Guide
Instagram Story Size and Reel Dimensions: Every Size
The size of an Instagram Story is 1080 by 1920 pixels, the same 9:16 shape as a Reel. This guide lists the Story size, the IG Reel dimensions, the reel cover size and the safe area to keep text in, plus how long an IG Reel can be.
Story size on Instagram
Export Stories at 1080 by 1920 pixels, a 9:16 vertical frame. Instagram's API accepts Story videos up to 60 seconds, and the app may cut a longer clip into several Stories.
Anything else is scaled or given borders, so crop to 9:16 before you upload.
Reel dimensions and size on IG
The IG reel size is the same 1080 by 1920 at 9:16. Instagram's published specifications allow ratios from 1.91:1 to 9:16, a minimum of 720 pixels and 30 frames per second. A Reel posted through the API must stay under 300 MB.
Reel cover size
A Reel cover is a 9:16 picture, 1080 by 1920. Your profile grid crops it, so keep the subject and any words in the middle. Our guide to Reel covers shows the crop.
Reel frame size and the safe area
The Reel frame size is the full 9:16 screen, but the caption and buttons cover the bottom and right edge. Leave roughly the top and bottom tenth of the frame and a margin on the right free of text, and check on your phone before posting.
How long can a Reel on IG be?
Through Instagram's API a Reel runs from 3 seconds to 15 minutes. The app's own limit when you record can differ and has changed more than once, so check the app. Our Reel length guide has the detail.
Sources
Questions
How long can IG Reels be?
Through Instagram's API, 3 seconds to 15 minutes. The camera in the app can limit you to less, and Instagram has changed that more than once, so check the app.
What size is a Story for Instagram?
1080 by 1920 pixels, 9:16. Put text in the middle, away from the top and bottom where Instagram's own buttons sit.
Is a Reel the same size as a Story?
Yes. Both are 1080 by 1920. The difference is that a Story disappears after 24 hours unless you add it to a highlight.
Post it with Dripost
- Instagram post previewSee your post or Reel as Instagram will show it, then send it to a client to approve with no login.
- Post a video on InstagramUpload once and Dripost posts it as a Reel, then shows you the live link.
- Instagram from Claude or ChatGPTLet your AI assistant draft and schedule Instagram posts. You approve before anything goes out.