Free tool
Instagram Reel size and post image requirements (2026)
Instagram's official limits for Instagram feed images, Instagram Reels, and Instagram Story videos, checked 2026-10-21, plus a free checker for your file.
Last checked against each network's documentation on .
Limits
What Instagram accepts
Every rule below is quoted from the network's own developer or help page, linked beside it. Where a network's API reference and its help centre disagree, the API reference wins, because that is what a scheduler publishes through.
| Rule | Source |
|---|---|
| JPEG only. Extended JPEG formats such as MPO and JPS are not supported. | Meta for Developers: Instagram Graph API, IG User Media reference, checked 2026-10-21 |
| At most 8 MB. | Meta for Developers: Instagram Graph API, IG User Media reference, checked 2026-10-21 |
| Aspect ratio between 4:5 (portrait) and 1.91:1 (landscape). | Meta for Developers: Instagram Graph API, IG User Media reference, checked 2026-10-21 |
| 320 to 1440 pixels wide; anything outside is scaled to fit.(warning, not a refusal) | Meta for Developers: Instagram Graph API, IG User Media reference, checked 2026-10-21 |
| Rule | Source |
|---|---|
| MOV or MP4, with the moov atom at the front of the file and no edit lists. | Meta for Developers: Instagram Graph API, IG User Media reference, checked 2026-10-21 |
| At most 300 MB. | Meta for Developers: Instagram Graph API, IG User Media reference, checked 2026-10-21 |
| Between 3 seconds and 15 minutes. | Meta for Developers: Instagram Graph API, IG User Media reference, checked 2026-10-21 |
| At most 1920 pixels wide. | Meta for Developers: Instagram Graph API, IG User Media reference, checked 2026-10-21 |
| Aspect ratio between 0.01:1 and 10:1; 9:16 is recommended to avoid cropping or blank space. | Meta for Developers: Instagram Graph API, IG User Media reference, checked 2026-10-21 |
| Between 23 and 60 frames per second. | Meta for Developers: Instagram Graph API, IG User Media reference, checked 2026-10-21 |
| HEVC or H.264, progressive scan, closed GOP, 4:2:0; variable bitrate up to 25 Mbps; AAC audio at up to 48 kHz.(not readable in a browser) | Meta for Developers: Instagram Graph API, IG User Media reference, checked 2026-10-21 |
| Rule | Source |
|---|---|
| MOV or MP4, same encoding as Reels. | Meta for Developers: Instagram Graph API, IG User Media reference, checked 2026-10-21 |
| At most 100 MB. | Meta for Developers: Instagram Graph API, IG User Media reference, checked 2026-10-21 |
| Between 3 and 60 seconds. | Meta for Developers: Instagram Graph API, IG User Media reference, checked 2026-10-21 |
| Aspect ratio between 0.1:1 and 10:1; 9:16 is recommended. | Meta for Developers: Instagram Graph API, IG User Media reference, checked 2026-10-21 |
| Between 23 and 60 frames per second. | Meta for Developers: Instagram Graph API, IG User Media reference, checked 2026-10-21 |
Character and attachment limits for Instagram are on the Instagram page.
Questions
Media limits, answered
What is the maximum file size for an Instagram feed image?
At most 8 MB. Instagram states: "At most 8 MB." Source: Meta for Developers: Instagram Graph API, IG User Media reference, checked 2026-10-21.
What file types does Instagram accept for an Instagram feed image?
JPEG. Instagram states: "JPEG only. Extended JPEG formats such as MPO and JPS are not supported." Source: Meta for Developers: Instagram Graph API, IG User Media reference, checked 2026-10-21.
How long can an Instagram Reel be?
Between 3 s and 15 min. Instagram states: "Between 3 seconds and 15 minutes." Source: Meta for Developers: Instagram Graph API, IG User Media reference, checked 2026-10-21.
What is the maximum file size for an Instagram Reel?
At most 300 MB. Instagram states: "At most 300 MB." Source: Meta for Developers: Instagram Graph API, IG User Media reference, checked 2026-10-21.
What file types does Instagram accept for an Instagram Reel?
MP4 or MOV. Instagram states: "MOV or MP4, with the moov atom at the front of the file and no edit lists." Source: Meta for Developers: Instagram Graph API, IG User Media reference, checked 2026-10-21.
Requirements by network
Run it from code
The same check is a free API: send the file's metadata, never the file. No key, JSON by default, Markdown with Accept: text/markdown.
curl -s "https://usepostify.com/api/tools/validate-media?type=video/mp4&bytes=48000000&width=1080&height=1920&duration=42"
Then schedule it in Postify
Once the file fits, Postify publishes it to every network from one composer, each with its own caption. There is a free plan with no credit card required.