Instagram and Facebook Stories safe zone: why 250 px isn’t the whole story
By Cormac Moore. Updated 26 October 2026. 2 minute read.
The short answer
For organic Stories on Instagram and Facebook, keep the top 250 px (profile picture, name, progress bar) and bottom 250 px (reply bar) of a 1080 × 1920 frame clear, with about 65 px on each side.
For Stories ads, Meta asks for more: 14% at the top (269 px), 35% at the bottom (672 px) and 6% on each side (65 px), because the call-to-action button sits low.
The famous 250 px rule, and its catch
“Leave 250 px at the top and bottom” is the most repeated Stories advice on the internet. It’s right for organic Stories and wrong for ads. It only fails on the bit with money attached.
Stories safe zone in pixels
| Edge | Organic Story | Stories ad | What sits there |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top | 250 px | 269 px (14%) | Progress bars, profile picture, name, “Sponsored”, close |
| Bottom | 250 px | 672 px (35%) | Reply bar, or on ads the CTA button and swipe-up |
| Left | 65 px | 65 px (6%) | A safety margin for different phones |
| Right | 65 px | 65 px (6%) | The same |
The ad numbers are Meta’s published guidance. The organic numbers reflect the current Instagram and Facebook apps.
Why ads need so much more room at the bottom
Stories ads come with a button. The button comes with opinions about where it sits. On most phones the “Learn more” or “Shop now” pill and its swipe-up arrow live in the bottom third, so Meta reserves 35% for it. Put your offer down there and the button will introduce itself.
What happens to 4:5 and square assets in Stories?
Instagram and Facebook letterbox them and fill the gap with a blurred, enlarged copy of the image. It looks fine. It also means anything important near your asset’s edges may end up next to the profile bar or the reply field, so the safe zone still applies.
Tall phones and the reply bar
On taller phones the reply bar often sits below the story itself rather than on top of it. That helps organic Stories a little, but plan for the shorter phones too. Your audience owns both.
A quick checklist
- Export 1080 × 1920 at 9:16.
- Organic: keep 250 px clear top and bottom.
- Ads: keep the bottom 35% for the button, and move the offer up.
- Preview both before scheduling.
Questions people ask
What size is an Instagram Story?
1080 × 1920 pixels at 9:16. Meta accepts 9:16 with a 1% tolerance for ads.
Is the Facebook Story safe zone the same as Instagram?
Yes, near enough. Both use Meta’s 14% / 35% / 6% guidance for ads and similar 250 px margins for organic Stories.
Where should I put a call to action on a Story ad?
In the middle of the frame, above the bottom 35%. The platform’s own CTA button takes the space below.
Can I post a 4:5 image to Stories?
Yes. It’s shown in the middle with a blurred copy behind it. Keep text away from its edges.
Sources
- Meta Ads Guide: Instagram Stories ads, the same 14% / 35% / 6% guidance for Stories
- Meta Ads Guide: Instagram Reels ads, keep 14% top, 35% bottom and 6% each side clear
Numbers are for a 1080 × 1920 frame and were last checked 26 October 2026. Platforms change their apps often, so check AhCrop for the current version.