Last Updated on February 25, 2025 by Himanshu Rawat

Want to create some Reels that actually get seen?

The truth be told, scrolling through Instagram is a pure battle for attention. If you want to stand out, you need to make sure your Reels look amazing. To do that, you’re going to want the instagram reels size just right.

Well, don’t weigh down on yourself; we’ve got you covered luckily. This cheat sheet is going to break down everything you need to know about how large your Instagram Reels should be. Let’s dive in!

Why Is Instagram Reels Size Important?

Let’s be real, dude—You put your heart, soul, and about an hour of your life  into making that perfect Reel. Great music, awesome visuals, catch caption – you’re about to break the ‘gram! But wait, there’s one crucial detail that can make or break your Instagram reel: size.

Why does it matter?

• Full-screen glory: A Reel that takes over your entire screen is way more engaging. It commands attention and looks super professional.
• Avoid the crop: The wrong size can lead to your Reel getting cropped, hiding important parts of your video. No one wants that!
• Better engagement: Looking good does get more love. Period. People are more likely to like, comment, and share a visually stunning Reel.

Want to make sure your Reels shine? Then make sure you’ve got the proper ig reel dimensions!

Instagram Reel Sizes 2025

For maximum reach, it should be an Instagram Reel of 1080 by 1920 pixels, with an aspect ratio of up to 9:16. It is this format that shall make your content appear full-screen and disarm your viewers. Though the app doesn’t follow the dimensions strictly, sticking to them may give the best output.

Note: Since the platform is continuously updated by Instagram, always refer to their guidelines for the most recent recommendations.

Instagram Reel Size in Pixels

We have already talked about this, but since so, let us reiterate: the recommended Instagram Reel size is 1080 pixels by 1920 pixels.

Instagram Reel Cover Photo Size

Your cover photo is the first thing people see—make it count! The recommended Instagram Reel Cover Photo size in 2025 is 420 pixels by 654 pixels (1:1.55 aspect ratio). Currently, Instagram doesn’t allow you to edit your cover photo after uploading, so choose wisely.

Instagram Reel Thumbnail Size

Even though Instagram auto-generates a thumbnail for your Reel, it would be good to know that for a thumbnail, an optimal size is 1080 pixels by 1080 pixels.

Instagram Reel Size Ratio

The optimum ratio for your Instagram Reel is 9:16. This is a perfect form that is sure to fit the Instagram feed well, fully using space on the screen.

While the 9:16 ratio is ideal, Reels can also accommodate a 4:5 aspect ratio. This slightly wider format might be suitable for certain types of content, but keep in mind that it might not fill the entire screen.

Remember: Prioritize the 9:16 ratio for the best visual impact.

Instagram Reel Frame Size

For best visuals quality, set about a frame size of 1080 pixels wide by 1920 pixels tall. This resolution will give you a very nice, sharp, clear image on most devices.

Instagram Reel Length

As of 2025, you can create Reels up to 90 seconds long. More often than not, though, shorter Reels are best—15-30 seconds.

But when you upload reels via a third-party scheduling tool, then your Reel can be anywhere from 3 seconds to 15 minutes.

Instagram Reels Caption Length

You can add up to 2,200 characters in your Reel caption. Fill this real estate with telling your story, adding relevant keywords, and asking for engagement.

Instagram Reels Compression Size

Instagram resizes videos to a maximum width. Videos larger than 1080 pixels will be resized to fit within this limit. For videos between 320 and 1080 pixels wide, Instagram preserves their original width as long as the aspect ratio falls between 1.91:1 and 4:5.

Keep this in mind: These are speculative dimensions. While Instagram may allow a little more, adhering to these recommendations will ensure that the Reels look perfect.

How to Resize Your Reels

1. Use tools like Canva, InShot, or CapCut to resize your videos.
2. Set the dimensions to 1080×1920 pixels with a 9:16 aspect ratio.
3. Save your video in MP4 or MOV format for the best quality.
4. Preview your Reel before posting to make sure it looks good.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Wrong Aspect Ratio: A 16:9 video will have black bars on the top and bottom.
• Low Resolution: Blurry Reels don’t get much love. Always aim for 1080×1920 pixels.
• Ignoring the Cover Photo: A bad cover photo can ruin your Reel’s first impression.

Tools to Make Perfect Reels

• Canva: Great for creating thumbnails and cover photos.
• InShot/CapCut: Easy-to-use apps for editing videos on your phone.
• Adobe Premiere Pro: For more advanced editing.
• Outfy: A tool to schedule and automate your Reels posts.

How to Test Your Reels Before Posting

• Preview your Reel on different devices (phone, tablet, computer) to make sure it looks good everywhere.
• Use Instagram’s Drafts feature to see how your Reel will look in the feed.

Tips for Silent Viewers

Many people scroll Instagram with the sound off. Here’s how to make your Reels work for them:

• Add captions or text overlays to explain your video.
• Use trending audio to boost your Reel’s discoverability.

FAQ on Instagram Reels Sizes and Specifications

Q1. Is Instagram Reels 9:16 or 4:5?

Instagram Reels are primarily formatted in a 9:16 aspect ratio, which is ideal for vertical viewing.

Q2. What is the best size for Instagram Reels?

The best size for Instagram Reels is 1080 pixels wide by 1920 pixels tall, ensuring high quality and optimal display.

Q3. Is the reel size the same as the story size?

Yes, the reel size is the same as the Instagram Story size, both using a 9:16 aspect ratio and measuring 1080×1920 pixels.

Q4. What format are Instagram Reels videos?

Instagram Reels videos are typically in MP4 or MOV format, which are widely supported for uploading and playback.

Q5. Can I upload a 16:9 video to Instagram?

You can upload a 16:9 video to Instagram, but it will appear with black bars on the top and bottom when viewed as a Reel.

Q6. What is the reel length limit on Instagram?

As of 2025, the length limit for Instagram Reels is 90 seconds, allowing for concise and engaging content.

Q7. What is the best length for Instagram Reels?

The best length for Instagram Reels is often around 15 to 30 seconds, as this duration tends to keep viewers engaged while delivering your message effectively.

By knowing these technical guidelines, you’re already halfway to creating those attention-grabbing Reels that will capture your target audience’s interest. Remember, while these dimensions provide a solid foundation, consistent algorithm updates may necessitate adjustments. In other words, keep yourselves updated with changes on the Instagram platform so you can best make your content match with these.