# Instagram Reels Size and Specs 2026

Every upload spec at a glance, with sources.

URL: https://shortformkit.com/instagram-reels-size/
Updated: 2026-10-13

**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](https://shortformkit.com/safe-zone-checker/) or download the [safe zone templates](https://shortformkit.com/safe-zone-templates/) as PNG.

Work out bitrate and file size with the [file size calculator](https://shortformkit.com/video-file-size-calculator/). Check caption length with the [character counter](https://shortformkit.com/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)](https://help.instagram.com/1038071743007909) (official)
- [Record a reel on Instagram (Instagram Help Centre)](https://help.instagram.com/2720958398006062) (official)
- [Use hashtags on Instagram (Instagram Help Centre)](https://help.instagram.com/351460621611097) (official)
- [IG User Media, Instagram Graph API reference (Meta for Developers)](https://developers.facebook.com/docs/instagram-platform/instagram-graph-api/reference/ig-user/media) (official)
- [Video ad specs on Instagram Reels (Meta Ads Guide)](https://www.facebook.com/business/ads-guide/update/video/instagram-reels) (official)
- [Social media character counter (Sprout Social)](https://sproutsocial.com/insights/social-media-character-counter/) (industry)

Checked: 2026-10-13. Confidence: mixed. [All platforms in one table: social media video specs 2026](https://shortformkit.com/social-media-video-specs-2026/)

## Other Instagram formats

- [Instagram Feed video](https://shortformkit.com/instagram-feed-video-size/)
- [Instagram Stories](https://shortformkit.com/instagram-stories-size/)
- [Instagram Feed photo](https://shortformkit.com/instagram-feed-photo-size/)
- [Instagram Carousel](https://shortformkit.com/instagram-carousel-size/)

## 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.


Source: Shortform Kit (https://shortformkit.com/instagram-reels-size/). Free, no login.