Limits and SizesInstagram's help page "Reel size and aspect ratios on Instagram" says you can upload a reel with an aspect ratio between 1.91:1 and 9:16. Reels should have a minimum frame rate of 30 frames per second and a minimum resolution of 720 pixels. The recommended size for cover photos is 420 by 654 pixels (a ratio of 1:1.55), and you cannot edit a cover after you have uploaded it.
Read on 14 November 2026 at help.instagram.com/1038071743007909. Apps can change a limit without notice; check the app before an important post.
Choosing the shape
Full-screen vertical (9:16) is the shape most people use for reels, and it fills a phone. Keep faces and text away from the edges, because buttons and captions cover parts of the screen.
Quality
Instagram lets you choose to upload at the highest quality (a setting under media quality in your profile menu); uploads take longer. Film in good light and a steady hand; settings cannot fix a blurry shot.
The cover
Make the cover in advance with the resizer, choosing the cover size. Put the key words in the middle of the cover so they stay visible in the profile grid.
Questions people ask
Can I change the reel cover later?
The help page says you cannot edit the cover photo after you have uploaded it, so prepare it first.
What if my video is below 720 pixels?
The page says reels should have a minimum resolution of 720 pixels, so a smaller video may look soft.