An Overview Of Instagram Reels Dimensions & How To Resize Them

Tired of blurry Reels? Frustrated by cropping? We’re here to help. This is the only Instagram Reels dimensions guide you’ll ever need. 

We’ll walk you through the perfect aspect ratio, margin, and sizes for your Instagram Reels. 

Read till the end to create professional-looking Reels that maximize screen space and engagement.

We won’t just show you the dimensions but also discover Reel optimization hacks for maximum impact. 

Let’s get started.

What are Instagram Reels?

Instagram Reels are short, fun videos perfect for educating, entertaining, or inspiring your followers. 

Ever wonder how to create engaging content and connect with your target audience? Instagram Reels are a fantastic way to build a community around the things you care about.

Instagram Reels vs Stories

Ever feel confused about Instagram Reels vs. Stories? 

They both involve short videos and photos, but they serve different purposes.

Here’s an example of an Instagram Story from Sephora. 

On the flip side, here are a few examples of Instagram Reels from Glossier. 

Here are the key differences between Instagram Reels and Instagram Stories.

1. Reels are short-form videos, up to 90 seconds long (previously 60 seconds for most users). In contrast, Instagram Stories are photos or videos that disappear after 24 hours.

2. Reels are public by default, making your content reach a wider audience. But Stories are visible only to your followers (or those who view your public profile).

3. Reels offer more advanced editing features like stitching clips, speed adjustments, music imports, and timers. At the same time, Instagram Stories have interactive features such as polls, quizzes, and question stickers.

4. Reels are a better way to showcase creativity, tutorials, trends, challenges, and polished video content. However, stories are used mainly to share behind-the-scenes moments and casual interactions with followers.

Why is Instagram Reels Size Important?

Have you ever uploaded an IG Reel but later found it blurry or cropped and wondered why? 

It might have to do with size.

Creating Instagram Reels might seem easy, but with 17.6 million hours of Reels watched every day, imagine how creative you have to be to grab user attention. 

Using anonymous browsing tools like Instanavigation, you can discreetly explore your competitors on Instagram to inspire your Reels without leaving a digital footprint.

But all this is of no use if your video size doesn’t fit the right dimensions.

A Reel that’s too small may look “blurred” or “stretched out” when uploaded to the platform. If it’s too large, you’ll have a hard time editing and publishing it. 

Moreover, videos with high resolutions, such as 4K or higher, might exceed the maximum file size limit for Instagram Reels.

So, considering the ideal Reel dimension is important for high-video-quality content. The right size protects your masterpiece, making it look crisp and polished. As a result, you can maximize its reach. 

Keep reading to learn the perfect Instagram video size for stand-out content!

The best Instagram Reel dimensions and aspect ratio in 2024

Here are the ideal Instagram Reel sizes and aspect ratios for 2024.

General specs

Aspect ratio: 9:16 (This is portrait mode or vertical video for your phone)

Recommended resolution: 1080 pixels wide by 1920 pixels tall

Following these specs confirms your Reels display properly and won’t get cropped or distorted.

Specific scenarios

In the Reels section (Full view):

This is where viewers specifically watch Reels. Here, the Reels will display in full-screen mode at 1080 x 1920 pixels and a 9:16 aspect ratio.

On feed preview:

When your Reel appears on the user’s feed while they’re scrolling, it’ll be shown in a 4:5 aspect ratio with a resolution of 1080 x 1350 pixels. This is a compressed version.

Text safe area on Instagram Reels

Keep text and graphics within a 1010 pixels wide by 1280 pixels tall area. This provides a buffer on the top (220 pixels) and bottom (420 pixels) of the screen. This is particularly important if you plan to boost your Reel with paid promotions.

Instagram Reels cover dimensions and aspect ratio

Recommended size: 1080 pixels x 1920 pixels

Aspect ratio: 9:16 (same as the video itself)

This is the ideal size for both the user feed and the Reels section to ensure your cover image displays clearly and fills the entire space.

Mastering dimensions and aspect ratios for Instagram Reels

When it comes to Instagram Reels, meeting the ideal dimensions and aspect ratio is key to grabbing attention and getting those views. 

Here are some tips to ensure your Reels and covers shine:

For Instagram Reels, use a canvas size of 1080 pixels by 1920 pixels. This gives you ample space to create without worrying about things getting cut off.

Instagram displays Reel covers in different places with different aspect ratios:

1. Profile Grid & Feed: 1:1 square

2. Reels Tab: Full 9:16 view

To avoid important text or graphics getting cut off, keep your key details within the center 4:5 area of your cover image.

Pro Tip: When designing your cover, you can use a background image that extends beyond the safe zone to create a visually engaging full-screen view when someone watches your Reel on the Reels tab. Tools that remove objects from photos can help clean up these background images for a more polished look.

Leverage design tools and apps that offer Instagram Reel templates with the right dimensions. This can save time and effort!

What is the best Instagram Reels length?

While Instagram allows you to create Reels for up to 90 seconds, the sweet spot depends on your goals.

1. To grab attention: Keep your Reel length between 2–10 seconds. Start with a short, punchy intro and hook them with a question or surprise element.

2. To get engagement: The ideal Reel length should be 15–30 seconds with a clear CTA (call-to-action)

3. To offer value: Make use of the maximum length here (90 seconds) to break the information into chunks. Keep viewers engaged throughout. 

What is the best Instagram caption length?

Instagram allows captions up to 2,200 characters, but it doesn’t mean that you have to use the entire space.

Keep it concise and informative. Try to summarize your Reel’s content, add a call to action, and include relevant hashtags.

Aim for short, simple sentences. This is easier for viewers to read and keeps the focus on your video.

Adding a “hook” to your captions is important to grab attention. This will make users click to read more!

Adding emojis to your Instagram Reel captions can further help evoke emotions and enhance tone. This also makes your text interactive, keeping users engaged till the end. 

Need inspiration? Take a look at this optimized caption from Fenty Beauty for inspiration. 

How to resize Instagram Reels

You’ve put in so much effort and time to create that perfect Reel only to find that it doesn’t meet the right dimensions. 

Don’t worry. There’s a solution for it. Thankfully, you can easily resize your Instagram Reels before publishing. 

There are two main approaches to resizing videos for Instagram Reels:

1. Using an online video editor

Several free and easy-to-use online video editing tools can help you resize your video to fit the 9:16 aspect ratio required by Instagram Reels. Here are a few popular options:

1. Canva

Canva offers user-friendly templates specifically designed for Instagram Reels. Upload your video and choose the “Instagram Reel” format. Canva will automatically resize your video and allow you to edit it further.

2. Kapwing

Kapwing provides a straightforward “Resize Canvas” feature. Upload your video, select the 9:16 aspect ratio, and Kapwing will do the rest.

3. Resizegram

Resizegram is a free tool specifically for resizing videos for Instagram. You can choose from various aspect ratios, including 9:16 for Reels.

2. Using video editing software

For more advanced editing and control, you can use video editing software on your computer, like Adobe Premiere Pro. These programs offer more precise resizing options and allow you to crop or zoom in on your video to fit the aspect ratio.

However, you must consider the following tips for perfecting Instagram Reel dimensions using a video editing app: 

• Adding background bars or colors can remove awkward gaps if your video doesn’t naturally fit the 9:16 format.
• Always preview your resized video to ensure it looks better before sharing it on Instagram Reels.
• Resizing might cut off parts of your video, so be mindful of the original aspect ratio.

Create a winning Instagram Reels with Keyhole

After understanding the ideal dimensions for an Instagram video, it’s time to create one.

Use Keyhole, a social listening and analytics tool, to create the best content strategy for your Instagram Reels by discovering trends and knowing what your competitors are doing. 

Also, gauge the performance of your content strategy and get suggestions for optimization to maximize your content’s visibility.

Get started with a Keyhole free trial today!

Author Bio

Guillaume is a digital marketer focused on handling the outreach strategy at uSERP and content management at Wordable. Outside of work, he enjoys his expat life in sunny Mexico, reading books, wandering around, and catching the latest shows on TV.

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