No, as of September 2023, Instagram Reels does not yet support uploading or viewing videos in 4K resolution or 60fps frame rate. Reels currently only supports up to 1080p resolution at 30fps.
What is Instagram Reels?
Instagram Reels is a short-form video feature within the main Instagram app that allows users to record and edit 15-second to 60-second multi-clip videos with audio, effects, and creative tools. Reels videos can be shared to your followers in Feed, and can be discovered by the wider Instagram community through a dedicated Reels tab and Explore page.
Reels was first launched by Instagram in August 2020 as a way for creators to make fun, entertaining short videos set to music that could compete with the hugely popular app TikTok. Over time, Reels has become one of Instagram’s main focuses and a key way for creators, businesses, and users to express themselves and reach new audiences on the platform.
What video formats does Instagram Reels currently support?
As of September 2023, here are the video formats and settings Instagram Reels supports:
- Resolution: Up to 1080p (Full HD)
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (Vertical)
- Frame Rate: 30fps
- Video Codecs: MP4, MOV
- Audio Codecs: AAC
- Max Video Length: 60 seconds (minimum 15 seconds)
- Max File Size: 100MB
So Reels does not yet support 4K resolution (2160p), HDR, or 60fps high frame rate videos. All Reels are limited to 1080p and 30fps currently.
Why doesn’t Instagram Reels allow 4K or 60fps?
There are a few likely reasons why Instagram has not yet added support for 4K or 60fps to Reels:
- File Size – 4K and 60fps videos have much larger file sizes that would quickly eat up storage space and bandwidth on Instagram’s servers.
- Rendering Time – Higher resolution and frame rates take longer to process and render for streaming and playback on mobile devices.
- Compatibility – Many mobile devices still in use don’t support playback of 4K or 60fps video natively within apps.
- Feature Parity – Instagram wants feature parity with competitors like TikTok, which also doesn’t yet support 4K or 60fps.
- Slow Rollout – Instagram is taking a cautious approach and slowly rolling out more advanced video capabilities over time.
Essentially, supporting 4K and 60fps adds engineering complexity and infrastructure costs for likely minimal visual improvement on small mobile screens. So Instagram is holding off for now until the pros outweigh the cons.
Will Instagram Reels ever support 4K and 60fps?
It’s likely Instagram will eventually add support for 4K and 60fps to Reels, but the timeframe is uncertain. Here are some key factors that may influence if/when more advanced video formats get added:
- Mobile Hardware Capabilities – As more phones introduced that can record 4K 60fps natively, the pressure on Instagram will increase to support these formats.
- Internet Speeds – As mobile data speeds get faster globally, 4K 60fps videos will become more viable to upload and stream on mobile.
- Competitive Pressure – If TikTok or YouTube Shorts add 4K 60fps, Instagram may feel compelled to quickly follow suit.
- Creator Demands – Top Reels creators and influencers demanding 4K 60fps capabilities will also incentivize Instagram to add support.
It’s unlikely 4K 60fps Reels will arrive before 2024 at the earliest. But over time as phones, networks, and competitive factors evolve, Instagram will likely support more advanced Reels formats.
Do any Instagram video features support 4K or 60fps?
Currently, the only Instagram video formats that support 4K and/or 60fps are:
- IGTV – Instagram’s long-form video hub supports uploads and playback in resolutions up to 4K. But max frame rate is still 30fps.
- Stories – You can record Stories in 4K resolution on supported devices. Stories also support 60fps, but not on all devices.
- Live Videos – Instagram Live streams can be broadcast and viewed in up to 1080p resolution and 60fps frame rate.
So IGTV and Stories are the only current ways to share higher resolution 4K video on Instagram. And Stories and Live offer limited 60fps capabilities. But Reels has some catching up to do on the video format front.
Tips for shooting quality Reels within current limits
Even without 4K or 60fps, you can shoot great looking Reels on any recent smartphone. Here are some tips:
- Use the rear/main camera to record instead of lower-quality selfie camera.
- Capture in 1080p with image stabilization enabled.
- Film in well-lit environments or use adequate lighting.
- Try shooting at 24fps for a more cinematic look.
- Use a tripod or gimbal for smoother pans and motion.
- Edit and export with minimal compression to retain quality.
With the right filming techniques and editing workflow, your Reels can look stunning even at 1080p 30fps. Resolution and frame rate aren’t everything.
Will lower-quality Reels hurt viewer engagement?
It’s unlikely that Reels 1080p 30fps limitation significantly hurts viewer engagement or viral potential currently. Here are some reasons why:
- Mobile Screens – Smaller screens can’t take full advantage of 4K or 60fps video. 1080p doesn’t look too soft or pixelated.
- Slow Connections – Many viewers are still on slower 3G/4G networks where high-res video would buffer.
- Data Costs – Large 4K video files would consume costly mobile data for many users globally.
- Content Quality – Good audio, entertaining visuals, engaging storytelling matter more than just higher specs.
Most viewers likely don’t perceive or care about Reels not being 4K or 60fps. The content itself drives engagement more than resolution and frame rates alone.
Will Reels start recommending 4K/60fps specs?
Instagram is unlikely to recommend recording Reels in 4K 60fps until those formats are fully supported. Some reasons Reels creators should stick with 1080p 30fps for now:
- Storage Space – 4K 60fps files take up a lot of precious phone storage space.
- Data Usage – Large video files consume more costly cellular data quotas.
- Editing Difficulty – High-res high-fps footage is taxing for phones to edit.
- Upload Failures – Reels may get rejected if too large or incompatible specs.
- No Quality Benefit – Viewers won’t see improved quality since Reels don’t currently support 4K 60fps.
You’re better off filming natively in 1080p 30fps to avoid headaches. Wait for Instagram to officially roll out expanded video capabilities first before changing approach.
Summary
- No, Instagram Reels does not currently support 4K resolution or 60fps frame rates – max is 1080p at 30fps.
- Limitations likely due to file size, rendering complexity, device compatibility, and parity with competitors.
- Support for 4K 60fps Reels may arrive eventually thanks to improving hardware and networking capabilities.
- IGTV and Stories already support some 4K and 60fps use cases on Instagram.
- You can shoot quality Reels even without highest video specs through proper filming and editing techniques.