Instagram Reels are short video clips that can be created and shared directly within the Instagram app. When it comes to video quality, there has been some confusion around whether creating and posting Reels causes a reduction in quality compared to uploading a standard video post.
The short answer is no, creating and sharing Instagram Reels does not reduce the video quality itself. However, there are some important factors to keep in mind when creating Reels in order to maintain the best possible video quality.
Video Resolution and Dimensions for Reels
The maximum video resolution for Instagram Reels is 1080×1920 pixels. This matches the maximum resolution allowed for standard video posts as well. So from a resolution standpoint, Reels do not result in reduced quality.
However, Reels are constrained to a 9:16 aspect ratio vertically oriented format. This is different than the widescreen 16:9 landscape format used for video posts. So in order to create a Reel, a landscape video may have to be cropped or resized to fit the 9:16 vertical orientation. This reformatting can potentially reduce quality or result in loss of visual information depending on the video source.
File Size and Compression
Instagram does use compression to reduce the file size of videos when uploading media. This is true for both Reels and video posts. Excessive compression can potentially decrease visual quality. However, the maximum file size for Reels is actually higher than for video posts.
The maximum file size for a Reel is 30MB compared to just 15MB for a video post. So Reels allow for less compressed, higher quality video uploads than standard posts. As long as the original video is high-quality, Reels can match or even exceed the visual quality of video posts.
Aspect Ratio Cropping and Resizing
Probably the biggest factor impacting Reel quality is cropping and resizing a landscape video to fit the required 9:16 vertical orientation. Any time an original video gets cropped or resized, there will be some loss of visual information and quality.
When editing a landscape 16:9 video for use as a Reel, it’s important to carefully consider the cropping. Try to only crop from the sides of the video while preserving the entire vertical frame. Strategically position and frame the subject in the original landscape orientation, anticipating where the vertical crop will occur.
Avoid simply enlarging and stretching a landscape video vertically. This will introduce unsightly distortion and artifacts. It’s better to add vertical safe margins above and below the critical action, which can later be cropped for the Reel without compromising quality.
Using Vertical Video
The most ideal approach is to capture video specifically in a vertical 9:16 orientation optimized for Reels. This avoids any quality loss from cropping and resizing horizontal landscape footage.
When shooting video destined specifically for Reels, frame shots in a vertical orientation making sure critical subjects remain comfortably within the vertical video frame. This will ensure high quality results when the original vertically framed footage gets uploaded directly as a Reel.
Third-Party Editing Apps
Using a third-party video editing app provides more control over the process of cropping and resizing video for Reels. Sophisticated editing software allows carefully resizing and repositioning content within the frame to customize where the vertical crop will occur.
Apps like Adobe Premiere Rush give advanced tools for intelligently cropping landscape video to vertical without introducing issues like distortion or loss of critical scene elements. This can help maximize quality when repurposing horizontal video for Reels.
Uploading High Quality Source Files
No matter what editing methods are used, starting with high resolution, visually sharp landscape video will always yield better results. The highest quality landscape video, ideally shot in 4K, will have enough resolution to still look great even after cropping and resizing vertically for Reels.
Uploading files that are already highly compressed, noisy, pixelated or visually compromised will only have these flaws further emphasized by resizing to the 9:16 Reel dimensions. So quality issues in the original file will always impact the final Reel.
Bitrate and Playback Compression
When Reels are viewed within the Instagram app, further visual compression occurs to deliver the video over mobile networks. So the playback bitrate and compression of Reels is more highly compressed compared to viewing a Reel’s source video file directly on a device.
This playback compression is unavoidable when viewing any social media content on mobile devices. Starting with the highest visual quality source content will help minimize further quality loss during mobile playback.
Reel Length and File Size
Longer Reels with more visual content require higher bitrates and larger file sizes to maintain quality. 15-30 second Reels can afford to be high bitrate and large files. But longer multi-minute Reels will require much more compression to fit into the 30MB file size limit.
So shorter 15-30 second Reels ultimately allow for the highest possible visual quality within the constraints of the Reel format and Instagram’s compression. Keeping Reels on the shorter side avoids excessive compression needed for longer videos.
Quality Control and Testing
After editing a Reel but before posting, use Instagram’s preview feature to play it back within the app. This will reveal any quality issues resulting from reformatting and compression.
Pay close attention to areas where critical action occurs, as these are the most impacted by vertical cropping. If any important visual elements are lost or distorted, go back and adjust the editing to better preserve these moments.
Always check the final playback quality within Instagram before posting. This allows catching and correcting any quality issues introduced in the Reel creation process while the file can still be re-edited if needed.
Shooting Reels with Smartphone Cameras
Using a smartphone’s built-in camera to directly capture Reels eliminates editing, but comes with some drawbacks. Smartphone video resolution is limited, often 1080p or less. Digital zoom when shooting magnifies noise and artifacts.
Smartphone sensors are small with high compression, and lenses have limitations around low light, stabilization, distortion and image quality. Shooting natively on a smartphone locks in these limitations for the Reel’s final quality.
External camera apps with more advanced shooting controls can help improve quality. But editing Reels together from higher quality footage from standalone cameras ultimately allows for greater creative flexibility and technical quality.
Optimizing Content for Reels
While Reels don’t inherently reduce quality, not all content translates well to the short vertical format. Fast cuts, graphics, text overlays and other flashy effects can cover up or distract from technical flaws.
Slower paced content with fine details like landscapes and textured surfaces can reveal compression artifacts and flaws. Faster editing and visual effects help mask issues that arise from reformatting. Creating content optimized for Reels can help avoid noticeable quality loss.
Re-Editing Existing Posts as Reels
Repurposing existing horizontal landscape video posts as Reels often introduces the most quality loss. Content shot and edited specifically for the 9:16 Reel dimensions yields much better results.
But with careful editing and cropping, even some landscape videos can be reformatted as Reels without overly sacrificing quality. This gives existing content new life and reach in the Reels format.
Resolution vs Bitrate
For optimal quality, both high resolution source footage and high bitrate help. But relatively low resolution footage with a very high bitrate can rival or even exceed high resolution, aggressively compressed low bitrate footage.
So when optimizing Reels, don’t focus solely on maximum resolution like 4K. Maintaining high bitrates through minimal compression is just as important for perceptual quality, especially for shorter 15-30 second Reels.
Reels Audio Quality
Audio quality within Reels is also an important consideration. The maximum bitrate for audio within Reels is 128kbps, which matches Instagram’s standard for audio across posts.
This bitrate provides reasonably good audio quality for short Reels. But longer Reels may suffer, as more compression is required to fit longer audio into the 30MB file size limit.
Strategic use of audio, like music clips instead of lengthy dialogue, helps avoid excessive audio compression in longer Reels. External apps provide more control over Reel audio encoding settings.
Export Settings
When exporting edited video for Reels, pay close attention to export settings like resolution, bitrates and codec choice. H.264 or H.265 encoding optimized for mobile delivery will yield the best results within the Reel constraints.
Prioritize highest quality audio and video during export, then let Instagram’s transcoder compress as needed for delivery. Don’t try to anticipate and over-compress during the editing phase.
Creative Editing Choices to Complement Reels
Getting creative with edits can also help distract from compression artifacts in Reels. Quick cuts, graphics, animations, camera motion, filtering and grain effects help hide flaws.
Avoid extended static shots to minimize visible artifacts. Creative editing can complement technical limitations, while playing to the energetic style popular on Reels.
Balancing Quality and Compatibility
While maximizing visual and audio quality is important, the top priority is ensuring compatibility across devices. Overly large file sizes or incompatible codecs cause playback failures.
Some loss of quality is expected to achieve reliable playback across the Instagram app on all devices. Finding the optimal balance allows great quality within the compatible constraints.
Why Quality Matters
Higher quality Reels stand out and give content professional polish. This builds brand image and audience engagement. Poor visuals reflect badly on creators and brands.
Maximizing quality where possible shows respect for the audience experience. Viewers expect a baseline level of polish, especially from brands and high-profile accounts.
When to Prioritize Quality Over Compatibility
For professional and commercial accounts, prioritizing pristine quality over full compatibility can be worthwhile. Playback on high-end devices will showcase top notch Reels to engage these core users.
In some cases, better to have flawless quality on iPhones even if not fully compatible across all budget Android devices. Depends on the target audience.
Conclusion
Creating Instagram Reels does not inherently reduce video quality. But care must be taken when repurposing landscape video into the vertical Reel format to avoid quality loss from cropping and compression.
Shooting original footage in the 9:16 aspect ratio is ideal. Using high quality source files and advanced editing techniques minimizes quality reduction. Keeping Reels on the shorter side allows for less compression.
Test the final playback within Instagram to catch any quality issues before posting. And use creative editing techniques to distract from artifacts when needed. With some strategic planning and testing, Reels can match the visual quality of standard Instagram video posts.