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Instagram: Formats and Upload Requirements

Here you'll find the most important specifications for Instagram plus practical recommendations so that uploads work reliably and content looks clean.

✅ Note on accuracy

Instagram changes details regularly. If you want to be on the safe side, quickly check:

  • Does the aspect ratio fit (1:1, 4:5, 9:16)?
  • Is the file not too large (with us: 500 MB)?
  • Do you see a different requirement in the Instagram app (e.g. length/format)?

If in doubt, what the app currently shows applies.

In short: What matters on Instagram?

On Instagram, the aspect ratio is the most common reason content looks "off" or gets cropped. Also, always plan mobile-first: important content belongs in the center, not at the edges.

If you want to know in general what you can upload in KNOWYOURCHAT, start here: Media uploads: overview.

  • File format: MP4 (MOV works too)
  • Video codec: H.264
  • Audio codec: AAC (AAC-LC)

Frame rate & bitrate (in practice)

  • Frame rate: 30 fps (standard) or 60 fps (if you have a lot of motion)
  • Bitrate: approx. 10–15 Mbit/s

Tip: If uploads fail or videos look "muddy", re-exporting as MP4/H.264 with a moderate bitrate is often the quickest fix.

Feed (images)

These formats are the safest standards:

  • 1:1 (square): 1080 × 1080
  • 4:5 (portrait): 1080 × 1350
  • ≈16:9 (landscape): at least 1080 × 608
  • Max. file size (with us): 500 MB

Recommendation: If you have to choose, go with 4:5, because it takes up the most screen space on mobile.

Feed (video / in-feed video)

  • Aspect ratio: 1:1, 4:5, or landscape
  • Duration: 3 seconds to 60 minutes
  • Max. file size (with us): 500 MB

Cover / thumbnail (profile grid):

  • 4:5: 1080 × 1350

Cover tip: Don't place text too close to the edges, because Instagram crops differently depending on the view.

Stories

  • Format: 1080 × 1920 (9:16)
  • Length: up to 60 seconds per Story
    • Depending on the upload path, account status, or app version, Instagram may still automatically split longer clips.
  • Max. file size (with us): 500 MB

Safe-zone recommendation:

  • Leave visible space at the top and bottom, because UI elements sit there.

Reels

  • Format: 1080 × 1920 (9:16)
  • Duration: 15 to 60 seconds
  • Max. file size (with us): 500 MB

Cover / thumbnail:

  • Profile grid: 1080 × 1350 (4:5)
  • Reels tab: at least 1080 × 1920 (9:16)

Practical tips for better Reels quality:

  • Export in 1080p whenever possible.
  • Avoid forwarding clips multiple times via messengers, because that often re-compresses them.
  • Use hard cuts and clear visuals. Fine details suffer most from compression.

Carousel (multiple media in one post)

  • Max. 10 images or videos
  • The first media item determines the aspect ratio for all of them

Tip: If you're planning a carousel, decide on 1:1 or 4:5 first and stick with it.

Last updated: April 9, 2026

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Need personal help? Email us at support@knowyourchat.de