Instagram reels can sometimes appear blurry or pixelated compared to photos and videos uploaded directly to the Instagram feed. There are a few reasons why the quality of Instagram reels may be reduced.
Compression to Save Bandwidth
One of the main reasons Instagram reels have lower quality is because Instagram compresses the videos to save on bandwidth and storage space. Video files are very large in their raw form. To save server resources, Instagram compresses reel videos more aggressively than feed videos or photos.
This compression shrinks the file size of the video so it takes up less space and is quicker to load. But it can result in loss of quality, blurriness, and pixelation, especially in high motion scenes.
Aspect Ratio Differences
Instagram reels have an aspect ratio of 9:16 which is taller and narrower than the feed’s 4:5 landscape orientation. The unusual dimensions of reels mean the video has to be cropped and resized to fit the reel player.
This resizing process can introduce quality loss, just like when you resize a photo. If the original video wasn’t shot in 9:16 vertical, fitting it into the reel layout will require cropping and distorting the frame.
Maximum Resolution Limit
Instagram caps the resolution of reels at 1080×1920 pixels. Even if your original video is 4K or greater resolution, Instagram will downsample it to 1080×1920 which is HD but not ultra HD.
So higher resolution videos will appear softer and less crisp when converted to the reel player’s lower 1080×1920 resolution maximum. Photos and videos uploaded to the main Instagram feed do not have this resolution limit.
High Compression Codecs
Codecs are the algorithms used to encode and compress video. Instagram utilizes advanced codecs (likely H.264 or HEVC) to shrink reels as much as possible.
High compression codecs can introduce visual artifacts and blurring, especially on complex scenes like confetti or landscapes. So the codecs Instagram uses contribute to lower visual quality compared to the feed.
Fast Encoding
Instagram has to encode a huge volume of reels every day. To speed up processing, Instagram likely uses faster encoding presets to convert reels to a format suitable for their servers.
Faster encoding saves on processing time but can result in lower video quality compared to slower, more advanced encoding. So Instagram’s need for speedy encoding contributes to reduced reel quality.
Why Does Quality Matter for Reels?
You may be wondering why video quality is important for reels. Here are some reasons why high quality reels are beneficial:
- Sharper resolution helps small text and details pop on mobile screens.
- Clean footage looks more professional and appealing.
- Higher video bitrates keep motion smooth with less pixelation.
- Viewers are more likely to watch higher quality reels to the end.
- Crisp footage stands out in the reel feed and grabs attention.
- Higher engagement and lower drop-off rates on high-quality reels.
How to Improve Reel Video Quality
While Instagram’s algorithms will inherently reduce reel quality some, there are things you can do to get the highest quality reels possible:
- Shoot source video at the highest resolution possible like 4K.
- Use the rear camera instead of the selfie camera.
- Record at 60fps or higher frame rates.
- Shoot horizontally using the full camera sensor area.
- Ensure you have plenty of bright lighting on the subject.
- Keep the camera lens clean and use lens filters.
- Use a tripod or stabilizer for smooth motion.
- Minimize digital zooming when recording.
- Export source video with minimal compression before uploading.
- Upload the video file instead of screen recording to Instagram.
How Instagram Can Improve Reel Quality
While creators can take steps to maximize reel quality, there are also things Instagram could potentially do on their end:
- Provide an HD or 4K reel upload option for verified accounts.
- Add a “high quality upload” toggle even if it takes longer to process.
- Use more advanced codecs and encoding to minimize artifacts.
- Upgrade transcoding servers to handle higher resolutions at scale.
- Improve the player to support HDR and expanded color.
- Give creators metrics on lost quality compared to the original file.
Why Don’t Instagram Reels Look as Good as TikTok?
Many users notice Instagram reels seem lower quality than TikTok videos. There are a few possible reasons for this:
- TikTok optimizes their app and encoding for vertical video while Instagram prioritizes the feed.
- Instagram compresses reels more to save bandwidth costs for their broad app.
- TikTok transcodes at 60fps which smooths motion while Instagram reels are 30fps.
- The TikTok player and app experience is more optimized for quality vertical video playback.
So in summary, TikTok focuses on vertical short-form video as their primary function while it is secondary for Instagram. This allows TikTok to optimize more for reel-like high-quality vertical video playback.
Maximizing Quality Within Instagram’s Limitations
While there are platform limitations, you can maximize reel quality working within Instagram’s constraints:
- Use production techniques that look great even in compressed formats like tripods, proper lighting, slower movement.
- Do color correction and grading that withstands encoding like avoiding banding.
- Add text and graphics that render well at lower resolutions.
- Pick music and audio that shines through even when compressed.
- Use style and themes that focus on bold shapes and outlines.
- Rely more on animation and illustrations that hold up better than live video.
Why Quality Matters for Your Brand
For brands and businesses, high quality Instagram reels are especially key. Low-quality reels can reflect poorly on your brand. But crisp, appealing reels make your company look polished and professional.
It shows you take pride in your content and value your audience’s experience. So it is worth taking steps to create the best reels possible and adapt to limitations to showcase your brand at its best.
The Future of Reel Quality
Instagram is constantly evolving its algorithms and infrastructure. Over time, we can expect reel quality and capabilities to improve as Instagram optimizes stability and performance.
More powerful servers, new codecs, and updating the player to support higher resolutions will let Instagram boost quality as their service scales up. And creators will find new techniques that make the most of the platform.
Higher-quality vertical short-form video is the future as content consumption continues shifting in that direction. While there are current limitations, Instagram will likely continue improving and investing in reels as they become a larger part of the app’s focus.
So the quality issues with reels today may be largely temporary as Instagram builds up infrastructure and technology to better support high-resolution vertical video at scale into the future.
In summary, Instagram reels can appear lower quality than feed photos and videos due to increased compression, vertical aspect ratio cropping, resolution limits, aggressive codecs, and the need for fast encoding. But creators can take steps to maximize quality within the constraints through production methods and platform understanding. And Instagram will likely continue improving reel encoding quality and capabilities over time as short-form vertical video becomes more critical to their offering.