Instagram started as a simple photo-sharing app, but now it's a video powerhouse that can make or break content creators. The platform's constant evolution means navigating a maze of specs that change with every feature update. If you're creating videos for Instagram, mastering the correct dimensions isn't just a technical detail—it's the difference between content that stops scrollers in their tracks and content that gets awkwardly cropped into oblivion. This guide breaks down the optimal video sizes and formats for Instagram, plus practical tips to help your content stand out in an increasingly crowded feed.

4 Types of Instagram Videos You Need to Know

Instagram offers four primary types of video posts, each with specific technical requirements and unique purposes. Here’s a breakdown of the ideal specifications for each format.

Instagram Video

Size & dimension: 1080 x 1350 pixels

Format: MP4, MOV (recommended: H.264 codec)

Aspect ratio: 4:5 (9:16 in full-screen mode)

Resolution: HD or 1080p

Instagram Video combines standard in-feed videos with what was previously IGTV. These videos appear in your personal feed and the Instagram Video tab. Videos can be up to 60 minutes long for most users, with ads limited to 15 seconds. Public videos remain visible unless deleted or made private.

Instagram Story

Size & dimension: 1080 x 1920p

Format: MP4, MOV, GIF

Aspect ratio: 9:16 (16:9 in landscape mode)

Resolution: HD or 1080p

Stories are short videos that disappear from your public profile after 24 hours. They are among the most-watched content on Instagram. Each Story segment can be up to 15 seconds long, but Instagram automatically stitches longer videos into consecutive 15-second clips.

Instagram Reel

Size & dimension: 1080 x 1920p

Format: MP4, MOV, GIF

Aspect ratio: 9:16 (16:9 in landscape mode)

Resolution: HD or 1080p

Reels are short-form videos designed for discovery, appearing in both the main feed and a dedicated Reels tab. They can be up to 90 seconds long and support music, graphics, and text overlays. Reels are Instagram’s answer to TikTok’s short video format.

Instagram Carousel Video

Size & dimension: 1080 x 1080 pixels (square) or 1080 x 1920 pixels (vertical)

Format: MP4, MOV, GIF

Aspect ratio: 9:16 (16:9 in landscape mode)

Resolution: HD or 1080p

Instagram carousel posts appear in the regular feed, but contain multiple images or videos in one entry. They allow swiping within the posts to see the next piece of content.

Instagram Video Formats and Size Requirements

Instagram can accept uploaded video content in three formats.

1. MP4. The ideal Instagram video format is .MP4 with H. 264 codec and AAC audio. This is often the default video output for smartphones.
2. MOV. Instagram can also handle .mov files, which are standard for Apple's QuickTime.

GIF. GIF, which stands for graphics interchange format, is a short, repeating video without sound. They might be a scene from a movie or show or simply a cat playing the piano on a loop. To upload a GIF to Instagram, you have to convert it to a video that's at least four seconds long. Contrary to conventional belief, Thomas Edison did not invent the GIF.

Importance of Aspect Ratios in Instagram Videos

Aspect ratios play a critical role in determining how your video content appears on Instagram. A 9:16 aspect ratio is ideal for vertical formats like Instagram Stories and Reels, as it utilizes the full screen on mobile devices, enhancing viewer engagement. Conversely, a 16:9 aspect ratio is suitable for landscape videos, offering a cinematic feel in IGTV playback. Choosing the right aspect ratio ensures that your content is visually appealing and optimized for the platform's layout.

Key Factors for Creating Effective Instagram Videos

Your page already has great, engaging content, but to make your videos, Stories, and Reels stand out, it’s essential to format your video for Instagram correctly.

• Size and dimension. The best size and dimension for an Instagram video depends upon its intended use. For videos in the regular Instagram feed, aim for a pixel size of 1080 x 1350p. Instagram Stories, IGTV, Instagram Live, and Instagram Reels all do best at 1080 x 1920p, which is the full-screen size of today's smartphones. Instagram carousel videos, as shown in ads, also should be exported at 1080 x 1920p. When shown in the regular feed, they look best at 1080 x 1350p.
• Video format. The ideal Instagram video format is .mp4 with H. 264 codec and AAC audio. A great number of smartphones are now optimized for this Instagram video file type. MOV files will also fit the Instagram format. Note that, if you want to post a GIF on Instagram, you have to convert it to a video file.
• Aspect ratio. The ideal aspect ratio for Instagram video varies with its intended use. Videos in the standard Instagram feed look best with a 9:16 aspect ratio; 4:5 also works. Videos appearing as Instagram Stories, IGTV, Instagram Live, Instagram Reels, and Instagram Carousel ads look their best with a 9:16 aspect ratio.
• Resolution. Instagram allows the upload of HD videos, which most smartphones now support. You can also create high-video-quality Instagram posts shooting at 1080p. Take note that Instagram imposes size limits on its longest videos, which get shown through IGTV. Videos under 10 minutes may not exceed 650 MB, while videos up to one hour (the longest Instagram allows) may not exceed 3.6 GB.
  

4 Instagram Video Types and Their Optimal Sizes

As of 2021, Instagram offers four major categories of video posts. Here is a breakdown of their names, their ideal technical specs, and their typical purpose.

Technical Specifications for Instagram Videos

Adhering to technical specifications is crucial for ensuring optimal video quality on Instagram. For best results, keep your file size under 4 GB for regular feed videos and 250 MB for Stories and Reels. Use the H.264 codec for MP4 videos, as it ensures broad compatibility across devices. Additionally, a minimum frame rate of 30 FPS is recommended to guarantee smooth playback, enhancing the viewer experience and maintaining professional quality.

Why Instagram Video Size Requirements Matter

Instagram video size requirements ensure your content appears professional and high-quality. Adhering to platform specifications prevents videos from looking grainy, cropped, or distorted. Proper formatting enhances your brand image and ensures the best possible viewing experience.

Instagram Video Formats and Recommended Dimensions

Instagram can accept uploaded video content in three formats.

1. MP4. The ideal Instagram video format is .mp4 with H. 264 codec and AAC audio. This is often the default video output for today's smartphones.
2. MOV. Instagram can also handle .mov files, which is the standard for programs like Apple's QuickTime.
3. GIF. GIF, which stands for graphics interchange format, is a short, repeating video without sound. They might be a reaction shot from RuPaul's Drag Race (“Sashay Away”) or simply a cat playing the piano on a loop. To upload a GIF to Instagram, you have to convert it to a video that's at least four seconds long.
   

How to Improve Instagram Video Quality

If you want to improve the quality of the videos you post on Instagram, consider these expert-backed tips.

• Post from a high-quality internet connection. Instagram videos upload at a higher resolution when you upload on a strong WiFi network or via a good 5G mobile connection.
• Use the right aspect ratio for Instagram video. Upload videos that have an aspect ratio of 1080 x 1920p for Instagram Stories, Reels, and IGTV. The 1080 x 1350p aspect ratio may work better for videos in the standard Instagram feed.
• Create videos in mp4 format. Although Instagram can accept videos in the .mov file format, it will then convert them to .mp4 for playback. Every time a digital file converts to a new format, it loses a bit of fidelity. By creating the original video as an .mp4, you eliminate one level of video conversion.
• Upgrade your equipment. Sometimes the best way to improve your videos is to upgrade your equipment. Smartphone camera sensors, microphones, and processing chips improve with each passing year as brands like Apple, Samsung, and LG seek to outdo each other. If it has been a long time since you upgraded your smartphone—or your DSLR camera if that's how you shoot—perhaps now is the time.
  

Instagram Video Sizes and Dimensions FAQ

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Instagram video size and format.

1. Should you use dimensions larger than your smartphone screen? Instagram works best on mobile phones when you post videos with 1080 x 1920p dimensions for full-screen applications like Stories, Reels, and IGTV. Videos in the regular feed look best at 1080 x 1350p. You can also post videos that have dimensions exceeding those of a smartphone screen, and Instagram will properly shrink the video to fit a user's screen. As Instagram's own internal technology improves, content creators can worry less about precise dimensions and focus more on making unique and memorable content.
2. How many MB can you upload on Instagram? The largest files that Instagram supports are for IGTV. Videos up to 10 minutes long may have a file size of 650 GB or less. Videos up to 60 minutes long may have a maximum file size of 3.6 GB. Archived Instagram Live videos can be larger still, going up to 4 GB.
3. How long can an Instagram video be? The videos that appear in the regular newsfeed and Stories can be 15 seconds long. Instagram will automatically splice longer videos into 15-second pieces. Videos posted as a Reel can be 60 seconds long. The format for the longest videos is IGTV, and those videos range from 60 seconds on the low end to 60 minutes on the high end.
4. What is the bitrate for an Instagram video? Instagram uses a 3500 kbps bitrate.
5. Can you post 16:9 on Instagram? Instagram recommends shooting with an aspect ratio between 1.91:1 and 4:5. However, the platform can accommodate videos with a 16:9 aspect ratio.‍
6. Can you post horizontal videos on Instagram? Instagram's layout gives preference to vertical videos, also known as portrait videos. However, you can also upload horizontal videos, or landscape videos. These appear in a shrunken form on the regular Instagram feed, but they can appear full-sized in full-screen video applications such as Stories, IGTV, or Reels.

What is the recommended frame rate for Instagram videos?

Instagram recommends a minimum frame rate of 30 FPS for smooth playback and optimal viewing experience. A higher frame rate can provide even smoother motion, which is beneficial for fast-paced content.

Can Instagram handle high-quality video uploads?

Yes, Instagram can handle high-quality video uploads. However, it is essential to adhere to platform guidelines regarding file size and format. Videos should be under 4 GB in size, using the MP4 format with H.264 codec for best results.