Instagram Reel length: how long a Reel can be

The range of Reel length on Instagram

The minimum is 3 seconds and the maximum is 15 minutes. Anything shorter or longer is turned down.

That is the API’s limit, the one scheduling tools work within. The app’s own limit when you record or upload by hand can differ, so check the app if you post only by hand.

Length and file size go together

The file must be under 300 MB. A long Reel at a high bitrate can hit that before it hits 15 minutes.

Instagram’s ceiling for video is 25 Mbps. At that rate, a minute of video is already close to 190 MB, so a long one needs a lower bitrate to fit.

Choosing a length

Let the idea set the length. A single tip may need 20 seconds, a walkthrough three minutes.

Open on the interesting part. A 15 minute Reel is allowed, but the first seconds still decide whether someone keeps watching.

Checking before you post

Dripost’s preview shows how Instagram will get the video, and a post outside the range is flagged with the reason while you can still trim it. Reels post to a professional (Business or Creator) account.

Sources

• Instagram API: IG User media (Reels specifications)