Instagram Reels are one of the best ways to get more views, followers, and engagement on your profile. Whether you're a content creator, small business owner, or just someone who enjoys posting videos — Reels can help you reach a bigger audience.
But here’s something many people miss: the size of your Reel really matters. If your video is the wrong size, it might look blurry, parts may get cut off, or it just won’t look good on the screen. That can hurt your views and reach.
In this blog, we’ll make it simple. You’ll learn the correct Instagram Reel size, cover size, thumbnail size, and more — all updated for 2025. Plus, we’ll share easy tips and tools to help you create better Reels without needing fancy editing skills.
Let’s get started!
Why Proper Instagram Reel Size Matters
You might think, “Does the size of my Reel really make a difference?” The answer is — yes, it does.
When your Reel is the right size, it fills the screen perfectly. That means your video looks clear, professional, and more enjoyable to watch. But if the size is wrong, Instagram might crop part of your video, or it could look blurry — and that can turn people away.
Here’s why using the correct size is important:
Better Quality: A properly sized Reel looks sharp and clean on all devices.
More Views: Instagram’s algorithm likes high-quality content and may show it to more people.
No Cropping: Your text, captions, and important parts of the video stay visible.
More Engagement: People are more likely to like, comment, or share a video that looks good.
Think of it this way — your content is great, so make sure it looks great too by using the right size!
Instagram Reel Sizes & Specs (2025)
To make your Instagram Reels look professional and perform well, it's important to use the correct sizes, dimensions, and limits. In this section, we’ll explain each size in detail, along with why it matters and how to use it the right way.
| Type | Size | Aspect Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Main Video | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 |
| Cover Image | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 |
| Thumbnail (Feed/Grid) | 1080 x 1350 | 4:5 |
| Caption Limit | 2,200 characters | |
| Video Length | Up to 15 minutes | |
Instagram Reel Size (Main Video Size)
Size: 1080 pixels wide by 1920 pixels tall
Aspect Ratio: 9:16
This is the standard vertical video size for Reels. It fits perfectly on most smartphone screens. If your video is smaller than this, Instagram may stretch or blur it, which reduces quality. If it’s bigger, Instagram might crop parts of it.
Bonus Tip: Wondering if someone can screenshot your Reels while watching them? You’re not alone. Read our separate post on Does Instagram Notify When You Screenshot? to understand what happens when someone takes a screenshot on Instagram — whether it’s a Reel, Story, or DM.
Instagram Reel Cover Size
Size: 1080 x 1920 pixels (same as the main video)
This is the image people see before they tap to play your Reel. It works like a thumbnail or poster.
When you upload a Reel, Instagram gives you the option to choose a frame from your video or upload a custom cover. Using a custom cover helps you control how your Reel appears on your profile and in the feed.
Tip: Make sure your main image or text is centered. That way, it still looks good even if Instagram crops part of it in the preview.
Instagram Reel Thumbnail Size (Feed and Grid View)
Size: 1080 x 1350 pixels
Aspect Ratio: 4:5
This is the size Instagram now supports for showing your Reel in the feed or on your profile grid. It takes up more space vertically than a square thumbnail, which makes it more eye-catching when people scroll through their feed.
Instagram automatically crops your cover image to fit the 4:5 ratio. If your original cover was 1080 x 1920, only the middle portion may be shown.
Tip: When designing your Reel cover, make sure all important visuals (like faces or text) are in the center so they don’t get cut off in different views.
Instagram Reel Frame Size
Size: 1080 x 1920 pixels
Aspect Ratio: 9:16
Each frame (or still image) in your video follows the same size as the full video. This is especially important if you’re editing your video frame-by-frame or adding effects.
Tip: Don’t place text or important graphics too close to the edges — they might get hidden by Instagram’s UI (like the like, comment, and share icons).
Instagram Reel Aspect Ratio
Recommended Ratio: 9:16
Other Ratios: Instagram may allow other ratios, but 9:16 is ideal
A 9:16 ratio means your video is taller than it is wide — like most smartphone screens. This ratio gives your Reel a full-screen look and is more immersive for viewers.
Tip: Avoid uploading landscape (horizontal) videos with a 16:9 ratio — they will appear with black bars on top and bottom, making them look less professional.
Instagram Reel Compression and File Size
Instagram compresses all videos to reduce file size and loading time. But too much compression can make your video look blurry or pixelated.
To avoid this:
Export your video in MP4 format
Use a resolution of 1080 x 1920
Keep the bitrate at 5,000 kbps or higher
Try to keep the file size under 100 MB for faster uploading
Tip: Use video editing tools like CapCut, InShot, or Adobe Premiere to control export settings and avoid low-quality results.
Instagram Reels Length (Duration Limit)
Maximum Length: Up to 15 minutes (as of 2025)
Instagram now allows longer Reels, especially for educational content, interviews, or storytelling. However, shorter videos (between 15 to 90 seconds) usually get more engagement, especially for trending and entertainment content.
Tip: Test both short and long Reels to see what works best for your audience.
Instagram Reels Caption Limit
Character Limit: Up to 2,200 characters
Just like regular Instagram posts, you can add long captions to your Reels. This space can be used to write descriptions, add hashtags, tag accounts, or even tell a story related to your video.
Tip: Focus on writing a strong first sentence — this is what most people see without expanding the full caption. Also, include relevant hashtags to improve discoverability.
Knowing the right Reel size is just the first step. To make your Reels look good and get more views, you also need to follow some simple tips. These will help your videos look clear, professional, and fun to watch.
Tips for Creating Perfectly Sized Reels
1. Record Your Videos Vertically
Always hold your phone straight up (not sideways) when recording Reels. Instagram is made for vertical videos. If you upload a horizontal video, it might not fit the screen properly and can look weird or cut off.
2. Keep Everything Important in the Center
When people watch your Reel, parts of the screen are covered by buttons (like, comment, share). So make sure the main part of your video — like your face, text, or product — is in the middle of the screen.
Avoid putting anything important near the top, bottom, or edges.
3. Use Good Quality Videos
Blurry or dark videos don’t get much attention. Try to record in good lighting and with a steady hand. If possible, use your phone’s back camera — it usually gives better quality than the front one.
Don’t over-edit or add too many effects that lower video quality.
4. Add a Nice Cover Image
Instagram lets you choose a cover (the image people see before playing your Reel). Instead of using a random frame, upload a custom image.
Make sure:
It’s 1080 x 1920 in size
It looks clear and attractive
The main part is in the center so it fits well in the grid view too
5. Use Captions or Text in Your Reels
A lot of people watch Reels without sound. So it’s a good idea to add text or subtitles to explain what’s happening in the video.
This makes your content easier to understand and more people will watch it till the end.
6. Edit Your Videos Using Simple Apps
If your video is not the right size or you want to improve it, use free apps like:
These apps are easy to use, even if you’ve never edited a video before. They can help you crop, resize, and add text to your Reels.
7. Keep Your Reels Short and Interesting
Yes, Instagram now allows Reels up to 15 minutes. But short Reels — between 15 to 60 seconds — usually get more views.
People like fast, fun, and to-the-point videos. So get to the main idea quickly!
8. Write a Catchy Caption and Use Hashtags
A good caption can make people stop and watch. Ask a question, tell a short story, or say something funny or helpful.
Also, use hashtags that match your topic. This helps Instagram show your video to more people.
Mistakes to Avoid When Making Reels
Even small mistakes can make your Reel look unprofessional or stop it from getting more views. Here are some common mistakes people make — and how you can avoid them.
1. Uploading Horizontal Videos
Instagram Reels are made for vertical viewing. If you upload a video that’s horizontal (sideways), it won’t fit the screen properly. Black bars may appear, or the video might look small and unappealing.
Tip: Always record your videos in vertical (portrait) mode — 1080 x 1920 is perfect.
2. Adding Text Too Close to the Edges
Instagram shows buttons (like, comment, share) on top of your video, especially around the edges. If your text or key visuals are too close to the top, bottom, or sides, they may get covered or cut off.
Tip: Keep all important text and visuals in the middle area — this is called the “safe zone.”
3. Using Low-Quality or Blurry Videos
If your video is dark, shaky, or blurry, people might scroll past without watching. Low-quality videos also don’t perform well in the Instagram algorithm.
Tip: Record in good lighting and hold your phone steady. Use editing apps to improve video quality if needed.
4. Ignoring the Cover Image
Many users skip adding a proper cover image — but it’s the first thing people see. If your cover doesn’t look clear or attractive, fewer people may click on your Reel.
Tip: Upload a clean, custom cover with your subject or text centered. Size it to 1080 x 1920 pixels.
5. Making Reels Too Long Without a Clear Point
Just because you can make a 15-minute Reel doesn’t mean you should. Long videos without a clear message often lose viewers halfway through.
Tip: Get to the point fast. Try to keep Reels between 15 to 60 seconds unless your content truly needs more time.
6. Using the Wrong Aspect Ratio
If your video is square or too wide, Instagram may crop it, or it may not fill the screen properly.
Tip: Stick to the 9:16 aspect ratio. That’s 1080 pixels wide and 1920 pixels tall — the ideal format for Reels.
7. Not Using Captions or Subtitles
A large number of people watch Reels with their sound off. If your video has only talking and no text, they might not understand what’s going on.
Tip: Add short captions or subtitles to help everyone follow along — especially in tutorials or talking videos.
Instagram Reel Size vs Story, IGTV, and Feed Video
Instagram has different types of video formats — like Reels, Stories, IGTV (older format), and regular Feed videos. Each one has its own size and rules. If you use the wrong size, your video might look cropped, stretched, or blurry.
Let’s break it down simply so you know what to use and when.
1. Instagram Reels
Size: 1080 x 1920 pixels
Aspect Ratio: 9:16
Length: Up to 15 minutes (but shorter is better)
This is the vertical, full-screen video format made for short, engaging content. Reels are great for trends, tutorials, behind-the-scenes clips, and more. They also get shown on the Explore page, so they have a good chance of going viral.
2. Instagram Stories
Size: 1080 x 1920 pixels
Aspect Ratio: 9:16
Length: 15 seconds per Story slide
Stories use the same size as Reels, but they are more casual and temporary (they disappear after 24 hours unless you save them as a Highlight). You can also add polls, questions, music, and links.
Tip: You can reuse your Reel video in Stories too — just trim or split it if needed.
3. Instagram Feed Videos (Regular Posts)
Size Options:
Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1)
Portrait: 1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5)
Landscape: 1080 x 566 pixels (1.91:1)
Length: Up to 10 minutes (for most users)
Feed videos appear in your profile grid and your followers’ home feed. The best size here is portrait (1080 x 1350) because it takes up more space on the screen and stands out better than square or horizontal videos.
Note: These videos are not shown in the Reels or Explore tabs.
4. Instagram IGTV
Size: 1080 x 1920 pixels
Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (vertical) or 16:9 (horizontal)
Length: Up to 15 minutes from mobile, or 60 minutes from desktop
IGTV was Instagram’s old format for long-form videos, but it has now been merged into regular Feed videos. Most creators now use Reels or Feed instead of IGTV.
Quick Comparison Table
Tip: If you're only going to pick one format to focus on, Reels are your best bet in 2025 — they get the most reach, engagement, and exposure.
What You Should Do Next
Now that you know the perfect Instagram Reel sizes and tips, it’s time to put them into action. Stick to the 1080 x 1920 size, keep your content vertical, and don’t forget a clean cover image. Keep your Reels short, clear, and engaging — and most importantly, stay consistent. The more you post, the better you get!
And if you're curious about privacy features on Instagram — like Does Instagram Notify When You Screenshot? — be sure to check out our complete guide on that topic to stay fully informed.
FAQ: Instagram Reel Sizes
1. Is Instagram Reel 4:5 or 9:16?
Instagram Reels use a 9:16 aspect ratio, which means the video is taller than it is wide — like your phone screen. The 4:5 ratio is mostly used for feed posts and preview thumbnails, not the actual Reel video.
2. What is the best size for Instagram Reels?
The best size is 1080 pixels wide by 1920 pixels tall (9:16). This fills the entire screen and looks the best on mobile devices.
3. Are Reels 1080 x 1920?
Yes. The recommended and most common Reel size is 1080 x 1920 pixels. This format makes sure your video appears full screen and doesn't get cropped.
4. What is better, 720 or 1080?
1080p is better than 720p. It gives a clearer, sharper video quality. If your phone or app allows, always go for 1080p to make your Reels look professional.
5. Is Instagram Reels 4K or 1080?
Instagram supports videos up to 1080p, not full 4K. You can shoot in 4K if you want better editing control, but Instagram will compress it down to 1080p when uploading.
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