Reel dimensions guide
Instagram Reel Size: Aspect Ratio, Resolution, and Cover
Instagram accepts Reel aspect ratios between 1.91:1 and 9:16, with at least 720 pixels of resolution and 30 FPS. A 9:16 project fills the vertical viewer. Frame the subject for that screen, then check the separate cover crop before publishing.
Published and reviewed by the Roastagram team ·
Instagram's published Reel specifications
| Setting | Published value | Practical choice |
|---|---|---|
| Aspect ratio | Between 1.91:1 and 9:16 | Use 9:16 when the video should fill a phone screen |
| Resolution | Minimum 720 pixels | Do not enlarge a small source and expect new detail |
| Frame rate | Minimum 30 FPS | Keep motion consistent through the edit |
| Cover | 420 × 654 pixels, 1:1.55 | Preview the cover before upload |
Source: Instagram Help Center, Reel size and aspect ratios on Instagram, checked October 29, 2026.
Keep key text above the lower interface
A 9:16 canvas is useful only when the important material fits it. Keep the subject near the visual centre and move contact details or calls to action away from the bottom strip, where Instagram places the username and caption. Watch the full clip after reframing because a subject can move out of the composition even when the opening frame looks right.
Use open space in a native vertical frame
A source that already uses 9:16 needs less reframing, but it still needs a composition check. Place the horizon or main action where it remains visible, and use quieter areas for interface overlap or a short label. A vertical file can meet the ratio while still putting its subject too close to an edge.
A final export and cover check
- Set the project to the intended ratio before placing text or graphics.
- Inspect the source at full size and reject clips that cannot meet the 720-pixel minimum cleanly.
- Export at 30 FPS or higher without mixing motion that stutters between frame rates.
- Upload the final file to Instagram and preview it in the Reel viewer.
- Choose the cover last, then check its 420 × 654 composition and the profile-grid preview before sharing.
Treat the cover as a separate composition
The cover has less room than the full Reel and may also appear in a profile crop. Keep its subject and short label near the center, then inspect every preview Instagram shows. The Help Center currently says a cover cannot be edited after upload. The Reel cover checklist handles that composition in detail, while the Reel quality settings guide covers higher-quality upload controls.
Instagram Reel size questions
What aspect ratio can an Instagram Reel use?
Instagram accepts Reel aspect ratios between 1.91:1 and 9:16. A 9:16 canvas uses the full vertical screen.
What is the minimum Reel resolution and frame rate?
Instagram publishes a minimum resolution of 720 pixels and a minimum frame rate of 30 FPS.
What size should an Instagram Reel cover be?
Instagram recommends 420 by 654 pixels, which is a 1:1.55 ratio, for the cover photo.
Can you change a Reel cover after uploading?
Instagram's current Help Center page says the cover cannot be edited after upload, so preview it before sharing.
Keep improving
Related Instagram guides
Reel cover checklist
Instagram Reel Covers: Crop and Design Checklist
Choose a Reel cover that explains the video in the Reels tab and remains readable when Instagram crops it into your profile grid.
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Best Instagram Reel Quality Settings for Edits
Use Instagram's current Edits camera and export controls to record sharp Reels, choose resolution, frame rate, SDR or HDR, and share without an avoidable extra export.
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Instagram Reel Text
Write, place, and time on-screen Reel text so the words stay readable around the subject and Instagram interface.
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