Instagram Reels Size: Dimensions, Aspect Ratio and Cover
By the Post0 team · Published
Short answer
Make Instagram Reels 1080×1920 pixels, a 9:16 vertical frame, as an MP4 or MOV file. Through Instagram’s API, Reels can be up to 1 GB, 23–60 fps, and up to 1920 pixels wide. Keep the important part of your cover in the center, because the profile grid crops it.
Reels specs
| Setting | Recommended | Limit through the API |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080×1920 | Up to 1920 pixels wide |
| Aspect ratio | 9:16 vertical | Other ratios are accepted, but 9:16 fills the screen |
| Format | MP4 | MP4 or MOV, H.264 or HEVC video |
| Audio | AAC | AAC, up to 48 kHz |
| Frame rate | 30 fps | 23–60 fps |
| File size | Well under 1 GB | 1 GB |
| Bitrate | — | Up to 25 Mbps |
| Length | — | 3 seconds to 15 minutes |
The API limits are what scheduling apps work with. In the Instagram app, the same 1080×1920 export is the right choice.
The cover and the profile grid
Your Reel’s cover appears full size in the Reels tab, but your profile grid shows a cropped, shorter version. Keep the title text and faces near the middle of the cover so they survive the crop. You can choose a frame from the video or upload a separate cover image when you post.
What about 4:5 or square?
You can post other shapes, but in the Reels feed they get bars or are cropped. If you also post the video to TikTok and YouTube Shorts, 9:16 is the only shape that works well on all three.
Keep text away from the edges
Instagram overlays your caption, username and buttons on the bottom and right of the Reel. Keep important text in the center of the frame.
Check your file
The free video spec checker tells you in seconds whether your file fits Reels, TikTok and Shorts. The specs guide compares all three, and how long Instagram Reels can be covers length.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Instagram Reels aspect ratio?
9:16 vertical, which is 1080×1920 pixels.
What is the maximum file size for a Reel?
Up to 1 GB when published through Instagram’s API.
Can I post a Reel in 4K?
Through the API, Reels can be up to 1920 pixels wide, so export at 1080×1920. A larger file only adds upload time.
Post your next video everywhere at once
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