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

Instagram crops or letterboxes it to fit the supported ratios (1.91:1 to 4:5). You lose control over what gets cut. Always export at the correct dimensions before uploading.

How long can Instagram Reels be in 2026?

Up to 90 seconds for standard accounts. Some creator accounts can post up to 15 minutes. For best algorithmic reach, keep Reels under 60 seconds — completion rate drops sharply for longer content.

What file format should I use for Instagram videos?

MP4 with H.264 codec and AAC audio. This processes fastest and gives the best quality-to-file-size ratio. MOV works but is slower to process. Avoid AVI or WMV.

Do Instagram specs change?

Yes, typically 2-3 times per year. Instagram updates supported aspect ratios and file size limits without much notice. This page is updated monthly. Xroad Studio always generates at the correct current dimensions.

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May 14, 2026 • 5 min

Instagram Video and Image Sizes 2026

Every format, every dimension, every limit — updated for 2026.

Instagram Reels Specs

Reels is Instagram's primary reach driver. These specs give maximum quality and algorithmic visibility.

Setting	Value
Aspect ratio	9:16 vertical — required for full-screen display
Resolution	1080×1920px recommended, minimum 1080×566px
Max length	90 seconds (most accounts); up to 15 min for select creators
File format	MP4 or MOV
Video codec	H.264
Audio codec	AAC, 128kbps+
Frame rate	24–60fps
Max file size	1GB
Safe zone	Keep text 14% from top and bottom edges to avoid UI overlap

Instagram Feed Video Specs

Feed videos appear in the grid and home feed. More flexible aspect ratios than Reels.

Setting	Value
Aspect ratios	Portrait 4:5 (recommended), Square 1:1, Landscape 1.91:1
Resolution	1080×1350px (4:5), 1080×1080px (1:1), 1080×566px (16:9)
Max length	60 minutes
File format	MP4 or MOV
Video codec	H.264
Max file size	4GB
Frame rate	23–60fps

Instagram Feed Image Specs

Static images for feed posts and carousels.

Setting	Value
Aspect ratios	Portrait 4:5 (best reach), Square 1:1, Landscape 1.91:1
Resolution	1080×1350px (4:5 portrait, recommended)
Min width	320px
File format	JPEG or PNG
Max file size	8MB (PNG), 4MB (JPEG)
Color space	sRGB (CMYK is auto-converted, may shift colors)
Carousel	2–10 images or videos per post, each at the same specs above

Instagram Stories Specs

Stories display full-screen for 24 hours. Safe zone matters — UI elements cover top and bottom of the frame.

Setting	Value
Aspect ratio	9:16 vertical
Resolution	1080×1920px
Video length	Max 15 seconds per card (longer clips split automatically)
File format	MP4 or MOV (video); JPEG or PNG (image)
Max file size	4GB (video), 8MB (image)
Safe zone	Keep key content 250px from top and 400px from bottom

Why Specs Change — and What to Do About It

Instagram updates specs 2-3 times per year without much notice. Aspect ratio support, file size caps, and codec requirements have all changed in the past 18 months. When they do, content that previously worked can get rejected, cropped wrong, or lose quality.

If you use Xroad Studio, spec changes don't affect you. Xroad generates content at the correct current dimensions for each platform automatically. No manual checking, no re-exports when Instagram changes something.

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Common questions

FAQ: Instagram Sizes and Specs

9:16 vertical (1080x1920px). This fills the full mobile screen and gets the most real estate in the Reels feed. Instagram will letterbox or crop other ratios. Shoot vertical from the start.

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