Instagram Reels allow users to create fun and engaging short videos that can go viral on the platform. However, to maximize views and engagement, it’s important to understand the ideal dimensions and sizes for Instagram Reels.
What are the width and height requirements for Instagram Reels?
The minimum width for Instagram Reels is 600 pixels. The minimum height is 1000 pixels. This creates a 9:16 vertical video, which is the native orientation for mobile devices that most people use to watch Reels.
The maximum width and height for Reels is 1080 x 1920 pixels. This 16:9 widescreen orientation works well for landscape-style Reels. However, the 9:16 vertical format tends to perform better and takes up more screen real estate in the Reels feed.
What are the ideal dimensions for Instagram Reels?
The ideal dimensions for Instagram Reels are:
- 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 aspect ratio)
- 900 x 1600 pixels (9:16 aspect ratio)
These sizes optimize both for visual quality and performance in the Reels feed. The 1080 x 1920 size provides full HD vertical video that looks great on mobile screens. The 900 x 1600 size compresses your video filesize slightly while still maintaining excellent visual quality.
How do these Instagram Reels dimensions translate to megapixels?
When creating Reels, most phones and cameras capture images and video in megapixels instead of exact height and width pixels. Here’s how the Reels dimensions translate into megapixels:
- 1080 x 1920 pixels = 2.1 megapixels
- 900 x 1600 pixels = 1.4 megapixels
So if you’re shooting Reels directly on your phone, aim for around 2 megapixels to get full 1080p HD vertical video. Anything between 1.4 – 2 megapixels will work great.
Why is the 9:16 aspect ratio important?
The 9:16 aspect ratio matches the natural vertical orientation of smartphones and tablets. When users scroll through Reels, a vertical 9:16 video will take up the entire screen.
Landscape orientation Reels with a 16:9 ratio will have black bars on the sides when viewed vertically. This wastes precious screen real estate in the Reels feed.
Square 1:1 aspect ratio Reels also aren’t ideal. They can work, but users have to rotate their phones to landscape to view square Reels full screen. The 9:16 vertical format provides the most seamless and immersive viewing experience.
Can you upload horizontal landscape Reels?
Yes, you can upload horizontal landscape Reels on Instagram. The minimum landscape dimensions are 600 x 338 pixels. The maximum is 1080 x 1350 pixels.
However, landscape Reels tend to get lower reach and engagement. Users have to rotate their phones sideways to watch them full screen. So they typically don’t perform as well as properly framed vertical Reels.
What are the file size limits for Instagram Reels?
Instagram recommends keeping Reels under 30 seconds long. The maximum file size is 1 GB if you’re uploading from your phone’s gallery.
If you’re recording Reels directly in the Instagram camera, the file size cap is significantly lower, around 30-90 MB on most modern smartphones. So shoot shorter 15 second Reels when recording directly in the app.
How can I check the file size of my Reel?
On an iPhone, go to Photos > Select your Reel > Tap the “i” icon > Scroll down to see file size.
On Android, go to Gallery > Select your Reel > Tap details to see file size.
Try to keep Reels under 30 MB when recording directly in the Instagram app for best results.
What video formats can I upload to Reels?
Instagram supports the following video formats for Reels:
- MP4
- MOV
- WMV
- AVI
- MPEG-2
- MPEG-4
- 3GP
- WebM
MP4 and MOV tend to provide the best results in terms of visual quality and filesize. But feel free to experiment with different formats as needed.
What frame rate should I use?
Aim for 30 frames per second (FPS) when capturing or exporting your Reels. 30 FPS provides smooth motion and is standard for most online video platforms.
You can potentially get away with 24 FPS, but 30 FPS will give you the best results. Anything below 24 FPS may look choppy or jittery.
Some newer phones can record in 60 FPS or even 120 FPS. This works for Reels, but comes at a cost of much larger file sizes. In most cases, 30 FPS is the sweet spot between visual quality and filesize.
How can I resize a video to fit Instagram Reels dimensions?
If your video isn’t the correct 9:16 vertical size, you’ll need to resize it before uploading to Reels:
- iPhone – Use the Video Crop & Rotate tool in Photos
- Android – Download video resizing apps like InShot or VN
- Windows/Mac – Use editing software like DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, iMovie etc.
Resize your video to 1080 x 1920 or 900 x 1600 pixels to meet the proper 9:16 vertical dimensions.
Should I use the highest resolution possible?
Not necessarily. While higher resolution allows more detail, it also greatly increases filesize which can lead to slow upload times.
Sticking to 1080 x 1920 or 900 x 1600 pixels provides plenty of resolution while keeping your Reel filesize manageable.
Resolution isn’t everything – well framed, stable, engaging Reels will perform better than an overly large but boring Reel!
How can I improve my Reels upload speed?
Here are some tips for faster Reels uploads:
- Use shorter clip lengths around 15 seconds
- Downsize resolution to 900 x 1600 if possible
- Export Reel as MP4 or MOV codec
- Use 30 FPS frame rate
- Compress or optimize Reel file if needed
- Upload over strong WiFi connection
Finding the right balance between visual quality and manageable filesize will help ensure smooth, fast uploads for your Reels.
Conclusion
By following Instagram’s recommended Reels dimensions of 1080 x 1920 or 900 x 1600 pixels, you’ll produce engaging vertical videos optimized for mobile screens. Keep clips short, frame the subject well, and focus on entertaining content over maximum resolution for the best results.