Instagram File Size Limits
Upload limits for Instagram in 2024
Feed Videos
60 min max length
Photos
Per image
Reels
Maximum length
Instagram Media Limits by Type
| Content Type | Max File Size | Max Duration | Aspect Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feed Photo | 30 MB | N/A | 1:1, 4:5, 1.91:1 |
| Feed Video | 4 GB | 60 minutes | 1:1, 4:5, 16:9 |
| Stories | 4 GB | 60 seconds | 9:16 (vertical) |
| Reels | 4 GB | 90 seconds | 9:16 recommended |
| IGTV | 3.6 GB (< 10 min), 5.4 GB (< 60 min) | 15 min (mobile), 60 min (verified) | 9:16 or 16:9 |
| Carousel | 30 MB per image, 4 GB per video | 60 seconds per video | Must match first item |
Technical Specifications
📐 Image Specs
- Resolution: 1080×1080 (square)
- Landscape: 1080×566
- Portrait: 1080×1350
- Format: JPG, PNG
- Max size: 30 MB
🎥 Video Specs
- Format: MP4, MOV
- Codec: H.264
- Frame rate: 30 FPS
- Bitrate: 3500 kbps
- Audio: AAC, 128 kbps
📱 Stories/Reels Specs
- Resolution: 1080×1920 (9:16)
- Min resolution: 600×1067
- Format: MP4, MOV
- Frame rate: 30 FPS max
- Audio required: For Reels
Optimize Content for Instagram
1. Photo Optimization
Best quality tips:
- Use 1080×1080 for square posts
- 1080×1350 for portrait (4:5 ratio)
- Save as JPG at 85-90% quality
- Keep under 30 MB (rarely an issue)
- Instagram compresses anyway
2. Video Compression
Maintain quality under 4GB:
- Use H.264 codec
- Target 3.5 Mbps bitrate for 1080p
- 30 FPS frame rate
- AAC audio at 128 kbps
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -c:v h264 -b:v 3500k -c:a aac -b:a 128k -ar 44100 -r 30 output.mp4
3. Reels Best Practices
Maximize engagement:
- 9:16 vertical format (1080×1920)
- Hook viewers in first 3 seconds
- Add trending audio
- Use captions for accessibility
- Keep under 60 sec for best reach
4. Story Tips
Create engaging stories:
- Full vertical 9:16 (1080×1920)
- Safe zone: Center 1080×1420
- Max 60 seconds per story
- Split longer videos into segments
- Add interactive stickers
Pro Tips
🎨 Aspect Ratio Guide
- Square (1:1): Classic Instagram look
- Portrait (4:5): Takes most screen space
- Landscape (1.91:1): Widescreen format
- Vertical (9:16): Stories, Reels
- Portrait gets highest engagement on feed
📊 Quality vs Size
- Instagram compresses all uploads
- Upload at recommended resolution
- Higher res won't improve quality
- Mobile upload quality lower than desktop
- Use Instagram app for best results
⏱️ Duration Recommendations
- Reels: 15-30 sec best engagement
- Stories: 15 sec segments ideal
- Feed video: Under 60 sec recommended
- IGTV: 5-15 min sweet spot
- Shorter content = better retention
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Instagram compress my videos?
Instagram re-encodes all videos to ensure consistent playback across devices and reduce server storage costs. Upload at recommended specs (H.264, 3.5 Mbps, 1080p, 30 FPS) to minimize additional compression. Desktop uploads typically maintain better quality than mobile uploads.
What's the difference between Feed video, Reels, and IGTV?
Feed videos: Traditional posts, up to 60 min, square or landscape. Reels: Short-form (90 sec max), vertical, appears in Reels tab, algorithm favors them. IGTV: Long-form (15-60 min), being phased out, merged into feed videos. Use Reels for discovery, Feed for followers.
Can I upload 4K videos to Instagram?
You can upload 4K, but Instagram will compress it to 1080p maximum. There's no quality benefit to uploading above 1080×1080 (square) or 1080×1920 (vertical). Uploading 4K just wastes bandwidth and upload time - stick to 1080p.
How many photos can I add to a carousel post?
Maximum 10 images or videos per carousel. Each image can be up to 30 MB, each video up to 4 GB. All items must use the same aspect ratio (determined by first item). Mix of photos and videos allowed. Swipe through format.
Why do my photos look blurry on Instagram?
Common causes: 1) Uploading low-resolution images (use 1080×1080 minimum). 2) Wrong aspect ratio causing crop/stretch. 3) Uploading from mobile with low data mode enabled. 4) Instagram's compression. Solution: Upload from desktop at exact 1080×1080 (square) or 1080×1350 (portrait).