Facebook Stories Specifications
Complete guide to Facebook Stories dimensions, formats, and specifications. Create engaging Stories with the perfect vertical format for maximum visibility. Updated for 2026.
Quick Specs
Dimensions & Resolution
Optimal full-screen story experience
Meta's Ads Guide size for Facebook Stories image and video ads
Video Duration
Minimum: 3 seconds
Maximum: 60 seconds
Photos display for 5 seconds. Meta's Graph API, which scheduling tools use to publish Page stories, allows video stories of 3 to 60 seconds. Meta Ads Manager lists 1 to 120 seconds for Stories ads
Important Notes
Facebook Stories are ephemeral content that disappears after 24 hours. They appear at the top of the Facebook app and Messenger. Meta's Graph API, which scheduling tools use to publish Page stories, limits a video story to 3 to 60 seconds, while Meta Ads Manager lists 1 to 120 seconds for Stories ads. Stories video ads longer than 15 seconds are split into separate Stories cards.
Optimization Tips
- ✓Leave about 14% (250px) at the top and 20% (340px) at the bottom of Stories videos free of text and logos
- ✓Use vertical 9:16 format only - horizontal content will be cropped
- ✓Keep video stories between 3 and 60 seconds, the range Meta's API accepts for Page stories
- ✓Split longer videos into multiple back-to-back stories
- ✓Add interactive elements like polls and questions
- ✓Stories can be cross-posted to Instagram if accounts are linked
- ✓Schedule Stories in advance with PostFast
- ✓Use text overlays - many view without sound
Sources & Verification
Last verified: 2026-09-25
Safe zones from the Meta Ads Guide (Facebook Stories video and image specs). Video length: Meta's Page Stories API allows 3 to 60 seconds and recommends 1080×1920; Meta Ads Manager lists 1 to 120 seconds for Stories ads. 24-hour availability on Facebook and Messenger from the Facebook Help Centre.
Safe Zones
⚠️ Meta's Ads Guide: leave roughly 14% (250px) at the top and 20% (340px) at the bottom of a Stories video free of text and logos. For Stories images: 14% top, 35% bottom and 6% on each side
Segmentation
Stories auto-split into 15-second segments when viewed
Video Limits
Page video stories published through Meta's Graph API are limited to 60 seconds. Stories you share appear on both Facebook and Messenger, and Meta's Ads Guide lists 1 to 60 seconds for Messenger Stories video ads.
Stickers
Cross Posting
Stories can be shared across Meta platforms
Visibility
Control who sees your stories
Schedule Stories across Facebook and Instagram
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Facebook Stories last?
Facebook Stories automatically disappear after 24 hours. Unlike Instagram, Facebook doesn't have a Highlights feature to save them permanently.
What's the maximum video length for Facebook Stories?
Meta's Graph API, which scheduling tools use to publish Page stories, limits a video story to 60 seconds (3 seconds minimum). Meta Ads Manager lists 1 to 120 seconds for Stories ads, and Stories video ads longer than 15 seconds are split into separate cards. For longer content, post it as a reel or a regular video instead.
Can I share Facebook Stories to Instagram?
Yes, you can cross-post Facebook Stories to Instagram if your accounts are linked, saving time on content creation.
Should I use the same dimensions for photos and videos?
Yes, both photos and videos should use 9:16. 1080×1920 pixels is the standard full-HD size, and Meta's Ads Guide recommends 1440×2560 pixels for Stories image and video ads.
Recent Updates
Re-checked against Meta's docs: the bottom safe zone is now Meta's 20% (340px) for Stories video, the 60-second limit is attributed to Meta's Page Stories API instead of automatic trimming, the separate 20-second Messenger limit is gone, and Meta's 1440×2560 ads size is listed.
Re-verified against Meta Business Help Centre 'safe zone for 9:16 ads in Stories and Reels'. 1080×1920 (9:16) recommended, 14% top/bottom safe zone confirmed, 60s practical / 120s technical video limits unchanged.
Migrated to evergreen URL structure. Verified all specifications current.
Facebook Stories support 3-60 seconds for most users, with 120 seconds technically possible but often auto-trimmed
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