Instagram Video Size & Format Specs 2025: Complete Guide (All Features)

Instagram Video Requirements Quick Reference

File Size Limits

• Instagram Feed: 100MB max
• Instagram Stories: 100MB max
• Instagram Reels: 4GB max (for videos up to 15 minutes)

Video Length Limits (Updated January 2025)

• Instagram Feed: Up to 90 seconds
• Instagram Stories: Up to 60 seconds per clip (longer videos split automatically)
• Instagram Reels: Up to 15 minutes (updated October 2024)
• Instagram Live: No time limit while streaming

Instagram Feed Video Specifications

Optimal Dimensions

• Square (1:1): 1080 x 1080 pixels
• Landscape (1.91:1): 1080 x 566 pixels
• Portrait (4:5): 1080 x 1350 pixels

Technical Requirements

Best Practices

• Use square (1:1) for maximum compatibility
• Keep important content in the center safe zone
• Add captions for accessibility
• Use high-quality source footage (learn from famous graphic designers for visual excellence)
• Test on different devices
• Explore 9 types of visual content to diversify your Instagram feed

Instagram Stories Video Specifications

Dimensions

• Aspect ratio: 9:16 (vertical) - full screen on mobile
• Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels
• Safe zone: Keep text and important elements within 1080 x 1420 pixels (top and bottom cutoff by UI)

Technical Requirements (Updated 2025)

Story-Specific Features

• Videos longer than 60 seconds now split into multiple story segments
• Support for interactive stickers (polls, questions, quizzes, countdown, slider)
• Compatible with AR effects and filters
• Vertical 9:16 format required for full-screen experience
• Auto-play with sound off by default
• 24-hour lifespan (unless added to Highlights)

Instagram Reels Video Specifications

Dimensions

• Aspect ratio: 9:16 (vertical) - recommended
• Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels
• Alternative: 1080 x 1080 pixels (square)

Technical Requirements

Reels Length Updates (2025)

Instagram Reels now support videos up to 15 minutes long, a significant increase from the previous 90-second limit. This update allows for:

• Longer tutorials and educational content
• Extended product demonstrations
• Mini-documentaries and storytelling
• Podcast clips and interviews

Reels-Specific Guidelines

• Vertical 9:16 videos perform better in the Reels feed
• Use trending audio when possible for discovery
• Keep logo/watermarks minimal (Instagram may reduce reach otherwise)
• High-quality footage essential (1080p minimum)
• Original content preferred over reposts
• First 3 seconds critical for viewer retention
• Add captions for accessibility (70% watch without sound)

Long-Form Video on Instagram (Formerly IGTV)

Long-Form Video Specifications (Main Feed)

For videos longer than 60 seconds in the main feed:

Dimensions

• Vertical (9:16): 1080 x 1920 pixels (recommended)
• Horizontal (16:9): 1920 x 1080 pixels
• Square (1:1): 1080 x 1080 pixels

Technical Requirements

Long-Form Video Features

• Custom thumbnail selection
• Video chapters and timestamps
• Shopping tags available
• Full Insights analytics
• Cross-posting to feed preview
• Automatic captions available

Video Format Compatibility

Supported Formats

• MP4 (most compatible)
• MOV (Apple format)

Video Codecs

• H.264 (recommended)
• H.265/HEVC (newer, smaller files)

Audio Requirements

• Codec: AAC preferred
• Sample rate: 48kHz recommended
• Channels: Stereo or mono
• Bitrate: 128kbps minimum

Upload Quality Guidelines

Video Quality Settings

• Resolution: 1080p minimum
• Bitrate: 3,500-5,000 kbps
• Profile: High
• Keyframe interval: 2 seconds

Compression Tips

1. Use variable bitrate (VBR)
2. Set keyframes every 2 seconds
3. Avoid over-compression
4. Test different quality settings
5. Use professional editing software

Mobile vs Desktop Upload

Mobile Upload (Recommended)

• Better compression algorithm
• Maintains higher quality
• Faster processing
• Native aspect ratio support

Desktop Upload

• Available through Creator Studio
• Good for IGTV longer videos
• Requires proper format conversion
• May have quality reduction

Common Video Issues and Solutions

Upload Failures

Problem: Video won't upload Solutions:

• Check file size limits
• Verify format compatibility
• Ensure stable internet connection
• Try uploading from mobile app

Quality Loss

Problem: Video appears pixelated Solutions:

• Use higher bitrate settings
• Upload from mobile when possible
• Start with 1080p source
• Avoid multiple compressions

Audio Sync Issues

Problem: Audio doesn't match video Solutions:

• Check frame rate consistency
• Use matching audio sample rate
• Re-encode with proper settings
• Test before final upload

Video Compression and Quality Optimization

Understanding video compression helps maintain quality while meeting Instagram's file size requirements.

Instagram Video Compression Explained

How Instagram Compresses Videos:

• Instagram applies lossy compression to all uploaded videos
• Server-side compression reduces file size for faster loading
• Bitrate reduction may affect visual quality
• Mobile uploads typically preserve better quality than desktop

Maintaining Video Quality:

• Start with high-quality source footage - 1080p or higher resolution
• Use professional video editing software with proper export settings
• Export with high bitrate - 3,500-5,000 kbps for optimal quality
• Avoid multiple compressions - export once from original source
• Use H.264 codec for best Instagram compatibility

Video Bitrate and Frame Rate Optimization

Recommended Bitrate Settings:

• Feed videos (up to 90s): 3,500-5,000 kbps
• Stories (up to 60s): 3,000-4,000 kbps
• Reels (up to 15 min): 4,000-6,000 kbps for longer content
• Live video: 2,000-4,000 kbps (depends on connection)

Frame Rate Best Practices:

• 30 fps (frames per second) - Standard for most content
• 24 fps - Cinematic look, acceptable but not optimal
• 60 fps - Instagram will downsample to 30 fps
• Consistent frame rate prevents playback issues

Aspect Ratio and Resolution Guide

Vertical Video (9:16) - Best for mobile viewing:

• Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels
• Use for: Reels, Stories, mobile-first content
• Coverage: Full screen on mobile devices
• Engagement: Highest for mobile audience

Square Video (1:1) - Versatile format:

• Resolution: 1080 x 1080 pixels
• Use for: Feed posts, cross-platform content
• Coverage: Maximum feed real estate
• Engagement: Good for all content types

Horizontal Video (16:9) - Landscape format:

• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
• Use for: Repurposed YouTube content
• Coverage: Smaller in feed on mobile
• Engagement: Lower on mobile-first platform

Platform-Specific Optimization

For Maximum Reach

• Reels: Vertical 9:16, trending audio, first 3 seconds crucial
• Feed: Square 1:1, compelling thumbnails, captions for accessibility
• Stories: Vertical 9:16, interactive stickers, vertical viewing optimized
• Long-form feed videos: Engaging cover image, clear value proposition

For Different Content Types

• Educational/Tutorial: Square feed posts with captions and on-screen text
• Behind-the-scenes: Vertical stories with authentic, unpolished feel
• Entertainment/Viral: Reels with trending audio and fast-paced editing
• Long-form content: Extended Reels with chapters and timestamps

Video Editing Best Practices

Pre-Upload Checklist

• Correct aspect ratio for platform
• File size under limit
• High-quality source footage
• Proper audio levels
• Captions added (accessibility)
• Thumbnail optimized
• Hashtags prepared
• Upload time planned

Recommended Tools

• Mobile: InShot, CapCut, Adobe Premiere Rush
• Desktop: Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve
• Online: Canva Video Editor, Clipchamp

Future Updates and Changes

Recent Changes

• IGTV merged into main feed
• Reels extended to 90 seconds
• Stories support longer videos
• Improved compression algorithms

Expected Updates

• Higher resolution support
• New aspect ratio options
• Enhanced editing tools
• Better quality preservation

Performance Tips by Content Type

Tutorial Videos

• Use square format for feed
• Add text overlays for key points
• Keep under 60 seconds
• Include clear audio

Product Showcases

• Multiple aspect ratios for cross-posting
• High-quality lighting essential
• Close-up shots perform well
• Include pricing/link information

Behind-the-Scenes

• Stories format works best
• Authentic, unpolished feel
• Use natural lighting
• Engage directly with audience

Sources and Updates

This guide is based on official Instagram documentation and regularly verified with platform testing:

Official Documentation:

• Instagram Help Center - Official video specifications and requirements
• Meta for Creators - Platform updates and best practices
• Instagram's October 2024 Update - Extended Reels to 15 minutes
• Instagram's 2024 Update - Extended Stories to 60 seconds per clip

Technical Verification:

• Specifications tested on Instagram iOS and Android apps (January 2025)
• Video codec and format compatibility verified through upload testing
• File size limits confirmed through Meta Business Help Center

Regular Updates: Instagram frequently updates video features and limits. This guide is updated monthly to reflect the latest changes. Last verification: January 16, 2025.

Additional Resources:

• Instagram for Business - Marketing best practices
• Meta Newsroom - Platform announcements
• Creator Studio Help - Video management tools

Conclusion

Following Instagram's video specifications ensures your content looks professional and performs well. Always prioritize video quality and choose the right format for your content type and platform placement.

Remember to test your videos on different devices and regularly check for platform updates, as Instagram frequently adjusts their requirements and features.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best video format for Instagram?

MP4 with H.264 codec is the most compatible and recommended format for all Instagram video types. This format provides the best balance of quality and compression across all Instagram features.

Why does my video lose quality on Instagram?

Instagram compresses all videos during upload. To minimize quality loss, upload from mobile when possible, use high-quality source footage, and avoid multiple compressions before uploading to Instagram.

What are the optimal dimensions for Instagram Reels?

Instagram Reels work best at 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 aspect ratio) for vertical format. You can also use 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1) for square format, though vertical typically performs better.

Can I upload horizontal videos to Instagram?

Yes, Instagram feed supports horizontal videos up to 1.91:1 aspect ratio (1080 x 566 pixels). However, vertical and square formats often perform better on mobile devices.

What's the maximum video length for different Instagram features?

Instagram feed videos can be up to 60 seconds, Stories up to 15 seconds per segment, Reels up to 90 seconds, and IGTV from 1 minute to 60 minutes depending on your account type.

Should I upload videos from mobile or desktop?

Mobile upload is recommended as it uses Instagram's better compression algorithm, maintains higher quality, and processes faster. Desktop upload is available through Creator Studio but may reduce quality.

What frame rate should I use for Instagram videos?

30 fps is the recommended frame rate for all Instagram video content. This provides smooth playback while keeping file sizes manageable for upload and streaming.

How can I reduce video file size without losing quality?

Use variable bitrate (VBR) encoding, set keyframes every 2 seconds, avoid over-compression, and use professional editing software with proper export settings for Instagram.