Instagram Reels Size and Specs 2026
Every upload spec at a glance, with sources.
Instagram Reels 2026: aspect ratio 9:16, recommended 1440x2560, up to 20 minutes, caption up to 2,200 characters, up to 5 hashtags.
All specs
| Aspect ratio | 9:16 |
|---|---|
| Recommended resolution | 1440x2560 |
| Minimum resolution | 720 px |
| Maximum length | 20 minutes |
| Minimum length | 3 seconds |
| File types | MP4, MOV |
| Maximum frame rate | 60 fps |
| Caption limit | 2,200 characters |
| Visible before «more» | 125 characters |
| Hashtag limit | 5 |
Notes (from the sources, in English): Help Centre: aspect ratio between 1.91:1 and 9:16, minimum 30 fps and minimum 720 px resolution; record or upload up to 20 minutes; Reels over 3 minutes are not recommended to new audiences. 1440x2560 is Meta's Ads Guide recommendation for Reels placements (no organic resolution is published). File types, 3 s minimum, 23 to 60 fps, 1920 px max width and 2,200-character caption come from the Graph API spec (API publishing is capped at 15 min and 300 MB; Reels ads allow 4 GB). Graph API still says 30 hashtags; the Help Centre now says 5, which is used here. Cover photo recommended 420x654 px (1:1.55). Visible caption length (125) is an industry figure.
In 9:16 the app covers parts of the top and bottom of your video. Check your frame with the safe zone checker or download the safe zone templates as PNG.
Work out bitrate and file size with the file size calculator. Check caption length with the character counter.
Changes in 2025 and 2026
- January 2025: maximum Reels length raised from 90 seconds to 3 minutes, and the profile grid switched from squares to vertical rectangles.
- November 2025: Reels camera can record up to 20 minutes. Help Centre now states record and upload up to 20 minutes, but Reels over 3 minutes are not recommended to new audiences.
- December 2025: hashtags limited to 5 per post or reel (previously 30). Help Centre now says up to 5; the Graph API reference still says 30.
- Help Centre now lists supported photo aspect ratios as 1.91:1 to 3:4 (1080x1440 max); the Graph API still says 4:5 to 1.91:1. Change date not stated.
Sources
- Reel size and aspect ratios on Instagram (Instagram Help Centre) (official)
- Record a reel on Instagram (Instagram Help Centre) (official)
- Use hashtags on Instagram (Instagram Help Centre) (official)
- IG User Media, Instagram Graph API reference (Meta for Developers) (official)
- Video ad specs on Instagram Reels (Meta Ads Guide) (official)
- Social media character counter (Sprout Social) (industry)
Checked: 2026-10-13. Confidence: mixed. All platforms in one table: social media video specs 2026
Other Instagram formats
FAQ
What size is a Instagram Reels?
The recommended size is 1440x2560 with an aspect ratio of 9:16.
How long can a Instagram Reels be?
Up to 20 minutes.
How long can the caption of a Instagram Reels be?
Up to 2,200 characters.
How many hashtags can a Instagram Reels have?
Up to 5.