Instagram Reels Dimensions: Sizes, Specs, Ratio, & More

I kid you not, this is the last Instagram Reels dimensions guide you’ll ever need. If you want to nail the perfect setup for your Instagram reels, save this guide since it has every key dimension you need. 

But wait, there’s more. We also included five juuuicy tips to make your Instagram reel campaigns a massive success.

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What are Instagram Reels?

Reels started as Instagram’s answer to TikTok’s rise during the pandemic. They still run up to 90 seconds for most accounts, which gives you enough room to teach or entertain people without losing their attention. Instagram is testing 2–3 minute Reels with select accounts, but 90 seconds remains the global standard for most users. If you want a step-by-step guide on turning images into short-form content, check out how to make a Reel with photos.

Instagram Reels share a lot of similarities with Instagram stories, which are content that only stays online for 24 hours. If you manage clients who care about privacy, you may also want to know does Instagram notify when you screenshot a Story.

Reels and Stories can contain varied media to engage Instagram users. They also allow creative tools that shape the look and feel of the content. However, there are a few key differences between stories and Reels that make them perfect for certain social media marketing strategies: 

• Length: Stories still play in 15-second slices, although Instagram now records longer clips and auto-stitches them so the process feels continuous.
• Reels can run up to 90 seconds:  This makes stories better for quick daily updates and behind-the-scenes clips. 
• Saving: Instagram Reels show up on your client’s profile page beside their other feed posts and in the dedicated “Reels” tab. Stories appear only in the stories toolbar or in the profile’s “Highlights” section.
• Stickers: Instagram continues to expand interactive stickers inside Reels. Some formats still work only in Stories while others now appear in Reels, including polls, emoji reactions, tappable links, Add Yours templates, and collaborative prompts. Countdown stickers and quizzes are being tested in select regions, so availability can vary. Decorative stickers also appear more frequently inside Reels than before, although overall access still depends on account type and location.
• Discoverability: Stories primarily show to followers, though public Stories may surface in Explore or location-based Story rings depending on settings and region. Reels, by contrast, are designed for broad discovery.

For a full comparison, check out our complete guide on Instagram Reels vs story.

Why Are Instagram Reel Sizes Important?

Creating Instagram Reels is a time-consuming and creativity-intensive process.  To make each ounce of effort count, make sure everything looks right upon publishing. 

If your video’s dimensions are too small for Reels, it can look stretched out and fuzzy when you upload it. If the file is too large, you might struggle with editing and publishing since you end up polishing details viewers will not notice. 

Uploading high-resolution videos, like 4K videos or higher, may also cause you to exceed the maximum file size allowed for Instagram Reels.  Instagram is also testing 4K Reel uploads for select accounts, although 1080×1920 remains the official recommended size for most users.

Using the ideal dimensions for Instagram Reels preserves video quality and sharpness. It ensures the final video is exactly how you pictured it. 

How to make Reels on Instagram

There are two ways to create Reels on Instagram. 

First, you can capture clips beforehand, edit them with a third-party video editing tool (optional), and import it into the Instagram app. 

Secondly, you can use Instagram’s built-in video recording tool to record and upload clips directly from your phone camera.

The latter is advantageous for a few reasons: 

• You’re guaranteed to use the best aspect ratio and dimensions: Using the Instagram app’s video recording feature, the whole screen shows exactly how your reel will look when uploaded. This eliminates the need to manually crop and resize your video for Instagram Reels. 
• Use the alignment tool for seamless cuts: Instagram’s reel recorder features an alignment tool that shows a silhouette of the last frame from the previous clip. This enables you to stitch clips together in a smooth way without any awkward movement.
• Experiment with different effects and filters: The built-in Instagram video recorder lets you preview effects and filters before you hit the ‘record’ button. This makes it easier to find the best configuration for the scene you’re trying to capture.

To record an Instagram Reels video in-app, launch the mobile app and tap the plus icon in the upper-right corner.

Tap “Reel” from the bottom carousel menu. This immediately switches you to the Instagram reel recording tool.

At this point, you can start recording your Instagram reel from scratch. Feel free to swipe through and preview the video effect suggestions at the bottom.  If you need to upload existing videos from your camera roll, tap the gallery icon in the bottom-left corner of the screen instead.

Important: Instagram accepts HEVC and HEIF uploads, though converting to .MP4 still gives the most consistent quality after Instagram compresses the file.

For more in-depth tips and strategies, read our complete IG Reels Tutorial: The Ultimate Guide. 

How to Add Audio to Reels

Make your Reels more relatable and entertaining by adding popular audio clips as background music. 

In the Instagram reel editor, tap the music icon from the menu.

Pick from the suggested audio clips or search for a song using the top search bar. Instagram’s commercial music library gives business accounts a solid selection of licensed tracks, although the exact catalog still changes based on regional licensing rules.  Feel free to preview any audio click by clicking the play button to the right. 

You may also tap ‘Import’ to use the audio of another video from your device’s gallery.

Once you find the audio you want to use, insert it into your reel by tapping on its name. Use the timeline scrubbing tool at the bottom to set which part of the clip gets played alongside your reel video. 

Tap ‘Done’ and then tap ‘Next’ to proceed. 

That’s it. Your selected audio clip will now play on top of your video’s original audio. 

Tap the music icon again on the top menu to balance the volume of the original and inserted audio clips. You can also use the voiceover and sound effect tools at the bottom to further customize your reel’s audio.

What Are the Ideal Instagram Reels Dimensions and Aspect Ratios?

If you want to upload videos from your phone’s gallery into Instagram Reels, remember the ideal frame size, the correct dimensions, the right aspect ratios, as well as the recommended cover dimensions.

Instagram Reels View Aspect Ratio: 1080 Pixels X 1920 Pixels

Dimensions: 1080×1920 (1080p)

Aspect ratio: 9:16

When viewed through the Instagram “Reels” tab, videos play at a resolution of 1080 pixels (width) by 1920 pixels (height). 

Tip: If you want to record using your phone’s camera app, set video settings to Full HD (FHD), which records at a resolution of 1080p. Don’t forget to shoot vertical videos so your Reels display correctly when viewed through the Instagram app. 

Instagram Reels Feed View Aspect Ratio: 1080 Pixels X 1350 Pixels

Dimensions: 1080×1350 (1080p)

Aspect ratio: 4:5

Instagram still changes how it shows Reels in the main feed. Some users see slight cropping. Others get full-height previews based on device, region, app version. Instagram is also testing a full-screen feed on more devices, yet this setup is not available to everyone. Since people may see different formats, keep all on-screen text inside the safe area so your Reels show properly in every layout.

Text-Safe Area for Instagram Reels

Top margin: 220 pixels

Left margin: 35 pixels

Right margin: 35 pixels

Bottom margin: 420 pixels

Instagram’s UI positions shift across devices and versions. Creators should treat safe areas as flexible guidelines and preview each post to ensure nothing is blocked.

A reel’s feed view version reflects the “text-safe” area of the reel. 

This is the portion of the reel that will always show, regardless if the reel is viewed through the Instagram feed or in full screen. It’s also a part of the video that stays visible without getting covered by interface elements such as the comment button or the details about the reel’s uploader. 

Position your branding elements with your Calls To Action and your interactive stickers inside the text-safe area whenever you build a Reel. This ensures that they stay visible to Instagram users through the Reels feed, the home feed, the profile page.

Creating Thumb-Stopping Instagram Reels Covers

Instagram Reels cover dimensions: 1080 pixels x 1080 pixels (profile main feed grid) and 1080 pixels x 1920 pixels (profile Reels feed) 

Instagram Reels cover aspect ratio: 1:1 (profile main feed grid) and 9:16 (profile Reels feed) A thumbnail cover draws attention to your client’s Reels when users visit their profile page.

However, Instagram reel thumbnail covers can be tricky.  One cover is displayed in your client’s Reels feed, which uses the original aspect ratio of Instagram Reels. The other version uses a 1:1 aspect ratio, making Reels blend in with the other Instagram feed videos. 

Although Instagram uses two versions of an Instagram reel’s cover, you can only edit one of them directly. That’s the cover found on your client’s Instagram reel feed, which has its own dedicated tab on their profile page.

Follow the steps below to use a custom cover for an Instagram reel: 

Step 1: Head to your client’s profile page, head to their Reels feed, and open the reel you want to edit. 

Step 2: Tap the triple-dot menu icon to open the settings menu and tap ‘Manage.’ 

Step 3: Tap ‘Edit’ and then tap the ‘Cover’ button at the bottom of the reel preview. 

Step 4: Choose a frame from your video or tap ‘Add from camera roll’ to use a custom reel cover. 

Step 5: Tap ‘Done’ twice to save your reel’s new cover. 

What Is the Best Instagram Reels Length?

Most accounts still have a maximum Reels length of 90 seconds. Instagram is testing 2–3 minute uploads with a small group of creators, but the longer format isn’t widely available yet, so ninety seconds remains the standard for everyone else. Instead of aiming for a fixed duration, focus on how long viewers actually stay. Instagram’s current algorithm places strong weight on completion rate and replay behavior rather than on hitting a specific time range.

A practical way to approach Reel length:

• Short clips (under 15 seconds) often get higher completion rates, which boosts reach
• Medium clips (15–30 seconds) fit quick tutorials or storytelling
• Longer Reels (30–90 seconds) give you space to demonstrate a product or explain something in detail

Use these as starting points, then watch your retention data to see when viewers tend to swipe. That metric matters more than any “ideal length.”

What Is the Best Instagram Reels Caption Length?

Instagram Reels captions can be up to 2,200 characters long. 

You get enough room to expand the message so you can add context and deliver a clear value proposition in a natural way. 

However, Instagram users don’t watch Reels to read captions. Help them stay focused on the video by keeping captions short and to the point. Instagram usually shows only the first ninety characters of a Reel caption before it gets cut off, so put your hook or key phrase at the very beginning.

How Does the Instagram Reels Algorithm Work?

The Instagram Reels algorithm determines how widely your videos are distributed, including to users who don’t follow your client. 

It is influenced by a handful of factors: 

• Completion rate: Instagram favors Reels that a high percentage of viewers finish. Short videos often perform well because viewers reach the end more easily.
• Replay rate: Rewatches remain a powerful indicator that your content captures attention.
• Original content quality: Instagram continues to favor native edits over reposted content. Videos with visible TikTok watermarks still tend to get lower reach, while clean, non-reposted uploads perform better across most accounts.
• Active watch behavior: Pausing a Reel signals interest. Scrubbing backward shows the viewer wanted another look. Long-pressing to inspect details tells Instagram the content delivered value. This ranking signal increased in importance in mid-2025.
• Topical clarity: Accounts that publish within consistent themes or niches receive stronger distribution because Instagram can categorize them more confidently.

Correct sizing is the one variable you can fully control before publishing a Reel. Follow the recommended aspect ratios, dimensions and safe zones above to avoid cropping issues and maximize visibility. 

User engagement, however, requires a strategic approach. 

Top 14 Tips When Marketing With Instagram Reels

To get more user engagement with your Reels, here are tips you need to remember: 

1. Use Popular Hashtags for Discoverability

Sprinkle your Instagram reel with viral hashtags for Instagram to boost its in-app searchability. 

Using branded hashtags (hashtags that are unique to your brand) is great for raising brand awareness and recognition. But if your short-term goal is to reach as many users as possible, go with hashtags that already get hundreds or thousands of daily searches.

The hashtags used in Mari Smith’s Instagram Reel below are classic examples.

The hashtags are key to making the Reel more discoverable and searchable to audiences looking for content related to the keywords, which you can easily emulate in your clients’ Instagram videos.

2. Look at What’s Trending

Observe the top Instagram Reels examples to borrow inspiration and understand the type of video content your target audience prefers.  Do they want quick tutorials? How about product reviews, demos, or memes?  Don’t hesitate to use ideas that already work for your competitors. They can’t patent or copyright Instagram video formats!

Also, use trending audio and hashtags in your client’s Reels. Instagram Reels is all about trends, so it’s important to stay on top of the latest audio and hashtags.  Using trending audio and hashtags will help your client’s content get discovered by new users and increase their reach. 

Do your research and find the most relevant hashtags and sounds for your client’s brand.You can also explore more opportunities for collaboration and paid partnerships through Instagram branded content, which helps amplify reach when working with creators or influencers.

Get creative. Sometimes, the most unexpected sounds and hashtags can go viral.

3. Repost Instagram Reels

Repost Reels on Instagram and other social media networks to multiply its reach.  This also gives you the opportunity to test hashtags, try fresh captions, schedule content at various times. Read our guide on how to repost a reel on Instagram for the complete strategy. 

4. Implement an Approval Method

Implement a thorough approval method to ensure you only publish Reels that strengthen your message while keeping your brand safe with a high standard of review. Use a social media management platform like Vista Social to execute your approval method. 

Instagram can now retain Instagram drafts across devices when the drafts use basic edits with no licensed audio. The feature is still limited, so some accounts will not see it, and it does not work between iOS and Android.

Vista Social offers more awesome features, from post scheduling and engagement management to social media analytics. The platform’s analytics now include a grid view that shows your clients’ key metrics in one place. You also get sound performance insights for Reels, which helps you spot the audio that produces stronger watch times. 

Besides exporting reports to CSV and PDF files, you can now send shareable links for your reports for easy sharing and access.  Boosted Reels now appear across more placements, including Explore and Suggested Reels, which expands their reach beyond your followers.

5. Consider Investing in Third-Party Video Editing Tools

Invest in IG tools for video editing to elevate your Reels with premium effects, filters, audio features, along with other unique touches.

Some of the best tools for Instagram Reels are: 

• KineMaster
• Pixelcut
• Clips (for iOS)
• InShot
• Funimate

6. Include On-Screen Captions and Texts

Many people still watch Instagram Reels without sound, and Instagram’s improved auto captions feature helps your videos stay easy to follow even when viewers keep the audio off. That said, including on-screen subtitles and texts in your client’s Reels will only benefit viewers while helping your client reach more users.

Simon Sinek’s IG video below is a good example of a Reel with clear on-screen captions.

Adding captions also makes your client’s videos more accessible to users with hearing difficulties.  Add video subtitles to your Reels by using Instagram’s closed caption sticker.  Select the sticker icon, then Captions. 

The feature should transcribe your video’s audio within a few seconds.  After it transcribes the Instagram Reels content, review and edit the text to ensure it is accurate and correct.  Also, ensure your client’s Instagram Reels closed captions are visible in every part of the screen, whether users are using a desktop or mobile device. If you need quick caption ideas for short-form content, check out our collection of one-word Instagram captions to help you spark engagement.

Consider positioning the captions at the center for maximum visibility.

7. Keep it Short and Sweet 

Reels still max out at ninety seconds for most users, but shorter videos usually get stronger retention since people reach the end more often. Ensure your client’s content stays sharp with a clear tone that keeps attention from the first second to the last. You don’t want to bore your audience with a long, drawn-out video. Keep it short and sweet so you reel in viewers quickly with your client’s Reels (See what we did there?) while giving a great viewing experience.

Take inspiration from the Instagram Reel by Jay Shetty below. 

It goes directly into the video’s main message within the first ten seconds, delivering the value quickly and keeping audiences engaged and watching.

8. Make it Entertaining

Boring Instagram Reels won’t get your client’s content anywhere, so make sure each Reel gives viewers a clear reason to stay interested. Use editing tools and effects to create visually appealing Reels. Instagram continues to roll out new AR effects, so you’ll keep seeing fresh options appear in the app over time. 

Throw in some pizazz and personality.  People connect with other people, so let your client’s brand personality shine through in their Reels.

The Instagram Reel by Gary Vee below combines fun animation with motivational content, creating an engaging video that keeps the viewers’ attention.

9. Leverage User Generated Content

User-Generated Content (UGC) is a great way to encourage your client’s followers to create and share their own Reels using your client’s products or services.  You can think of UGC Reels as more relatable content that serves as reviews and even personal recommendations from followers’ friends.   Nail weaving UGC into your client’s Reels and you can increase engagement and showcase your client’s brand to a broader audience. 

Plus, sharing UGCs as Reels can be a great way to show followers that your client values their opinions and input. Sharing UGC can also help creators qualify for more growth opportunities inside Instagram bonuses, especially in niches where engagement drives visibility.

Don’t forget to ask permission and credit the original content creators when sharing UGC as Instagram Reels.

10. Promote Reels on Other Platforms

Don’t limit your client’s IG Reels on Instagram.   Promote your client’s Reels on other social media platforms, such as Facebook, X, or any other platform where your client has a presence. 

You can also embed your client’s Reels on their website or blog to help drive traffic to a client’s Instagram account.  The more people see your client’s content, the more likely they are to engage with it and follow your client’s brand.

11. Collab Collab Collab

One of the best ways to level up your Reel game is to collaborate with other brands or influencers. Slide into their DMs and see if they’re down to create a Reel together. When you’re setting it up, tap “Invite collaborator” so the partner creator appears as a co-author and the Reel publishes to both profiles.

Create Reels dedicated to showing off your client’s brand and connect with new followers.

12. Show Off Behind-the-Scenes Happenings

Give your client’s followers a sneak peek of what goes on behind the scenes of your client’s brand. Take audiences on a virtual tour of your client’s office or show them how products are made. It can help build trust and make your client’s brand feel more personal.

13. Teach Audiences Something

Use Instagram Reels to drop some knowledge bombs on your client’s followers. Share your client’s industry expertise or give them tips and tricks for using your client’s products.  It’s a fun and engaging way to show that your client’s brand knows their stuff.

The video snippet shared as a Reel by Steven Bartlett below highlights his insights on vulnerability and how it bridges genuine connections between people.

The Reel can be a great way to “educate” audiences more non-traditionally and engagingly.

14. Remix Reels

Remixing Reels is a great way to collaborate and create synergies with other users. It allows brands to interact authentically. Users who remix Reels often enjoy an increase in audience engagement and content reach.

“Remixing a Reel means creating one that includes content from someone else’s Reel. It’s a great way to engage with other users and create side-by-side interaction.” – Caroline Foresy, Principal Marketing Manager, Hubspot

Instagram Reels Dimensions: Common Mistakes to Avoid

When it comes to making Instagram Reels, ensure your content is looking top-notch. 

Here are some things to avoid:

• Using the wrong aspect ratio: Stick to a 9:16 aspect ratio to ensure your client’s Instagram Reel videos display properly and in high quality.
• Not optimizing IG Reels for mobile devices: Keep your client’s Reels clear on a small screen so viewers can see everything properly from the cover photo to the text. Avoid adding very small details since people on smartphones often miss them.
• Low-quality footage: Don’t let your creativity get lost in a blurry mess. Use high-quality footage that’s in focus and well-lit. Failing to do so can ruin your client’s Instagram Reel and, in turn, the viewing experience. It can mean tons of audience engagement going down the drain. 
• Forgetting about file size: Instagram compresses every uploaded video, so exporting in high quality helps preserve clarity after compression. Use the highest bitrate and resolution your editor supports to avoid losing detail once Instagram re-encodes the file. Keep your Reel cover in the correct dimensions so it stays sharp on the grid and in the feed. 
• Wasting the full screen: Instagram Reels take up the whole screen, so make the most of that space. Some Android devices crop a bit differently because of display variations, so always preview your text placement before you publish. Use a blend of visual elements along with the right Instagram Reel thumbnail size to help your content stand out without distracting viewers in full-screen mode.. It can keep those viewers glued to the screen.
• Being too basic: Besides nailing your Instagram Reels video size and aspect ratio, spice your client’s Reels up by using multiple angles and perspectives. Your viewers will thank you for not being a snoozefest and create content that snags their attention quickly when scrolling through their main Instagram feed. 
• Ignoring the grid: The grid on your camera app is a no-brainer when framing your IG Reel cover image and content. Don’t be afraid to use it to get those amazing Reels shots.

How many Reels Should You Post a Week?

The algorithm now rewards topic consistency and strong completion rates more than high posting frequency, so focus on quality themes rather than pushing out a fixed number. 

However, don’t get too obsessed with the numbers. Pay more attention to the quality of your Reels. Publish high-quality Reels while maintaining consistency. If you can only realistically afford to publish 3 – 5 high-quality Reels a week, then stick to that frequency.

What are the quick tips for adapting various content for Instagram Reels dimensions?

Ensure you adapt your clients’ content properly for IG Reels dimensions with the following tips:

Reframe horizontal videos

Convert horizontal videos into the vertical format.  You can crop the videos or use editing tools to focus on the key action to ensure they fit within the IG Reel dimension of 1080 x 1920 pixels. Remember to keep the subject of your video centered to keep its visual appeal. 

Centralize key elements

Instagram slightly adjusted the placement of buttons in 2025, so keeping text within the safe area matters more than ever. Instagram’s interface can overlay elements at the top and bottom of your videos so place important elements in the center to keep them visible and eye-catching. 

Resize graphics

Resize the graphics used in your clients’ Reels to fit the required Reels dimensions to ensure they are clear to viewers.  High-resolution graphics that fit perfectly into vertical frames will look sharper and professionally made or edited. 

Use templates

Graphic design and video editing tools offer templates for Instagram Reels.  Use these templates to simplify adapting your clients’ content to the right dimensions.  The templates can save you a lot of time and energy while helping maintain a consistent look across your clients’ Reels. 

Optimize the thumbnails

Choose or create thumbnails at 1080 x 1080 pixels. Instagram is now testing auto-generated thumbnail suggestions in more regions, so you might see new options that help you pick a stronger cover image faster. 

Thumbnails are often the first things viewers see to make the most of them.  Use clear images with bold colors and short text to help your thumbnails stand out.

Nail your Instagram Reels strategy with Vista Social

Put your Instagram Reels strategy on steroids.

Use an all-in-one social media management platform like Vista Social to schedule content, track performance, optimize your Reels strategy over time. You can also get real-time hashtag suggestions to maximize your content’s visibility. 

Get started today with a free Vista Social account.

Frequently Asked Questions on Instagram Reels Dimensions

1. Can you post 16:9 on Instagram Reels?

Instagram still accepts aspect ratios from 1.91:1 to 9:16, and the app now auto-adjusts framing for some off-ratio uploads to improve the viewing experience. The recommended frame rate is 30 FPS, although the platform now handles 60 FPS far better than it did in previous years, which gives you smoother motion if your video is already shot at 60 FPS. 

2. What are reel sizes Instagram? 

The recommended Instagram Reel dimensions are 1080 pixels x 1920 pixels. That matches the resolution of 1080p but applies to videos created for vertical viewing. 

3. How do I resize a reel for Instagram? 

You can still resize clips manually, although Instagram gives you an automatic crop suggestion whenever you upload a horizontal video. It usually detects the main subject, so you can fix the framing with a quick tap.  Alternatively, try pixel-perfect resizes through apps like Pixelcut, KineMaster, InShot. 

4. Can you hide Likes on your IG Reels?

Yes. Navigate to the Reel you want to hide and tap on the three vertical dots at the bottom right corner. Select Manage and Hide likes, and the likes should no longer be visible to other users.

5. Can you view who watches your Instagram Reels? 

You still can’t see who viewed a Reel, only who liked or commented on it. However, you can see who liked your client’s Reels. Go to the Reel and tap the Liked by option at the bottom to see all the accounts or users who liked the Reel. 

6. Can you boost Instagram Reels? 

Yes.  Go to the Reel you want to boost. You should see a Boost button either directly under the Reel or inside the three-dot menu, depending on your account setup and eligibility. Then, tap on the three vertical dot icon or the Boost post option on the bottom right corner and select Boost Reel. 

Next, enter your ad’s details such as your audience, your goal, the duration of the campaign, the budget you want to set. After reviewing your details, select Boost post and you’re all set.