Instagram Stories ad specs
Instagram Stories video ads use 9:16 at 1440 x 2560 pixels (1% tolerance), MP4, MOV or GIF up to 4 GB, from 1 second to 60 minutes. Videos under 16 seconds play in full; longer ones may split into up to three cards. Keep the top 14%, bottom 35% and 6% each side free of key elements.
Updated
The spec sheet
| Spec | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Aspect ratio | 9:16 (1% tolerance) |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2560 px |
| Minimum width | 250 px |
| File types | MP4, MOV or GIF |
| Maximum file size | 4 GB |
| Duration | 1 second to 60 minutes |
| Primary text | 125 characters |
| Safe zone | Roughly 14% top, 35% bottom, 6% each side |
Safe zone in pixels
Meta states the safe zone as percentages. On the recommended 1440 x 2560 frame those work out to about 358 px at the top, 896 px at the bottom and 86 px on each side. Those pixel figures are our arithmetic, not Meta's wording, so treat them as a design aid and confirm in the Ads Manager preview.
How long Stories ads behave
Meta's guide says videos under 16 seconds play for their full length, while videos of 16 seconds or longer may be split into one, two or three Stories cards. A long ad therefore has to work in pieces, with the first card able to stand alone.
Instagram Stories and Instagram Reels share a ratio and safe-zone guidance, which makes it tempting to run one file in both. The difference is behaviour: Reels plays as a continuous video in a feed of videos, Stories as tappable cards between friends' posts. A cut paced for one is often wrong for the other.
Questions
- How long can Instagram Story ads be?
- Meta's guide allows 1 second to 60 minutes. Videos under 16 seconds play in full; longer videos may be split into up to three cards.
- What resolution should Instagram Story ads be?
- 1440 x 2560 px at 9:16 is Meta's stated recommendation, with a minimum width of 250 px.
Sources
Read on 13 October 2026. Platforms change specs and policies without notice; check the source before you build to a number.