Why your Instagram Story looks blurry

Blurry Stories are frustrating – and usually there's a technical reason: resolution, how you upload, lighting or movement. Here's how to identify and fix it.

When it happens / why it happens

• Upload from low-quality file – Image or video saved at low resolution (e.g. for sending) often looks blurry in Stories.
• Filming in the dark or with movement – The camera can't "freeze" – you get blur. Weak lighting makes it worse.
• Instagram compression – The app compresses media. If the source is weak, the result is weaker.
• Aspect ratio – Stories are vertical (9:16). If you upload a landscape image, Instagram crops or fills – sometimes looks soft.

What to do – step by step

1. Record or export at good quality – Video: at least 1080p. Photo: full resolution from the camera. Don't send a "small version" to Stories.

2. Upload directly from the device – When possible, upload from the gallery of the same device that recorded, without going through apps that reduce quality.

3. Lighting and stability – Film in a lit place; hold the device steady or use a tripod. Stable video looks sharper.

4. Pick the high-quality file – In the gallery if there's "low" and "high" quality – choose high for upload.

5. Update the app – Older versions sometimes compress more. Updating Instagram can improve upload quality.

Common mistakes

• Uploading from screenshot or "for sending" file – These are usually low resolution. Use the original.
• Filming long video with shaky hand – Movement creates blur. Shorten or hold steady.
• Ignoring lighting – Even 4K in the dark looks blurry. Add light or film in daylight.

Summary

Story looks blurry due to low resolution, compressed upload, weak lighting or movement. Record/export at 1080p, upload directly from the device, improve lighting and stability and update the app.

Next steps

• How to make Stories on Instagram – Story basics
• Why people can't see your Story – visibility issues