Instagram Reel Size and Dimensions: Perfect Specs Guide
If you’re creating content for Instagram, knowing the right Instagram Reels size, video dimensions, and aspect ratios is more important than ever. Whether you’re posting a Reel, a Story, or a regular video post, using the correct Instagram video size ensures your content looks polished, loads quickly, and gets seen by more people.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know—from Instagram Reels dimensions to Story ratios—so you can post with confidence and maximize your engagement.
📸 Why Instagram Reels Size & Video Dimensions Matter
Using the right Instagram video size ensures your content shows up crystal clear and eye-catching. Whether you’re posting to Stories, Reels, or your main feed, optimized specs lead to:
✅ Higher engagement (more likes, comments, shares)
✅ Professional-looking content
✅ Better visibility in Instagram’s algorithm
✅ Seamless playback across all devices
✅ Brand trust and consistency
🎬 Instagram Reel Size and Dimensions
Let’s start with Instagram Reels—the platform’s most dynamic video format and a top driver of engagement. If your Reels aren’t sized correctly, you risk awkward cropping, poor resolution, or lower reach. These are the specs you need to get it right:
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| 📐 Reels Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels (vertical format) |
| 🧮 Reels Aspect Ratio | 9:16 |
| 🎞️ Reels File Format | MP4 or MOV |
| ⏱️ Reels Max Length | Up to 3 minutes |
| 📌 Reels Orientation | Vertical (full-screen) |
💡 Reels Tips:
- Hook viewers in the first 3 seconds!
- Use vertical video and trending audio to maximize impact.
- Add captions and overlays to keep it engaging without sound.
📱 Instagram Stories Size and Ratio
Instagram Stories may only last 24 hours, but they’re a powerful way to connect with your audience in real time. To make sure they show up sharp and scroll-stopping, use the correct Instagram Stories size and dimensions:
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| 📐 Stories Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels |
| 🧮 Stories Aspect Ratio | 9:16 |
| 🖼️ Stories Image Format | JPEG, PNG |
| 🎥 Stories Video Format | MP4, MOV |
| ⏱️ Max Slide Length | 15 seconds (longer videos are split automatically) |
💡 Stories Tips:
- Add interactive elements like polls, stickers, and links to boost engagement.
- Save valuable Stories to Highlights to extend their lifespan.
- Design with the safe zone in mind so nothing gets cut off.
🖼️ Instagram Photo Post Sizes & Aspect Ratios
If you’re posting a static image or carousel, you still need to pay attention to size and orientation. Instagram supports multiple aspect ratios for photo posts, and using the wrong one can lead to poor cropping or quality loss. Here’s what to know:
| Format | Dimensions | Aspect Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| 📷 Square | 1080 x 1080 px | 1:1 |
| 🌄 Landscape | 1920 x 1080 px | 1.91:1 |
| 📱 Portrait | 1080 x 1350 px | 4:5 |
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Format: JPEG, PNG
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Pro Tip: Keep images at least 600 pixels wide and avoid over-compression.
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Max: 10 photos per post (carousel format)
🎥 Instagram Video Post Size & Format
When your video content goes beyond Stories or Reels, Instagram Video Posts offer more flexibility in both duration and dimensions. Here’s how to ensure they upload and display perfectly:
| Format | Dimensions | Aspect Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Square | 1080 x 1080 px | 1:1 |
| Landscape | 1920 x 1080 px | 1.91:1 |
| Portrait | 1080 x 1920 px | 4:5 |
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Max Length: Up to 60 minutes per video post
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File Type: MP4, MOV
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Tip: Carousels allow multiple 1-minute videos, but each video must meet the specs.
📊 Instagram Reel Size Specs Cheat Sheet
If you ever forget a dimension or format, this quick-reference table will keep your posts on point. Save it, bookmark it, or download the free guide below—this is your go-to for Instagram Reel size, Stories specs, and video post formats.
| Content Type | Size (px) | Aspect Ratio | Max Length | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reels | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 | 3 minutes | MP4, MOV |
| Stories | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 | 15s per slide | MP4, MOV |
| Video Posts | Varies | Can range from 1.91:1 to 4:5 | 60 minutes | MP4, MOV |
📥 Want a Quick Reference for All the Right Specs?
Download our FREE Instagram Size Guide for an easy cheat sheet covering ideal dimensions, formats, and aspect ratios—including the perfect Instagram Reels size for high-quality posts every time.
Stay organized and post with confidence—every time.
✅ Final Tips for Posting Like a Pro
- Stick to the recommended Instagram Reels size and aspect ratios to avoid cropping or pixelation.
- Use vertical video (9:16) for Reels and Stories to fill the screen.
- Compress wisely: optimize file sizes without sacrificing quality.
- Stay updated—Instagram occasionally tweaks its specs with new features.
- Always preview content before publishing or scheduling.
🔄 Want to Automate Your Instagram Posts?
Now that you’re sizing your content perfectly, make sure you’re posting it at the right time—automatically. Tools like dlvr.it make it easy to schedule and share optimized Instagram Reels, Stories, and more across multiple platforms.
📚 Continue Learning: How to Post on Instagram Like a Pro
Want to master the full platform?
👉 How to Post to Instagram – The Ultimate Guide
This companion post covers when to post, how to format content, Instagram Reels vs. Stories, analytics tips, and more.
