks fine in editor can be covered in-app.
Crop vs Pad for Stories — which is safer?
Pad is safer for designs with text/logos; Crop is fine for photos if key content stays centered.
Quick tip: For promo posters, default to Pad to avoid cutting text.
Common mistake: Cropping a poster to fit—logos and text near edges often get lost.
Why does my Story look blurry after upload?
It’s usually low input resolution or strong export compression.
Quick tip: Export once at high quality and avoid re-saving multiple times.
Common mistake: Saving, screenshotting, and re-uploading—each step degrades quality.
Do you have a safe-area template or PNG?
Use the 1080×1920 canvas and keep text within the center zone. That acts like a safe-area template.
Quick tip: Create a transparent overlay in your design tool to visualize the safe zone.
Common mistake: Placing text flush to the top/bottom—UI overlays often cover it.
Do you upload my images?
No. Processing happens locally in your browser. Your files are not uploaded.
What size should I use?
Use 1080x1920 (9:16).
Which export format should I use?
JPG for photos, PNG for text/logos or transparency, WebP for smaller files (if supported).
Crop vs Pad — what is the difference?
Crop fills the target size (may cut edges). Pad fits the whole image and adds background/space.
How do I protect text and logos?
Keep important content centered and avoid placing critical text at the edges.
Can I batch resize?
Yes. Use the Batch Resizer to apply the same size to many images.