Instagram continues to be a social media powerhouse, especially with its popular photo and video-sharing features.
The introduction of Instagram Stories, a major success, remains relevant with ongoing updates.
With Stories, you can share momentary updates through short videos or vertical photos, vanishing in 24 hours.
Tracking views and featuring Stories as highlights on your profile is a breeze.
Brands are increasingly using Stories, and we’re here to guide you on the ideal size for captivating and polished content.
Instagram Story Dimensions
The Instagram story has a 9:16 aspect ratio with measurements of 1080 pixels wide by 1920 pixels high.
This size applies to both photographs and videos for Instagram stories; PNG and JPG are the accepted image formats, and the maximum file size is 30 MB.
Video dimensions are the same, with MP4 and MOV as the accepted formats, keeping video files under 4GB. Instagram strictly enforces these dimensions; uploading content outside these specifications may lead to cropping, zooming, and a potential loss of quality.
It is important to follow the right dimensions to maintain the quality. This way, you can post high-quality content and increase the number of followers.
Instagram Story Tips and Ideas
Instagram Stories offer incredible versatility, serving various purposes from product sales to brand promotion. Here are engaging ideas to boost interaction:
· Call-to-Actions with Links
For business profiles with 10k+ followers, add swipe-up links in your stories, directing followers to specific web pages. Non-business accounts can guide users to the link in their bio for more info.
· Highlighting Press and Brand Features
Share noteworthy press coverage or celebrity endorsements in your Instagram Stories. It’s a great way to leverage positive publicity and keep your audience informed about your brand’s recognition.
· Instagram Story Polls
Harness Instagram’s poll feature to ask questions and gather real-time responses. It’s like free market research, providing valuable insights into your audience.
· Sneak Peeks and Behind-the-Scenes
Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your daily life or business to build excitement for upcoming content or product launches.
· Display User-Generated Content
Display client endorsements and material without detracting from the visual appeal of your primary feed. Instagram Stories provides an ideal platform for users to share their stories and brighten the days of their followers by exhibiting their content.
Instagram Story Mistakes to Avoid
Before diving into Instagram Stories, steer clear of these common mistakes:
· Excessive Promotion
Promoted material should be valued in proportion. Adhere to the “jab, jab, right hook” strategy: provide value to followers before bombarding them with offers or calls to action. Excessive advertising may turn people off.
· Long and Redundant Stories
You can publish as many Instagram stories as you like, but each one can only last for 15 seconds. Maintain the “swipe away” effect by telling succinct, targeted stories. Long, complex stories could cause readers to skim instead of read your material.
· Irrelevant Hashtags
Utilize hashtags wisely in Instagram Stories for discovery. Don’t overcrowd with too many or use irrelevant ones. Opt for a few meaningful hashtags that enhance content value. Refer to our guide on Instagram hashtags for further insights applicable to Stories.
· Too Much Text
With a 15-second limit, keep the text concise. Avoid overwhelming timelines with walls of text. Make your content attention-grabbing, valuable, and entertaining within a brief timeframe.
Conclusion
Mastering Instagram Story dimensions is pivotal for effective storytelling on the platform. With dimensions set at 1080×1920 pixels and a 9:16 aspect ratio, creators can optimize visual content. Adhering to supported file formats and sizes ensures seamless sharing. Whether adding links for engagement or showcasing behind-the-scenes moments, understanding these dimensions unlocks the full potential of Instagram Stories. Avoiding common pitfalls, such as lengthy stories and excessive promotion, ensures content remains engaging, concise, and well-received within the dynamic realm of Instagram.
