What are the Instagram Reels video specs?

Instagram Reels must be 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 aspect ratio), between 3 and 90 seconds long, in MP4 or MOV format, with a maximum file size of 1 GB. The recommended codec is H.264 video with AAC audio at 30 fps.

How long can an Instagram Stories video be?

A single Instagram Stories video clip can be up to 60 seconds long. If you upload a longer video, Instagram automatically splits it into multiple 60-second segments. Stories disappear after 24 hours.

What video format does Instagram use?

Instagram accepts MP4 and MOV video files across all formats -- Reels, Stories, and feed videos. The recommended codec is H.264 for video and AAC for audio. HEVC (H.265) files should be converted to H.264 before uploading to avoid compatibility issues.

What is the maximum Instagram video length?

The maximum video length depends on the format: Reels are limited to 90 seconds, Stories clips to 60 seconds, and feed videos to 60 minutes. Instagram Live sessions can run for up to 4 hours.

What resolution should Instagram videos be?

Reels and Stories should be 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16). Feed videos should match the aspect ratio you choose: 1080 x 1350 px for portrait (4:5), 1080 x 1080 px for square (1:1), or 1080 x 608 px for landscape (1.91:1). Portrait format is recommended for maximum feed presence.

Instagram Video Specifications Guide (2026)

Instagram Reels must be 9:16 vertical video at 1080 x 1920 pixels, between 3 seconds and 90 seconds long, in MP4 or MOV format, and under 1 GB in file size. Stories video shares the same resolution but is limited to 60 seconds. Feed videos support multiple aspect ratios and can run up to 60 minutes.

Published April 10, 2026

Instagram Video Specs Quick Reference

Format	Resolution	Aspect Ratio	Max Length	Max File Size	Formats
Reels	1080 x 1920 px	9:16	90 seconds	1 GB	MP4, MOV
Stories Video	1080 x 1920 px	9:16	60 seconds	4 GB	MP4, MOV
Feed Video (Portrait)	1080 x 1350 px	4:5	60 minutes	4 GB	MP4, MOV
Feed Video (Square)	1080 x 1080 px	1:1	60 minutes	4 GB	MP4, MOV
Feed Video (Landscape)	1080 x 608 px	1.91:1	60 minutes	4 GB	MP4, MOV
Instagram Live	720 x 1280 px	9:16	4 hours	N/A (streamed)	Live stream

Instagram Reels Video Specifications

Instagram Reels require vertical 9:16 video at 1080 x 1920 pixels. The minimum length is 3 seconds and the maximum is 90 seconds. The recommended frame rate is 30 fps, though 24 fps and 60 fps are also supported.

Reels must be in MP4 or MOV format with H.264 video codec and AAC audio codec. The maximum file size is 1 GB. Instagram recommends a video bitrate of at least 3,500 kbps for the best quality after compression.

Instagram Stories Video Specifications

Stories video uses the same 9:16 aspect ratio at 1080 x 1920 pixels as Reels, but the length limit is 60 seconds per clip. Longer videos are automatically split into multiple 60-second segments when uploaded from the Stories camera or from your camera roll.

The maximum file size for a Stories video upload is 4 GB. Stories disappear after 24 hours unless you add them to a Highlight. Recommended codec is H.264 with AAC audio at 44.1 kHz.

Instagram Feed Video Specifications

Feed videos support three aspect ratios: portrait (4:5) at 1080 x 1350 px, square (1:1) at 1080 x 1080 px, and landscape (1.91:1) at 1080 x 608 px. Portrait is the recommended choice because it occupies the most screen space in the feed.

Feed videos can be up to 60 minutes long with a maximum file size of 4 GB. For videos longer than 10 minutes, Instagram strongly recommends uploading via the desktop Creator Studio or mobile app, not through third-party tools, to avoid quality degradation.

Instagram Live Video Specifications

Instagram Live streams at up to 720 x 1280 pixels (720p) in the 9:16 vertical format. Live sessions can run for up to 4 hours. Unlike other video formats, Live is streamed in real time, so there is no file upload or size limit -- quality depends on your device and internet connection.

After a Live ends, Instagram gives you the option to share a replay to your feed or Reels. The saved replay is subject to the same Reels length limits (90 seconds maximum) unless you trim it before saving.

Instagram Video Specs at a Glance

Reels max length

90 sec

Minimum is 3 seconds; sweet spot for engagement is 15-30 seconds

Reels resolution

1080 x 1920

Full HD vertical (9:16); same as Stories

Stories video max length

60 sec

Longer clips are auto-split into 60-second segments

Feed video max length

60 min

Long-form video supported natively in the feed

Reels max file size

1 GB

Stories and feed videos allow up to 4 GB

Live max duration

4 hours

Streamed in real time at up to 720p resolution

Tips for Optimizing Instagram Videos

Export Reels and Stories at 1080 x 1920 pixels with H.264 codec and AAC audio to match Instagram's native processing pipeline and minimize quality loss.

Keep the center 1080 x 1420 pixels clear of text and key visuals on Reels and Stories -- the top and bottom edges are partially obscured by the UI.

Use 30 fps for most content; only use 60 fps for fast-motion or sports content where smooth playback noticeably improves the viewer experience.

Add captions or text overlays to all Reels and Stories -- the majority of Instagram users watch videos without sound.

For feed videos longer than 10 minutes, upload directly through the Instagram app or Creator Studio to avoid third-party compression issues.

Use a compelling cover frame for Reels -- the cover image displays as a 1:1 square on your profile grid, so center your subject accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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