How To Create An Instagram QR Code And Share Content In 2025?
Barsha Bhattacharya, 2 days ago
Instagram reel size – AHHH! So, we thought these might not be that important, considering Instagram has a habit of favoring content that adds value or resonates deeply with its audience. As a result, for the longest time, people thought that as long as their content was good, they would succeed.
But what about the user experience?
Instagram automatically stretches and crops images, videos, and any media that fails to meet their size guide. In fact, considering people spend the most amount of time scrolling reels as compared to other content formats, it is vital to get the dimensions correct when you are editing a reel.
Otherwise, things may not turn out well for you.
So, stay tuned because we will discuss Instagram reel sizes and dimensions in detail.
Why Does Instagram Reel Size Matter?
Instagram reel size might not appear to be a vital matter of discussion, but guess what?
Instagram is a visual platform and is famous for supporting different content formats, including stories, reels, and static pictures. Knowing the correct dimensions for most of these formats is imperative for success on the platform.
After you have put in so much effort on a particular reel, you would want the content to perform. But then editing a reel and posting it with the wrong dimensions can negatively impact your reach.
In this context, you need to remember that the algorithm favors high-quality content – the dimensions can ensure how your audience will view the reel. If it is not visually appealing, then it will fail to perform.
So, in order to avoid any zoomed-in, stretchy, or unflattering view of reels that appear to be unprofessional, ensure that you are aware of the correct Instagram reel sizes and dimensions.
Instagram Reel Size: What Are The Correct Instagram Reel Dimensions?
What is the correct Instagram reel size? The correct dimensions are: 1080 pixels (length) and 1920 pixels (width), accompanied by an aspect ratio of 9:16.
These dimensions are perfect for your smartphone. It ensures that your reel is able to maximize on the screen without getting distorted or cropped. Moreover, reels can last up to 3 minutes, accompanied by captions of 2,200 characters.
In this context, we also have to remember that dimensions on social media are prone to changes frequently, and naturally, Instagram isn’t an exception. As a result, you can always check with Instagram’s Help Center for the latest updates.
In addition, before we start listing various reel dimensions, we have added an infographic to give you some clarity.
Instagram Reel Size Ratio:
The aspect ratio of reels is 9:16, in alignment with the size of your screen – you will be able to view a 9:16 reel on your phone’s full screen. However, if you watch the same video on your feed, it gets cropped and the aspect ratio is reduced to 4:5 automatically.
Instagram Reel Frame Size:
Typically, a reel’s frame size is 1080 pixels X 1920 pixels.
This means that when the reel is 1920 pixels tall and 1080 pixels wide, it will fill the full screen and offer viewers an immersive user experience. As a content creator, it is crucial to maintain the frame size. This is even more true for people who are not using the in-app camera for recording reels.
In this context, please note that it is best not to use horizontal videos for editing your reels. This is because Instagram automatically crops and stretches such videos.
Instagram Reel Cover Size:
Instagram recommends making reels with a cover image that has the same aspect ratio as the reel. This means the size of the cover image should also ideally be 1080 pixels in width and 1920 pixels in length, with 9:16 as the aspect ratio.
Remember, you can’t edit the size of the cover picture after uploading it. So, it is best to edit the cover image before uploading it.
Instagram Reel Thumbnail Size:
Don’t confuse your reel’s thumbnail with its cover photos – both are different in terms of display and context. A reel’s thumbnail is typically 1080 pixels tall and 1080 pixels wide, with a 1:1 aspect ratio. These thumbnails are square in shape and are visible on the Explore page, feed, and, most importantly, the profile grid.
In contrast, the Instagram cover photos are introductory images that crop up in the reel section – these photos are usually positioned vertically.
Instagram Reels Caption Length:
Captions aren’t as important as the actual content – it’s not what your viewers are here to check. But having said that, these are also great for adding some context to your content.
So, while the Instagram reel size is a matter of serious concern, the captions are secondary. Despite this, the maximum length for captions is 2,200 characters. Please note that the limit includes hashtags, emojis, and spaces.
It is best to keep captions for reels brief, engaging, and relevant; the optimized length for maximum reach lies between 120 and 180 characters.
Instagram Reel Length:
How long can Instagram reels be? It mostly depends on how the user uploads the reel. So, if you’re using Instagram’s camera to record and edit your reel, it can last up to 3 minutes.
However, if you use a different camera to record the reel and publish it through third-party tools, then it can be 3 seconds to 15 minutes long. However, in these cases, the videos will not appear in the viewer’s reel feed.
Instagram Reels Compression Size:
Instagram automatically resizes videos if any fail to meet the Instagram Reel size guide. The deal is simple – Instagram crops larger videos and stretches smaller videos to meet the ideal dimensions.
Instagram Reel Size: One Wrong Dimension Can Hamper Your Reach!
Nailing the Instagram reel size and dimension is vital! Once you combine these best practices with your overall strategy, you might just become the next viral sensation. In fact, you can’t forget that getting those dimensions correct is literally your first step towards becoming successful on the platform.
So, are you ready to make waves and turn those reels into gold for your Instagram success?
Related Posts…
Barsha Bhattacharya
Barsha Bhattacharya is a senior content writing executive. As a marketing enthusiast and professional for the past 4 years, writing is new to Barsha. And she is loving every bit of it. Her niches are marketing, lifestyle, wellness, travel and entertainment. Apart from writing, Barsha loves to travel, binge-watch, research conspiracy theories, Instagram and overthink.
