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How to Create an Instagram Story

Learn how to design and export Instagram Stories using Bannersnack’s preset sizes, templates, and animation tools.

Updated this week

Creating an Instagram Story with Bannersnack is simple, fast, and optimized for social media performance. Whether you're sharing product promotions, events, or visual updates, here’s how to get started and make sure your design looks perfect on every device.

1. Choose the Instagram Story size preset

From your Bannersnack dashboard, click Create New, go to Social Media, and select the Instagram Story preset (1080 × 1920 px).

2. Add your content

You can either use one of Bannersnack’s ready-made templates or start from scratch:

  • Add images: Use stock photos from the built-in library or upload your own assets.

  • Adjust image size: Resize and position to fill the canvas. Apply filters to match your brand style.

  • Add text: Use the Add Text option to insert your message. Customize the size, color, line height, and add effects like drop shadows for better visibility.

  • Animate elements: Apply Magic Animator effects or build custom transitions in the timeline.

3. Save and export your design

Once your design is ready:

  • Save it to your workspace

  • Export as MP4 for animated stories or JPG/PNG for static visuals

  • Upload directly to your Instagram account via mobile or scheduling tools

Best Practices for Instagram Stories (Safe Zones)

To ensure your content doesn’t get cut off or hidden behind Instagram's UI elements (like profile picture, reply bar, or buttons), follow these safe zone guidelines:

Standard Story Dimensions

  • Canvas size: 1080 × 1920 px (9:16 ratio)

Safe Zone for Text & CTAs

  • Keep important elements inside the central 1080 × 1420 px area

  • Leave a 250 px margin at the top and bottom

  • Avoid placing text/buttons near the outer 65 px side edges

For Reels (and Stories viewed as Reels)

Instagram adds even more UI overlays to Reels. Keep:

  • 108 px from the top

  • 320 px from the bottom

  • 60 px left

  • 120 px right

Pro Tips:

  • Use bold, high-contrast fonts for better readability

  • Test your design on both iOS and Android devices

  • Export your stories as MP4 for best animation quality (Facebook & Instagram compress GIFs)


Ready to start designing?

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