Best Instagram Video Size and Dimensions for All Formats
Learn the best Instagram video sizes, aspect ratios, and formats for Feed, Stories, Reels, IGTV, and Live to ensure top quality and engagement.
Best Instagram Video Size and Dimensions for All Formats
Instagram has grown into a dynamic content hub where videos drive engagement, storytelling, and brand visibility. For creators, marketers, and casual users alike, mastering the best Instagram video size and dimensions for every format is essential to ensure sharp visuals, optimal presentation, and the highest audience impact. This guide breaks down all aspect ratios, resolutions, and pro tips to help you post like a pro.
Why Correct Video Dimensions Matter
Getting your Instagram video dimensions right determines how your content appears across different devices — from smartphones to tablets. Using incorrect sizes or aspect ratios can result in:
- Cropped visuals that cut off important elements
- Black bars framing your video
- Loss of quality and resolution
- Reduced engagement caused by a poor viewing experience
Studies show that videos optimized for Instagram not only look better but also significantly improve watch time, click-through rates, and audience retention — all of which fuel account growth.
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Overview of Instagram Video Formats
Instagram supports several video types, each optimized for specific user experiences:
- Feed Videos – Appear in your profile grid and followers’ feeds
- Stories – Short, vertical clips live for 24 hours
- Reels – Vertical, creative videos designed for discovery
- IGTV – Long-form content integrated into the main feed
- Live – Real-time broadcasts to your audience
Each format comes with recommended dimensions and ratios for top-quality viewing.
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Recommended Size for Feed Videos
Feed videos can be square (1:1), vertical (4:5), or horizontal (16:9). Vertical content generally occupies more screen space, which often boosts user engagement.
Best Settings for Feed Videos:
- Resolution: 1080 x 1080 pixels (square)
- Aspect ratio: 1:1 square, 4:5 vertical, 16:9 horizontal
- File size limit: 4GB
- Duration: Up to 60 seconds
Why 4:5 Ratio Works Best
The 4:5 vertical ratio maximizes screen real estate while remaining comfortable for viewers, making it a popular choice for feed content.
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Recommended Size for Stories and Reels
Stories and Reels both use a 9:16 aspect ratio — a vertical, full-screen format perfect for mobile devices.
Best Settings for Stories and Reels:
- Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels
- Aspect ratio: 9:16
- File size limit: 4GB
- Duration: Stories – up to 15 seconds; Reels – up to 90 seconds
Tips for High-Quality Stories & Reels
- Keep vital visuals centered to avoid cropping
- Limit overlays and stickers to maintain clarity
- Use consistent branding through colors and fonts
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Recommended Size for IGTV and Instagram Live
IGTV and Live videos support portrait and landscape modes, allowing creative flexibility.
IGTV:
- Portrait: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16)
- Landscape: 1920 x 1080 pixels (16:9)
- Duration: Up to 60 minutes for verified accounts, 10 minutes for non-verified
Instagram Live:
- Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels
- Aspect ratio: 9:16
- Duration: Up to 4 hours
Portrait vs. Landscape
Portrait mode works best for mobile-centric audiences, while landscape suits cinematic shots or tutorials.
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Best Compression Settings to Avoid Quality Loss
Instagram’s automatic compression can degrade videos. By compressing before upload, you retain quality.
Recommended Export Settings:
- Bit rate: 5,000–8,000 kbps for 1080p
- Frame rate: 30 fps (up to 60 fps if original)
- Audio: AAC codec, 128 kbps stereo
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Optimal File Formats and Codecs for Instagram Upload
To maintain both quality and manageable file size:
Best Format:
- MP4 container with H.264 video + AAC audio
Why MP4 Works Best:
- Efficient balance of quality and size
- H.264 codec preserves crispness while reducing data load
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Tips for Editing to Match Instagram Aspect Ratios
Start video projects using the correct final aspect ratio to avoid cropping surprises.
Best Practices:
- Set your editing timeline to target ratio from the beginning
- Use safe margins to protect key visuals and text
- Employ templates or ratio guides for uniform output
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
To maintain a professional finish, steer clear of:
- Cropping key subjects due to incorrect ratio
- Low-quality thumbnails that fail to attract clicks
- Black bars from mismatched dimensions
- Neglecting sound quality, which can harm retention
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How to Test Video Quality Before Posting
Quality control ensures your posts shine:
- Upload to a private account for preview
- Check playback on multiple devices (iOS, Android, tablet)
- Look for compression artifacts, sync issues, or misaligned crops
- Re-export with adjusted settings if necessary
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Summary Table: All Instagram Video Sizes
Here’s a quick-reference table for the best Instagram video size by format:
| Instagram Format | Resolution | Aspect Ratio | Max Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feed (Square) | 1080 x 1080 | 1:1 | 60 seconds |
| Feed (Vertical) | 1080 x 1350 | 4:5 | 60 seconds |
| Feed (Horizontal) | 1920 x 1080 | 16:9 | 60 seconds |
| Stories | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 | 15 seconds per story |
| Reels | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 | 90 seconds |
| IGTV (Portrait) | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 | 10–60 minutes |
| IGTV (Landscape) | 1920 x 1080 | 16:9 | 10–60 minutes |
| Instagram Live | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 | Up to 4 hours |
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Final Takeaway
By following these optimized specifications for every Instagram format, you ensure your content looks crisp, professional, and engaging. Plan your shoot with the correct aspect ratio, compress before upload to minimize quality loss, and test before going live. Start applying these best Instagram video size tips today to elevate your brand’s visual appeal and stand out in the feed.
