Instagram Story Maker

How to create an Instagram Story

1. Pick a template from the left panel. Every layout is built for the tall 1080 × 1920 canvas.
2. Replace the text and colors. Tap a text box twice to edit it; use the color picker in the toolbar to match your brand.
3. Add a background photo from the Background panel. It automatically fills the whole Story without stretching.
4. Download the image and add it to your Story from your camera roll.

Keep the “safe zone” clear

Instagram places your profile picture and name at the top of a Story and the reply bar at the bottom. Leave roughly the top 250 pixels and the bottom 340 pixels free of important text. Put headlines and buttons in the middle area so nothing is covered. The same rule works for Reel covers, which are cropped to a 3:4 rectangle in your profile grid — keep the key words in the centre.

Story ideas that work well

• Announcements — a new product, opening hours, an event date. Use one big headline and a short line of details.
• Quotes and tips — a short sentence on a calm background, with your handle at the bottom.
• “Link in bio” and swipe prompts — add an arrow shape and a short call to action.
• Polls and questions — design the background here, then add Instagram’s interactive sticker in the app.
• Reel covers — a consistent cover style makes your profile grid look tidy.

Reuse one design everywhere

Stories share the 9:16 format with TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Facebook Stories and WhatsApp Status, so one design can be posted to all of them. If you already designed a square post, open Resize, pick “Story / Reel cover” and the editor will scale your elements to the new canvas. Check the spacing, nudge a few elements and download.

Tips for readable Stories

• Use at least 60–80 px font size for body text and 120 px or more for headlines.
• Keep it short: Stories are viewed for about five seconds.
• Add a subtle shadow (the ▣ button) to white text placed over photos.