To create effective content on Instagram Reels, it is essential to follow the recommended size specifications. A good format ensures that your content looks sharp and professional, without black bars or unwanted cutouts.
The maximum duration for a Reel is 90 seconds, which allows you to be creative and concise at the same time. It is crucial to create dynamic and engaging content within this time limit, to quickly capture the attention of viewers.
In this post we tell you everything you need to know about the size of Reels on Instagram, as well as other tips for creating this type of content.
The Importance of Using Reels on Instagram
Using Reels on Instagram has become a vital strategy for increasing visibility and engagement on the platform. Reels allow users to create and share short videos in various formats such as vertical, which are ideal for capturing attention. This functionality is especially useful for brands and content creators who want to increase their organic reach, as Instagram prioritizes Reels in its algorithm, just as using the correct size of Reels on Instagram is important.
Reels offer an excellent opportunity to show the personality of your brand in an authentic and fun way, even when a user-generated content (UGC) strategy is carried out. By using music, visual effects, and viral trends, you can connect emotionally with your audience and make your content more memorable. In addition, with the correct size of Reels on Instagram, they can be shared and are easy to discover through the “Explore” tab, which increases the likelihood that your content will go viral.
A very popular technique in Reels is the use of POV (Point of View), where the creator puts himself in the place of the audience, offering a unique and close perspective that facilitates a greater emotional connection and understanding of the message.
Another significant advantage of Reels is their ability to drive conversions. By integrating calls to action and direct links to products or services, you can turn visibility into real sales. Reels are also an excellent way to refresh existing content, giving it a new life and context in a different format.
The Size of Instagram Videos
Similar to the size of Reels on Instagram, the size of videos on Instagram varies depending on the format in which they are published. For videos in the feed, the recommended aspect ratio is 1:1 (square) or 4:5 (vertical), with a minimum size of 600 x 600 pixels and a maximum of 1080 x 1080 pixels for square, and 1080 x 1350 pixels for vertical. These sizes ensure that the video looks good on different devices and screens.
For videos in horizontal format, the recommended aspect ratio is 16:9, with a minimum size of 600 x 315 pixels and a maximum of 1080 x 608 pixels. This format is ideal for videos that are played in a wider environment and offers a more cinematic viewing experience.
Maintaining these size standards increases the likelihood that they will be seen by your followers.
Video Size for Reels
For the size of Reels on Instagram, the ideal size is 1080 x 1920 pixels, with an aspect ratio of 9:16. This size ensures that your video occupies the entire screen of the mobile device, providing an adequate experience for viewers. By following these specifications, you avoid the content from looking compressed or badly cropped.
Make sure you take into account the size of the Reels on Instagram, the safe space at the top and bottom of the video, as Instagram superimposes user interface elements, such as the title text and interaction buttons. Leaving an adequate margin will prevent important information from being hidden behind these elements, ensuring that your message is clearly communicated to the audience.
Size of Instagram Covers and Feeds
The appropriate size for covers and images in the Instagram feed is essential. For images in the feed, the recommended aspect ratio is 1:1 (square) with a resolution of 1080 x 1080 pixels. This format ensures that the images look sharp and clear on all screens.
For video covers on IGTV and Reels, the recommended size is 1080 x 1920 pixels with an aspect ratio of 9:16. It is important to design the covers so that the central part of the design is the most prominent, as this will be the visible part in the thumbnails and in the feed.
When you upload panoramic or vertical images, the recommended size for verticals is 1080 x 1350 pixels with an aspect ratio of 4:5, and for panoramic images, 1080 x 566 pixels with an aspect ratio of 16:9.
Video Size for Stories
For videos on Instagram Stories, the recommended size is 1080 x 1920 pixels, with an aspect ratio of 9:16. Videos in Stories can have a maximum duration of 15 seconds per segment, but you can chain several segments to tell a longer story.
It is recommended that the important content be centered, leaving a safety margin just like the size of the Reels on Instagram. Using Instagram’s editing tools and filters can improve the visual quality of your Stories, in addition, adding interactive elements such as surveys, questions and location stickers can increase audience participation.
The Weight Limit of Videos on Instagram
The weight limit of videos on Instagram varies depending on the format in which they are published. For videos in the feed and Reels, the maximum allowed size is 4 GB. This limit ensures that you can upload high-quality videos without worrying about needing excessive compression.
For videos on IGTV, the weight limit is higher, allowing files of up to 3.6 GB for videos up to 60 minutes long. This is especially useful for longer and more detailed content, such as tutorials, interviews or documentaries. Staying within these weight limits helps ensure smooth playback and a positive user experience.
It is important to keep in mind that, although large files are allowed, it is always recommended to optimize your videos for the web before uploading them, adjusting the resolution, bit rate and file format, so that the video loads quickly and plays without interruptions. Using appropriate editing and compression tools you can maintain the quality of your videos, complying with Instagram’s requirements.
Reels Weight Limit
In addition to the size of Reels on Instagram, it is important to take into account their weight. The weight limit for Instagram Reels is 4 GB. Video editing tools such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro can help you perform these optimizations effectively.
Also choose lossless compression tools to reduce the file size without affecting the video display.
Weight Limit of Videos in the Feed
For videos in the Instagram feed, the maximum weight limit is 4 GB. Instagram recommends the use of MP4 files with the H.264 codec, which offers good compression and quality. By following these parameters, you can make sure that your videos are within the weight limit.
Weight Limit of the Stories
The weight limit for videos on Instagram Stories is 4 GB, just as in the case of Reels. It is very important that your stories are optimized in terms of video weight, so that the display is adequate and of quality.
Instagram Live: another Format You should Use from Instagram
Instagram Live is an increasingly popular format that allows you to interact in real time with your audience. This format is ideal for live broadcasts such as interviews, question sessions, product demonstrations and live events. Using Instagram Live can significantly increase engagement and strengthen the relationship with your followers by offering an interactive and authentic experience.
One of the main advantages of Instagram Live is the ability to receive comments and questions in real time, allowing you to adapt your content on the fly and respond directly to the concerns of your audience, creating a more personal and direct connection. In addition, live broadcasts appear at the top of your followers’ feed, attracting more viewers.
Instagram also allows you to save your live broadcasts on IGTV, which increases the lifespan of your content and allows followers who could not watch the broadcast in real time to access it later. By integrating Instagram Live into your content strategy, you can make the most of the platform to interact with your audience more effectively, thus increasing loyalty and engagement.
The recommended format for Instagram Live is vertical video with an aspect ratio of 9:16. Use the resolution 1080 x 1920 pixels and the MP4 file format with the H.264 codec, this format ensures optimal quality and complete viewing on mobile devices.
Do You Need more Visibility on Instagram?
Properly following the size of Reels on Instagram is important to achieve adequate visibility on Instagram. However, what really enhances the creation of a solid community on the platform, as well as the achievement of brand objectives, is an end-to-end strategy in the medium and long term.
At 2btube and as Instagram experts, we help brands create and manage their profiles on the platform, in addition to designing original content ideas and producing videos. We also support them in creating paid media and influencer marketing strategies so that they can boost their visibility and reach on the platform. If you want more information, get in touch with our team!