Instagram Video Dimensions 2026: Complete Guide for All Formats

Instagram supports multiple video formats, each with specific dimension requirements. Using the correct dimensions ensures your videos display properly without black bars, cropping, or quality loss. This guide covers exact specifications for Instagram Reels, Stories, Feed videos, and IGTV.

Quick Reference: Instagram Video Dimensions

Format	Dimensions	Aspect Ratio	Max Duration
Reels	1080×1920 pixels	9:16 (vertical)	90 seconds
Stories	1080×1920 pixels	9:16 (vertical)	60 seconds
Feed (Square)	1080×1080 pixels	1:1 (square)	60 seconds
Feed (Portrait)	1080×1350 pixels	4:5 (portrait)	60 seconds
Feed (Landscape)	1080×566 pixels	1.91:1 (landscape)	60 seconds

Instagram Reels Video Specifications

Instagram Reels require vertical video format. The 9:16 aspect ratio fills the entire mobile screen, providing an immersive viewing experience. Videos that don’t match these dimensions will be cropped or displayed with black bars.

Instagram Stories Video Specifications

Instagram Stories use the same dimensions as Reels. Videos longer than 60 seconds are automatically split into multiple 15-second segments. The vertical 9:16 format is designed for mobile viewing and takes up the full screen.

Instagram Feed Video Specifications

Instagram feed videos support three aspect ratios: square (1:1), portrait (4:5), and landscape (1.91:1). Choose the format that best fits your content.

Square Feed Videos (1:1)

Square videos work well in the Instagram feed because they take up maximum space without requiring users to rotate their phones. This format is ideal for content that looks good in a square frame.

Portrait Feed Videos (4:5)

Portrait format (4:5) is Instagram’s recommended aspect ratio for feed videos. It provides more vertical space than square while still fitting nicely in the feed, making it ideal for mobile viewing.

Landscape Feed Videos (1.91:1)

Landscape videos work for horizontal content but take up less space in the Instagram feed. This format is best for cinematic content or videos originally shot in landscape orientation.

Common Instagram Video Problems and Solutions

Black Bars on My Video

Black bars appear when your video’s aspect ratio doesn’t match Instagram’s requirements. For example, uploading a 16:9 (landscape) video to Reels (which requires 9:16) will result in black bars on the sides.

Solution: Resize your video to match the exact aspect ratio for your chosen format. Use an aspect ratio calculator to determine the correct dimensions before uploading.

Video Gets Cropped

Instagram automatically crops videos that don’t match the required dimensions. Important content near the edges may be cut off.

Solution: Keep important content (faces, text, key objects) centered in your frame. Leave at least 10% margin from all edges as a “safe zone” that won’t be cropped.

Low Video Quality

Instagram compresses all videos. Uploading videos at resolutions lower than recommended (1080p) results in additional quality loss.

Solution: Always upload at the recommended resolution (1080×1920 for Reels/Stories, 1080×1080 for square feed posts). Export videos at high quality settings before uploading.

Wrong Aspect Ratio

Using landscape videos for vertical formats (or vice versa) causes display issues and poor user experience.

Solution: Film or edit your video in the correct orientation from the start. Vertical content for Reels/Stories, square or portrait for feed posts.

Best Practices for Instagram Videos

1. Film in the Correct Orientation

Always shoot Reels and Stories in vertical (portrait) mode. For feed posts, consider your content and audience – portrait (4:5) generally performs best for mobile viewers.

2. Use High-Quality Source Files

Start with the highest quality video possible. Instagram will compress your video during upload, so beginning with high-quality source material ensures the best final result.

3. Keep Important Content Centered

Different devices and Instagram’s crop preview can slightly trim edges. Keep faces, text, and key elements in the center 80% of the frame.

4. Test Before Posting

Use Instagram’s preview feature before publishing to see exactly how your video will appear. This allows you to make adjustments if needed.

5. Consider Your Audio

Instagram supports audio in all video formats. Ensure your audio is clear and properly synced. Many users watch with sound off, so consider adding captions.

Technical Specifications Summary

All Instagram video formats share these technical requirements:

• Supported Codecs: H.264 video codec, AAC audio codec
• Maximum File Size: 4GB
• Recommended Frame Rate: 30 fps (23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, and 30 fps are supported)
• Video Format: MP4 (recommended) or MOV
• Maximum Bitrate: 5 Mbps for 1080p
• Audio Bitrate: 128 kbps minimum

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I upload the wrong size video to Instagram?

Instagram will automatically crop or add black bars to fit your video into the required dimensions. This can result in lost content or an unprofessional appearance. Always resize videos to match Instagram’s specifications before uploading.

Can I post landscape videos on Instagram?

Yes, you can post landscape videos to Instagram feed posts using the 1.91:1 aspect ratio (1080×566 pixels). However, landscape videos are not suitable for Reels or Stories, which require vertical 9:16 format.

Why does my Instagram video look blurry?

Blurry videos usually result from uploading at too low a resolution or from excessive compression. Always upload at the recommended 1080p resolution and ensure your source video is high quality.

Do Instagram Reels and Stories use the same dimensions?

Yes, both Instagram Reels and Stories use 1080×1920 pixels (9:16 aspect ratio). The main difference is duration: Reels can be up to 90 seconds, while Stories are limited to 60 seconds per segment.

What’s the best aspect ratio for Instagram feed videos?

Instagram officially recommends 4:5 (portrait) for feed videos, as it takes up more vertical space on mobile screens while still looking good in the feed. Square (1:1) is also popular and works well for most content types.

Conclusion

Using the correct video dimensions for Instagram ensures your content displays properly across all formats. Whether you’re creating Reels (1080×1920), Stories (1080×1920), or feed posts (1080×1080 or 1080×1350), matching Instagram’s exact specifications prevents cropping, black bars, and quality loss.

Remember to film in the correct orientation from the start, keep important content centered, and always upload at the recommended 1080p resolution. These simple practices will ensure your Instagram videos look professional and engaging.

Need help resizing your videos? Use our free video aspect ratio calculator to get perfect dimensions for Instagram and all other social media platforms.