Is your Instagram not performing well? It might be because of the poor quality, cropped reels, or blurry videos that look pixelated. That’s a common problem faced by people using Instagram who aren’t aware of the new updates, or new users who don’t know. Social media has changed a lot over the years, and so has Instagram, and in 2025, reels, videos are most in trend. Having the right knowledge of aspect ratio and video size when posting videos or reels on Instagram is a must-have skill one should be aware of if you want to perform better and rank in the fast-paced digital world.
If you are a content creator, influencer, brand, marketer, or have a business account posting video content without knowing the keys to Instagram’s format, your goals to achieve engagement and reach the target audience might be affected.
Read the full blog to learn everything about Instagram video ad dimensions, Instagram reel sizes, Instagram stories specs, and more.
Why Instagram Video Specs Matter in 2025?
Instagram has changed the video formats and capabilities for Reels, Stories, long-form videos, Feed posts, and Lives. Each post on Instagram operates with different sizes and aspect ratios. Using the wrong dimensions might result in cropping out the content, poor presentation, low engagement, reduced visual clarity, and reduced audience reach. Here are some of the reasons why Instagram Video Specs matter in 2025:
- Optimizes for Mobile
Editing posts based on mobile on Instagram by using vertical formats- 9:16 maximizes the screen space, attracts more audience, and improves user experience.
- Prevents Cropped Content
Using the right video dimensions on Insta ensures videos appear without getting distorted, stretched, or cropped on all devices, whether using on tablet, laptop, mobile, or desktop. - Improves Visual Quality
Following the video size and aspect ratio required on Instagram prevents pixelation or blurriness caused by the inbuilt app feature of automatic compression or resizing. - Increases Engagement Rates
Videos/Reels posted on Insta with the appropriate size and ratio look professional and contribute to increased shares, boosts, likes, and overall engagement. - Supports Algorithmic
Instagram supports high-quality content that is well-optimized, meaning evenly distributed in size. Such posts match the algorithm and are shown in Explore and feed suggestions.
- Avoids UI Interference
Proper use of safe zones ensures buttons, captions, or other on-screen UI elements don’t cover important visuals or text. - Ensures Ad Performance
For businesses and brands running advertisements, they should match the Instagram video ad dimensions to avoid rejection or disapproval.
Instagram Video Size and Aspect Ratio in 2025
Listed below is a complete breakdown of the recommended video sizes, aspect ratios, and technical requirements for each format on Instagram:
1. Instagram Reels
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16
- Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels
- Length: Up to 90 seconds for most users (up to 3 minutes for some accounts)
- File Format: MP4 or MOV
The ideal Instagram full-screen vertical reel size is 1080 x 1920 pixels. Maintain the text and key visuals within the center of the range of 1080 x 1350 area to avoid cropping.
2. Instagram Feed Videos
Aspect Ratios:
- Square: 1:1
- Portrait: 4:5
- Landscape: 16:9
Resolutions:
- Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels
- Portrait: 1080 x 1350 pixels
- Landscape: 1920 x 1080 pixels
Maximum Duration: 60 seconds
File Format: MP4
This format supports multiple Instagram video ratios, allowing creators flexibility depending on the content. The 4:5 Instagram video ratio is recommended for visibility in the feed.
3. Instagram Stories
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16
- Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels
- Maximum Length: 15 seconds per Story slide
- File Format: MP4
Optimize Instagram stories aspects, leave a 250px margin at the top and bottom to avoid any cropping from interface elements like profile images or message buttons.
4. Instagram Video (IGTV)
- Aspect Ratios:
Vertical: 9:16
Horizontal: 16:9 - Recommended Resolution: Up to 2160p (4K), with 1080p (standard size)
- Maximum Length: 60 minutes (upload via desktop)
- File Format: MP4
This practice can be included in vlogs, promotional videos, or tutorials. Be particular when choosing the aspect ratio, whether for mobile (9:16) or widescreen (16:9).
This optimization format is suitable for longer-form video uploads.
5. Instagram Live
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16
- Resolution: Minimum 720p (1280 x 720 pixels)
- Maximum Length: 4 hours
- File Format: for Live stream
Instagram video dimensions cannot be prerecorded, but using these formats improves post-event replay quality when saved as Reels or archived.
Instagram Video Specifications Summary for 2025
| Format | Aspect Ratio | Resolution | Max Duration | File Type |
| Live | 9:16 | 1280 x 720 px minimum | 4 hours | Live |
| Feed (Portrait) | 4:5 | 1080 x 1350 px | 60 seconds | MP4 |
| Feed (Square) | 1:1 | 1080 x 1080 px | 60 seconds | MP4 |
| Long-form Video | 9:16 or 16:9 | Up to 4K (2160p) | 60 minutes | MP4 |
| Reels | 9:16 | 1080 x 1920 px | 90 sec – 10 min | MP4, MOV |
| Stories | 9:16 | 1080 x 1920 px | 15 sec per story slide | MP4 |
| Ad (Feed / Story) | 1:1, 4:5, 9:16, 16:9 | 1080 x 1080 – 1920 px | Varies by placement | MP4 |
Best Practices for Instagram Video size and aspect ratio in 2025
Listed below are some of the best practices to use for the correct size and aspect ratio, which will help you maintain consistency and quality across Instagram videos:
- Add Captions or Subtitles: Adding captions and subtitles improves user experience and communicates the message. It helps people who watch Insta videos with sound off.
- Use Vertical Formats: Most Instagram users access the app through mobile. Prioritizing Vertical formats (9:16) for Reels, Lives, and Stories appears better.
- Compress Video without Compromising the Quality: Maintain the file sizes below 100MB to prevent quality loss on Instagram.
- Maintain Consistent Quality: Use a fixed size and ratio of the posts to maintain consistency in branding, resolution, and feed of the profile to create a cohesive experience across all video formats.
- Practice safe Text placement on Graphics: Avoid placing text, emoji, GIFs, or interactive elements too close to screen edges, which will get cropped by the Insta UI features for comments, likes, or profile overlays.
Conclusion
Instagram is a great platform to showcase your personal life, brand, advertise, or market your business. Having a clear idea of Instagram Video Specs, Instagram Video Size, Instagram Video Ratio, and more for a variety of video formats, durations, and technical guidelines will help you reach a wider audience and encourage engagement. Read the above information on sizes and aspect ratio, followed in 2025 to ensure content performs efficiently, aligns brand, and displays correctly. To stay ahead in 2025 with the updated Instagram features and new updates, read the full blog and learn it for yourself.
Read More Related Post
Social Media Image Sizes Guide: Meta, IG, WhatsApp DP, LinkedIn & More
Types of Instagram Accounts: Which One Should You Choose?
How To Create A Pinterest Business Account?