What is an Instagram Story mockup?
A Story mockup is a 9:16 vertical screenshot styled to look like a real Instagram Story, including the profile bug, top progress bar, reply field, music sticker, poll, question, link, and reaction overlay. Marketers and designers use mockups to preview campaigns, build ad creative, demonstrate UGC concepts, and design Story templates before going live.
What dimensions and safe zone should I use?
Stories are 1080x1920 (9:16). Keep critical content inside a centered 1080x1420 safe zone with about 250 pixels of padding top and bottom; Instagram's top progress bar, profile bug, action sheet, and reply field cover the edges. Design assets to fit the safe zone so calls-to-action and headlines remain visible on every device size.
Can I add stickers, polls, and music to mockups?
Yes. Quality Story generators include the full sticker library: poll, slider, quiz, question, countdown, link, location, mention, music, and reaction. Customize colors and text just like in the real app. These details make mockups feel authentic in client decks and let designers preview interactive Story flows before publishing.
How do I make a multi-frame Story mockup?
Generate each frame at 1080x1920, then assemble them in a slideshow tool or short looping video so reviewers can preview the swipe-through experience. Some generators export multi-frame previews directly. Always include the top progress bar with the right number of segments so the mockup feels like the real Story tray.
Can I include a swipe-up or link sticker?
Yes. The "Swipe up" gesture was retired in 2021 and replaced by the link sticker, which any account can use regardless of follower count. Include the modern link sticker in mockups; the older swipe-up overlay looks dated. The link sticker is customizable in color and accepts custom CTA text.
Do mockups violate Instagram's policies?
Creating a mockup is not posting to Instagram, so the platform's TOS does not directly apply. However, posting deceptive mockups designed to impersonate real accounts on Instagram can trigger their authenticity policy and lead to suspension. Keep mockups clearly illustrative, label them when used in client work, and never impersonate real users.