Instagram Reel Size (2026): Video Frame and Cover Crop
Use a 9:16 vertical video. 1080 × 1920 pixels is the common choice.
Meta recommends a 9:16 aspect ratio for Reels so the video fills the whole screen. 1080 × 1920 is the common 9:16 size, not a number Instagram requires, but it is what most phones and editors export for vertical video. On your profile grid, Instagram shows a cropped, shorter preview of the reel, so keep the key content in the center of the frame.
Why 9:16 is the Instagram reel size to use
- Reels play full screen. People watch Reels on a phone held upright, and a 9:16 video uses all of that screen. Anything wider plays with empty space around it, which looks smaller and less finished.
- 1080 × 1920 is the everyday vertical size. It is sharp on phones, it matches what most cameras and editing apps produce, and you rarely need to re-export or resize before uploading.
- The same frame works in other vertical spots. One 9:16 edit also fits Instagram Stories (see the Instagram story size guide) and other vertical video apps, so you cut the video once.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Picking a cover that only works full screen. Your profile grid shows a cropped, shorter preview of the cover, so a title near the top or bottom of the frame can get cut off. Put the headline and any face in the center of the frame, then check how the grid looks after posting.
- Captions hidden under the buttons. Instagram lays the caption, your username and the like, comment and share buttons over the bottom and right side of a reel. Keep burned-in captions and text clear of those areas; the free Social Safe Zones tool shows where they sit.
- Uploading horizontal footage as is. A 16:9 clip plays as a small strip with empty space above and below. Crop to vertical, or reframe the shot, before you upload.
Some ideas work better as slides than as video
Reels are great for motion, but tips, steps and before-and-afters often read better as slides people swipe at their own pace. If you also post carousels on Instagram, EasySociable can make those for you (sized as in the Instagram carousel size guide). It doesn't edit video, but a carousel built from your reel's main points gives the same idea a second life in the feed.
EasySociable turns a prompt into a branded carousel for TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, and Xiaohongshu. Ask your AI agent (Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor) or use Studio, built on 48 templates. You edit the words and download PNGs.
Free plan includes 3 downloads per month with no watermark. No credit card required.
Proven formulas for your next carousel
Pick a formula, paste the prompt into your AI agent or open it in Studio, and get slides sized for the platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size should an Instagram reel be?
A 9:16 vertical video. 1080 × 1920 pixels is the common size to export at.
How does the reel cover look on my profile grid?
Instagram shows a cropped, shorter preview of the cover on the grid. Keep the important part in the center of the 9:16 frame.
Can I post a square or horizontal video as a reel?
You can, but it will not fill the screen. For a full-screen reel, use 9:16.
Can I use the same file for a reel and a story?
Yes, both use a 9:16 frame. Just check that text stays clear of the buttons in each.
Sources: Meta Business Help Center, Aspect ratios, checked October 2026.
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Written by Murphy, Founder of EasySociable