Quick answer: The Instagram Reels size is 1080 × 1920 pixels (9:16 aspect ratio). Instagram accepts aspect ratios from 1.91:1 to 9:16, with a minimum resolution of 720 px and a minimum frame rate of 30 FPS. You can record or edit Reels up to 20 minutes, but Reels over 3 minutes are not recommended to new audiences.
Key design tips
- Use 9:16 for full screen — Instagram accepts aspect ratios from 1.91:1 through 9:16 [1]
- Meet the quality floor — Reels should be at least 720 px and 30 FPS [1]
- 20-minute creation limit — You can record and edit one or more clips up to 20 minutes [2]
- 3-minute discovery threshold — Longer Reels are not recommended to new audiences [2]
- 90 seconds for boosted Reels — The advertising limit is separate from the organic creation limit [3]
What is the Instagram Reels Size? This is one of the most common questions I get. Instagram Reels have become one of the platform's most powerful features for reaching new audiences and growing your account. Getting the size right ensures your content looks professional and maximizes engagement. On this page you will find everything from the perfect size to use as well as free templates for the most popular design tools.
Reels
Video
1080 × 1920
9:16 design target. Instagram accepts 1.91:1–9:16, with a minimum 720 px resolution and 30 FPS. Record or edit up to 20 minutes; Reels over 3 minutes are not recommended to new audiences.
Upload a screenshotFree · No sign-upWhat is the Instagram Reels size in pixels?
An Instagram Reel displays at 1080 × 1920 pixels. This vertical format is optimized for mobile viewing and takes up the full screen on smartphones. Instagram Reels are a powerful feature that allows you to create short, engaging videos that can reach audiences far beyond your followers through the Reels tab and Explore page.
The 9:16 aspect ratio is the standard for vertical video and is used across most social media platforms. This means you can create content once and repurpose it across Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and more. Instagram lets you record and edit Reels up to 20 minutes long. Reels over 3 minutes can still be posted, but Instagram says they will not be recommended to new audiences.
What does 9:16 aspect ratio mean for Instagram Reels?
The aspect ratio of a video refers to the relationship between its width and height. An aspect ratio of 9:16 on Instagram Reels means that the width is 9 units, and the height is 16 units. This vertical format is specifically designed for mobile viewing, where phones are held upright.
To put it simply, 1080 x 1920 pixels is a 9:16 aspect ratio. To do the math:
1 unit = 120 pixels
9 units = 120 × 9 = 1080 pixels (width)
16 units = 120 × 16 = 1920 pixels (height)
The aspect ratio is scalable, meaning that 540 x 960 is also a 9:16 aspect ratio. However, you should always use the full 1080 x 1920 resolution for the best quality on high-resolution displays.
How do I create Instagram Reels?
There are many great tools you can use to create professional-looking Instagram Reels. Some of the most popular options include:
- CapCut - Popular mobile and desktop video editor
- Adobe Premiere Pro - Professional video editing
- Final Cut Pro - Mac video editing software
- InShot - Mobile video editing app
- Canva - Easy-to-use with video templates
- Adobe After Effects - Motion graphics and effects
- DaVinci Resolve - Free professional editing software
- iMovie - Free for Mac and iOS users
If you're looking for a free alternative, you can use our 100% Free Social Image Maker to create static assets for your Reels. This image maker already has the Instagram Reels size available out of the box, so you don't have to look up the dimensions to get started. It's easy to use and receives regular updates and improvements.
Best practices for Instagram Reels
Instagram Reels are designed for entertaining, engaging content that captures attention quickly. Unlike Stories, Reels are permanent and can be discovered by users who don't follow you, making them a powerful tool for growth. Here are some tips for creating engaging Reels:
- Make the first frame clear because viewers can scroll at any time
- Design for vertical viewing - never use horizontal content
- Keep text large and easy to read on small screens
- Leave generous margins around key text and logos because interface overlays vary by placement and device
- Use audio only when it supports the content
- Add captions for accessibility and silent viewing
- Keep the edit as long as the message requires
- Use high-quality footage with good lighting
- Include a clear call-to-action
- Use descriptive captions and relevant hashtags
What's the difference between Instagram Reels and Stories?
While both Instagram Reels and Stories use the same vertical 9:16 aspect ratio (1080 x 1920 pixels), they serve very different purposes. Stories disappear after 24 hours and are more casual, appearing at the top of the app and only visible to your followers. Reels are permanent (unless you delete them), appear in multiple places including the Reels tab, Explore page, and your profile grid, and are designed for more polished, entertaining content that can reach a much wider audience.
Reels can be recorded or edited up to 20 minutes long, while Stories are presented as temporary posts. Reels also support audio and effects and can appear in several discovery surfaces. Think of Stories as temporary updates and Reels as reusable video posts.
Learn more about Instagram Stories Size, Instagram Post Size, and Instagram Profile Picture Size on our other pages.
Instagram Reels vs TikTok: Same size?
Yes! Instagram Reels and TikTok use the exact same video dimensions: 1080 x 1920 pixels with a 9:16 aspect ratio. This is great news for content creators because you can create one video and post it to both platforms without any resizing or reformatting. However, keep in mind that each platform has its own culture, trends, and best practices.
The full-screen design specifications are identical, but publishing and discovery rules differ by platform. Instagram allows up to 20 minutes for recording and editing, while noting that Reels over 3 minutes are not recommended to new audiences. Both platforms prioritize vertical video and mobile-first viewing experiences. Many creators repurpose content across both platforms, adjusting captions and hashtags to fit each platform's audience.
Common mistakes to avoid with Instagram Reels
One of the biggest mistakes people make with Instagram Reels is not allowing for interface overlays. Instagram's profile information, captions, and action buttons can cover portions of the frame, and the exact placement varies. Keep important text and visual elements away from the edges and preview the Reel before publishing.
Another common mistake is using horizontal videos. Unlike feed posts where you can use various aspect ratios, Reels are specifically designed for vertical content. Horizontal content will appear with large black bars above and below, wasting valuable screen space and looking unprofessional. Reels can also be previewed or cropped differently across Instagram surfaces, so keep the subject near the center when framing your shots.
Finally, export a clean source file when repurposing content. Removing another platform's watermark gives you a cleaner composition and more control over captions and interface overlays.
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