Instagram reels are one of the best ways to share fun, creative, and eye-catching videos. If you want your reels to stand out, it’s vital to understand the right dimensions, format, and file size.
The right dimension for reels is 1080p with a 9:16 aspect ratio in MP4 or MOV format. Plus, it can be up to 4 GB in the reels file size.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about reel sizes without using any complex terms. Let’s learn!
What Is the Instagram Reels Size Guide?
Before you post reels on your page or profile, it’s ideal to follow the
size guide requirements. With this, you can ensure a proper viewing experience that catches the attention of your viewers. Here’s the details:
Reels Resolution
Resolution means how clear and sharp your video looks in terms of quality. It is also measured in pixels. In other words, if the content has higher pixels, it shows better quality graphics. And, the Instagram reels resolution rules are given below:
- Minimum resolution is 720 pixels, but not recommended if you want HD quality.
- Recommended resolution is 1080 pixels for Full HD view.
- Instagram will shrink the file and lower the quality if the content is above 1080 pixels.
If your video is too low in resolution, it will look blurry or grainy. But if it’s too high, it can take longer to upload, and Instagram will still compress it to save space.
Best Practice: You can record or export your video in 1080p Full HD. Plus, try to avoid 4K as it’s not needed for reels and can slow down upload speed.
Reels Aspect Ratio
Aspect ratio means the shape of your video, which shows how wide it is compared to how tall it is. Since most people use phones to see reels, it is made to be vertical in format. The Instagram reels aspect ratio is given below:
- The best ratio for the reels cover image is 9:16, which gives a tall and full-screen video.
- Alternative ratio for ads or posts is 1.91:1.
If you use the correct aspect ratio, your video will fill the whole screen on most phones. In fact, it allows viewers not to see black bars or missing parts. Plus, Instagram will promote your video more because it fits their format.
Best Practice: You can always film or edit your video in portrait mode (vertical mode). With that, you can use video editing tools like CapCut, Canva, and so on that support the 9:16 format.
Reels Thumbnail
When people visit your profile or scroll through Instagram, the first thing they see is your reels cover photo. In case you don’t know, it’s a kind of YouTube thumbnail that helps grab attention.
Besides, you can pick a frame or screenshot from your video. Other than this, you can upload a custom image from your phone. The Instagram cover photo size for reels is given below:
- Recommended size is 420 pixels wide and 654 pixels long.
- The right aspect ratio is 1:1.55.
- The file format of the cover image is JPG or PNG.
You can also use a square cover in a 1:1 ratio. This is also good for your Instagram profile grid, where all your posts show in squares. Just be sure to keep important text or faces in the center, so they don’t get cropped out.
Best Practice: You can use a bright and clear image with easy-to-read text. It also makes the image match the mood or message of your reel. Be sure to test how it looks in both your feed and your profile grid.
Reels Length
This platform allows you to make reels up 3 to 90 seconds long in general. But most of the reels work better when they are shorter. Since people’s attention span is diverse, it’s better to focus on quality while keeping the reels short.
Sometimes, short and snappy reels around 15 to 30 seconds perform better. It’s also because:
- People are more likely to watch them till the end.
- They can be watched again easily.
- The short videos are easier to create and edit.
Best Practice: You can try to keep your Reels under 60 seconds for better reach. In fact, you can use tools like CapCut to cut longer videos into smaller clips. Try to focus on quality, not just length.
Reels Format
Format refers to the technical setup of your video and audio files in reels. It also includes how the reel is encoded, the file type, and other settings. Plus, this determines how Instagram can read, process, and display your content. The format requirements for reels are given below:
Video Codec
- Progressive scan with no interlacing.
- High profile with 2 consecutive B-frames.
- Closed GOP in which it should be half of the frame rate.
- CABAC with chroma subsampling 4:2:0.
- MP4 or MOV video type.
- Up to 4 GB reels size.
Audio Codec
- Stereo or Stereo + 5.1 channels.
- 96 kHz or 48 kHz sample rate.
- AAC audio type.
Best Practice: You should follow the video and audio format when publishing a reel. For the Best SMM Instagram Panel to publish on reels, make sure you follow these rules.
Reels Quality
To ensure your reels look sharp and professional, you can always upload them in the highest quality available. Keep in mind that this might make the upload take a bit longer, especially on slower internet connections.
Here’s how to enable high-quality uploads:
- Tap your Profile icon in the bottom right.
- Click on the Menu icon in the top right corner.
- Go to your app and media, and select Media quality.
- Hit on Toggle next to the Upload at the highest quality option.
Best Practice: You can upload quality reels with ideal quality after turning on the feature that is mentioned above.
Why Does Instagram Reels Dimension, Format, and File Size Matter?
Instagram reels are short videos meant to be watched on mobile phones. If your video is the wrong size or shape, it may:
- Look blurry or pixelated.
- Get parts of the video cut off.
- Not fit properly on the screen.
- Look unprofessional and improper.
Besides, if you go for the
Instagram SMM panel on reels to boost them, make sure to follow the
right size guide. It’ll also give your viewers a smooth and good-looking video experience.
Overall Thoughts
Now that you know the Instagram reels dimension, file size, and format, you can make videos that perform well. By following these, it helps you to make short videos that grab attention and keep your audience coming back.
Hope this guide helped you know the reel size in a single guide, so you can edit or upload the right content that works. Have a wonderful day ahead!
Efe Onsoy
Morethanpanel CEO
Efe Onsoy is a digital marketing expert and software coding professional with over a decade of hands-on experience in social media strategy and online growth systems. Since 2014, he has been building tools and campaigns that power successful digital brands and music marketing projects. Educated in London, Efe blends technical coding skills with deep marketing knowledge to craft high-converting, data-driven solutions.
