Instagram Reels Size and Length
The aspect ratio, pixel size, length, cover size and safe zones for Instagram Reels, taken from Instagram’s Help Center and Meta’s Ads Guide.
In short: export Reels as 9:16 vertical video, usually 1080 × 1920 px at 30 fps or more. Instagram accepts 1.91:1 to 9:16 with at least 720 px resolution. Reels can be up to 20 minutes, but Reels over 3 minutes aren’t recommended to new audiences. The cover photo should be 420 × 654 px, and key text should stay away from the bottom third of the frame.
Last reviewed: 6 October 2026
Instagram Reels size at a glance
Independent guide. Viral In City is an independent social media agency. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to Instagram or Meta. Every rule quoted below comes from Instagram’s or Meta’s own Help Center or official blog, linked so you can check it at the source. Platforms change features often, so confirm details on the linked pages.
| Spec | What to use | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Aspect ratio | Anything from 1.91:1 to 9:16; use 9:16 for full-screen vertical Reels | Instagram Help |
| Pixel size | 1080 × 1920 px is the common full-screen 9:16 export; Meta’s Ads Guide recommends 1440 × 2560 px for Reels ads | Common practice / Meta Ads Guide |
| Minimum quality | At least 720 px resolution and 30 frames per second | Instagram Help |
| Length | Up to 20 minutes; Reels over 3 minutes aren’t recommended to new audiences | Instagram Help |
| Cover photo | 420 × 654 px (1:1.55) | Instagram Help |
| Safe zone (ads guidance) | Keep about 14% at the top, 35% at the bottom and 6% on each side free of text and logos | Meta Ads Guide |
Checked 6 October 2026 on Instagram’s Reel size and aspect ratios and Record a reel help pages and the Meta Ads Guide for Instagram Reels. Instagram’s Help Center doesn’t give an exact pixel size for organic Reels, so 1080 × 1920 is labelled common practice.
Aspect ratio and resolution
Instagram says you can upload a reel with an aspect ratio between 1.91:1 and 9:16, with a minimum frame rate of 30 FPS and a minimum resolution of 720 pixels (Instagram Help).
In practice, film and export vertical 9:16 video so it fills the phone screen. A 1080 × 1920 px export at 30 fps is the usual choice for organic Reels; it meets Instagram’s minimums with room to spare. Landscape or square clips are allowed, but they leave empty space in the full-screen player.
- Turn on high-quality uploads: Instagram lets you always upload reels at the highest quality (Profile, then Menu, then Media quality, then Upload at highest quality). Uploads may take longer.
- Export once, at the right size. Re-exporting the same file several times lowers quality.
- Avoid other apps’ watermarks when you repost a video made elsewhere.
How long can Instagram Reels be?
According to Instagram’s Record a reel page, you can record and edit videos up to 20 minutes with Reels, in one clip or several that add up to 20 minutes. Instagram adds a note: Reels over 3 minutes won’t be recommended to new audiences.
So the real decision is reach versus depth:
- Up to 3 minutes: eligible to be recommended to people who don’t follow you. Best for discovery, tips, before-and-after, behind the scenes.
- Over 3 minutes: fine for followers who already want the full tutorial, class or interview, but don’t expect it to reach new people through recommendations.
Comparing platforms? Our guide to Reels vs TikTok vs Shorts puts Reels (up to 20 minutes) side by side with YouTube Shorts (up to 3 minutes) and explains which suits which business. Instagram also notes that Reels isn’t currently available to everyone; some accounts can watch but not record.
Reels cover photo size
Instagram recommends a cover photo of 420 × 654 px (a 1:1.55 ratio). It also says that, right now, you can’t edit your cover photo after you’ve uploaded it, so choose it carefully before you share (Instagram Help).
When you share, you can pick a frame from the clip or choose an image from your device. A good cover:
- Shows the subject clearly, with a short title of three to five words.
- Keeps the title in the centre, because the cover is shown at different crops in the Reels tab and your profile grid.
- Uses the same style as your other covers, so your profile looks organised.
Need to crop a cover? Our image size guide and resizer has a 420 × 654 preset that runs in your browser.
Safe zones: where to put text
Usernames, captions, the audio label and buttons sit on top of your video. Instagram’s Help Center doesn’t publish a safe zone for organic Reels, but Meta’s Ads Guide for Reels ads recommends leaving at least 14% of the top, 35% of the bottom and 6% on each side free from text, logos or other key elements.
On a 1080 × 1920 frame, that works out to roughly:
| Area | Share of frame | On 1080 × 1920 |
|---|---|---|
| Top margin | 14% | about 270 px |
| Bottom margin | 35% | about 670 px |
| Each side | 6% | about 65 px |
Pixel values are our own calculation from Meta’s percentages, rounded.
The bottom margin is large because captions and buttons stack up there. Put on-screen text slightly above the middle of the frame and check a preview before you share.
Reels ads specs
If you boost a reel or run Reels ads, Meta’s Ads Guide lists these recommendations and requirements:
- File type: MP4 or MOV.
- Ratio and resolution: 9:16 at 1440 × 2560 px.
- Video settings: H.264 compression, square pixels, fixed frame rate, progressive scan, stereo AAC audio at 128 kbps or more.
- Duration: up to 15 minutes; maximum file size: 4 GB.
- Captions and sound: captions are optional but recommended; sound is optional but strongly recommended.
Meta also says Reels ads shouldn’t contain licensed music (use original audio or royalty-free tracks from the Meta Sound Collection), face or camera effects, GIFs or product tags. Keep this in mind if you plan to boost a reel later.
Export settings that work
| Setting | Suggested value |
|---|---|
| Frame size | 1080 × 1920 px (9:16) |
| Frame rate | 30 fps (Instagram’s minimum); keep the rate you filmed at if higher |
| Format | MP4 (H.264 video, AAC audio) |
| Length | Under 3 minutes if you want to reach new audiences |
| Cover | 420 × 654 px image or a clear frame from the clip |
These are practical defaults, not Instagram requirements beyond the minimums listed above.
Common Reels size mistakes
- Text under the caption area: anything in the bottom third may be covered.
- Horizontal video uploaded as a reel: allowed, but it plays small with empty space.
- Low-resolution exports: below 720 px or 30 fps falls short of Instagram’s minimums.
- Long Reels made for discovery: over 3 minutes won’t be recommended to new audiences.
- Forgetting the cover: you can’t change it after upload, so pick it before you share.
Need ideas to film? Try our Reels and Shorts ideas generator, write the caption with the caption generator, and read how to go viral on Instagram Reels and best hashtags for Reels. For Stories, see our Instagram Story size guide.
Want Reels made for you?
We plan, edit and publish Reels at the right size every month, with captions and covers. Start with a free social media audit or ask for a custom quote. If you prefer chat, message us on WhatsApp at +91 8827409728. See our Instagram management service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What size should an Instagram reel be?
Use 9:16 vertical video. 1080 × 1920 px is the common full-screen export. Instagram accepts aspect ratios from 1.91:1 to 9:16, with at least 720 px resolution and 30 frames per second.
How long can an Instagram reel be?
Up to 20 minutes, according to Instagram Help. Reels over 3 minutes won’t be recommended to new audiences.
What is the Instagram Reels cover size?
Instagram recommends 420 × 654 px (1:1.55). You can’t edit the cover after you upload the reel, so choose it before sharing.
Where should I put text on a reel?
Away from the edges. Meta’s Ads Guide suggests leaving about 14% at the top, 35% at the bottom and 6% on each side free of text and logos; that works well for organic Reels too.
What frame rate should I use for Reels?
At least 30 fps, Instagram’s stated minimum. If you filmed at a higher rate, export at that rate.
What size are Instagram Reels ads?
Meta’s Ads Guide recommends 9:16 at 1440 × 2560 px, MP4 or MOV, up to 15 minutes and up to 4 GB.
Is a Reel the same length as a YouTube Short?
No. Reels can be up to 20 minutes, while YouTube Shorts can be up to 3 minutes. See our Reels vs TikTok vs Shorts guide for a full comparison.
Sources
- Instagram Help Center: Reel size and aspect ratios on Instagram
- Instagram Help Center: Record a reel on Instagram
- Meta Ads Guide: Video ad specs on Instagram Reels
Sources checked on 6 October 2026.
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