Instagram Video Specs: Reels, Feed & Stories (2026)
By the Maybe Lab teamInstagram uses different specs per placement: Reels and Stories are 1080×1920 (9:16), while feed video is best at 1080×1350 (4:5). Keep Reels up to 90 seconds, Stories to 60, and add captions everywhere. Here's the full breakdown and how to produce every cut from one project.
Instagram video specs by placement
| Placement | Ratio | Size & length |
|---|---|---|
| Reels | 9:16 | 1080×1920, up to 90 sec |
| Stories | 9:16 | 1080×1920, up to 60 sec |
| Feed (portrait) | 4:5 | 1080×1350, up to 60 min |
| Feed (square) | 1:1 | 1080×1080 |
| Format | MP4 | H.264 + AAC |
Which placement should you use?
- Reach and discovery? Reels (9:16) — Instagram pushes them hardest.
- Time-sensitive or behind-the-scenes? Stories.
- Evergreen feed post? Portrait 4:5 takes up the most feed space.
- Keep captions and logos in the safe zone, clear of UI. See vertical video specs.
For the full cross-platform sizing, see the aspect ratio guide; for paid placements, video ad specs.
One master, every Instagram cut
Rather than build Reels, Stories, and feed posts separately, make one master and reframe it for each — keeping key content centered — as in one video, ten clips. A prompt-first generator exports the 9:16, 4:5, and 1:1 versions from the same project.
Instagram video specs FAQ
What size should an Instagram Reel be?
1080×1920 pixels (9:16 vertical), up to 90 seconds, as an MP4. Keep captions and logos inside the safe zone away from UI overlays.
What is the best aspect ratio for Instagram feed video?
4:5 (portrait, 1080×1350) takes up the most feed space on mobile. 1:1 square also works well.
How long can an Instagram video be?
Reels up to 90 seconds, Stories up to 60 seconds, and feed video up to 60 minutes — though shorter almost always performs better.
Do Instagram videos need captions?
Yes — most Instagram video is watched on mute, so captions and on-screen text are essential.
Instagram rewards the right format in the right place. Describe your video to Maybe Lab and export Reels, Stories, and feed cuts — all on brand, all from one project.
Make your next launch in motion
Maybe Lab turns prompts into product launch and update videos — story, assets, and final cut, start to end.
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