How to Make a GIF for Instagram Stories (9:16 Format)
Create vertical GIFs optimized for Instagram Stories' 540x960px format
5 min read•Last updated: January 2025
Instagram Stories require vertical 9:16 format GIFs at 540x960 pixels. Creating GIFs specifically for Stories ensures they fill the screen properly without letterboxing or cropping.
Create Instagram Story GIFInstagram Stories GIF Requirements
- Required dimensions: 540x960 pixels (9:16 aspect ratio)
- Alternative: 1080x1920 for higher quality (Instagram will downscale)
- Orientation: Vertical/Portrait only
- Duration: Up to 15 seconds (recommended 3-6 seconds)
- File size: Keep under 100MB (smaller is better for upload speed)
- Frame rate: 15-24 FPS works well
How to Create Instagram Story GIFs
1
Shoot or Source Vertical Video
Record video vertically on your phone (9:16) or crop existing landscape video. Sources:
- Phone camera videos (hold vertically)
- TikTok or Reels videos
- Cropped landscape videos
- Screen recordings of vertical apps
2
Upload and Select Instagram Stories Preset
Upload to GifCraft and choose the Instagram Stories preset:
Auto-configured settings:
- • 540x960px resolution
- • 9:16 vertical aspect ratio
- • 20 FPS for smooth motion
- • Optimized quality for Stories
3
Trim to 3-6 Seconds
Instagram Stories viewers scroll fast. Keep your GIF punchy:
- 3-4 seconds: Quick reactions, simple animations
- 5-6 seconds: Product demos, tutorials
- Avoid 10+ seconds: Most viewers won't watch fully
4
Convert and Upload to Stories
Convert to GIF, download to your phone, and upload as a Story. The vertical format will fill the entire screen perfectly.
Instagram Stories GIF Best Practices
Content Tips
- ✓ Keep faces/action in center - Stories UI may crop edges
- ✓ Avoid small text - hard to read on mobile
- ✓ Use high contrast for visibility
- ✓ Test on your own Story first before posting publicly
Technical Settings
- ✓ 540x960px minimum, 1080x1920px for HD
- ✓ 15-20 FPS balances quality and file size
- ✓ Keep under 50MB for faster uploads
- ✓ Vertical orientation only (9:16 ratio)
Create Your Instagram Story GIF
Use Instagram Stories preset for perfect 9:16 vertical format
Start Creating