Guide

Instagram Reel size: ratio, resolution and length

The aspect ratio Instagram accepts, the minimum resolution and frame rate, how long a reel can be, and where to keep text clear of the buttons.

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On this page
  1. The short answer
  2. The specs
  3. The sources
  4. Keep it readable
  5. Read next
  6. Questions

The short answer

Make Instagram Reels vertical at 9:16; Instagram accepts ratios from 1.91:1 to 9:16, with a minimum of 720 pixels and 30 frames per second. Most creators export 1080 x 1920, and Meta’s ads guide recommends 1440 x 2560. Reels can be up to 20 minutes, but reels over 3 minutes are not recommended to new audiences. Keep text out of the top 14%, bottom 35% and 6% at each side.

Updated

Illustration: a tall phone playing a 9:16 video framed by ruler strips, with a square tile and a portrait tile in front for comparison

The specs

  • Aspect ratio

    9:16 vertical. Instagram accepts anything from 1.91:1 to 9:16, but vertical fills the screen.

  • Resolution

    At least 720 pixels. 1080 x 1920 is the usual export; Meta’s Reels ads guide recommends 1440 x 2560.

  • Frame rate

    At least 30 frames per second.

  • Length

    Up to 20 minutes. Over 3 minutes and Instagram will not recommend the reel to new audiences.

The sources

Read on 9 October 2026. Meta does not publish an exact pixel size for regular reels; 1080 x 1920 is the common 9:16 export, not a Meta figure.

  1. Reels specs

    Aspect ratio between 1.91:1 and 9:16; minimum 30 FPS and 720 pixels.

    Source: help.instagram.com, read Invalid Date

    Says
    Ratio, resolution, frame rate
    Page
    Instagram Help Center
    Date
    Read 9 October 2026

  2. Reels length

    Up to 20 minutes; reels over 3 minutes won’t be recommended to new audiences.

    Source: help.instagram.com, read Invalid Date

    Says
    Length
    Page
    Instagram Help Center
    Date
    Read 9 October 2026

  3. Instagram Reels ads

    9:16 at 1440 x 2560; leave 14% top, 35% bottom, 6% each side free.

    Source: facebook.com, read Invalid Date

    Says
    Recommended size and safe zone
    Page
    Meta Ads Guide
    Date
    Read 9 October 2026

Keep it readable

  • Safe zone

    Meta’s ads guide says to keep roughly the top 14%, bottom 35% and 6% on each side free of text, logos and key elements, where the caption and buttons sit.

  • Hook in the middle

    Put the first line of text and the face in the centre of the frame, so it reads in the feed and on the profile.

  • Shoot vertical

    Cropping a horizontal video loses detail. Film in 9:16 from the start.

  • Ads

    Reels ads take MP4 or MOV up to 4 GB and up to 15 minutes, H.264 with AAC audio.

FAQs

Your questions, answered

Short answers to what people ask next.

Vertical 9:16. 1080 x 1920 pixels is the usual export; Instagram requires at least 720 pixels and accepts ratios from 1.91:1 to 9:16.

Up to 20 minutes. Reels over 3 minutes are not recommended to people who do not follow you, so keep reels for reach under 3 minutes.

At least 30 frames per second.

Inside the middle of the frame. Meta suggests keeping the top 14%, bottom 35% and 6% on each side free of text, where captions and buttons cover the video.

Meta recommends 9:16 at 1440 x 2560, MP4 or MOV, up to 4 GB.

Percify makes a short video for your brand every day; pick 9:16 and it is ready for Reels, TikTok and Shorts.

Reels in the right size, every day

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