- Tap + in Instagram, choose Reel, upload or record, add a caption, then tap Share.
- Use 9:16 vertical video in MOV or MP4 format. Max file size is 300 MB, max duration 15 minutes.
- AAC audio at 48kHz is required. H264 or HEVC codec with progressive scan is required.
- Sharing to Feed crops your cover photo to 1:1. Keep key visuals out of the bottom 35% of frame.
- Coinis generates on-brand Reel covers and thumbnails from a product URL. No design tool needed.
TL;DR: Tap + in Instagram, select Reel, upload or record your video, add a caption, and tap Share. Takes about two minutes. Get your specs right first and your Reel will process without issues.
What Are Instagram Reels?
Reels are vertical videos that live in Instagram's dedicated Reels tab and can also appear in the main Feed. Their reach extends well beyond your existing followers.
Definition and where they appear
A Reel appears on your profile's Reels tab. It can also show up in the main Feed and in the Explore section. Instagram's algorithm distributes Reels to non-followers based on interest signals. That broad distribution is what makes Reels one of the strongest organic growth tools on the platform.
Difference from Feed posts
Feed posts reach your existing followers first. Reels are built for discovery. Think of Feed as retention and Reels as acquisition. They serve different goals and work best together.
How to Post a Reel on Instagram (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Open Instagram and go to Create
Tap the + icon at the bottom of the screen. This opens the content creation menu.
Step 2: Select Reel from format options
Swipe through the format row at the bottom: Post, Story, Reel. Tap Reel.
Step 3: Record or upload your video
Tap the record button to shoot directly in the app. Or tap the gallery icon to upload a saved video. You can stitch multiple clips together on this screen.
Step 4: Add caption, music, and effects
Add text overlays, stickers, or music before moving forward. Write your caption on the next screen. Captions are indexed for Instagram search. Use relevant keywords in the first two lines.
Step 5: Choose share settings (Feed or Reels tab only)
Toggle Also share to Feed to put your Reel in both places. Leave it off to keep it in the Reels tab only. Per Meta's developer documentation, when you share to Feed, your cover photo is automatically cropped to a 1:1 square.
Step 6: Review and publish
Preview your Reel one last time. Tap Share to go live immediately. Or use Instagram's built-in scheduler to publish at a specific time.
Reel Specifications and Technical Requirements
Wrong specs cause upload failures or silent quality drops. Check these before you export.
Video format and file size
Use MOV or MP4 with an H264 or HEVC codec. Progressive scan and closed GOP structure are required by Instagram. Maximum file size is 300 MB. Keep video bitrate at or below 25 Mbps (VBR). Frame rate must fall between 23 and 60 FPS.
Aspect ratio and dimensions
9:16 vertical is the recommended aspect ratio. It fills the full screen on mobile. Anything wider adds blank bars or gets cropped. Per Meta's developer documentation, non-9:16 content may display with black padding.
Duration limits
Reels must be at least 3 seconds long. Maximum duration is 15 minutes. Most content lands in the 15–60 second range for engagement.
Audio requirements
AAC audio codec at a 48kHz sample rate is required. Mono or stereo both work. Target at least 128kbps audio bitrate. Instagram rejects Reels with muffled or missing audio tracks.
Tips for Publishing Reels That Perform
Optimal aspect ratio and visual composition
Shoot in 9:16. Keep faces, text, and key visuals out of the bottom 35% of the frame. Instagram's UI overlays (caption text, profile info, action buttons) sit in that zone and will cover your content.
Best caption practices
Lead with a strong hook in the first line. Instagram truncates captions early. Make those opening words pull the viewer in. End with a clear call to action.
Timing and posting frequency
Check Instagram Insights for your account's peak activity hours. Post during those windows. Two to three Reels per week with strong creative beats daily posting with weak visuals.
How Coinis Helps You Create Reels Faster
Generate polished Reels with Image Ads workflow
The Image Ads workflow generates on-brand visuals from a product URL. Use those as Reel cover photos or branded overlay frames. No design app required.
Edit and refine with Revise tool
Coinis Revise handles quick edits in seconds. Swap out text, erase an unwanted object, upscale a low-resolution thumbnail. Seven capabilities in one tool.
Maintain brand consistency across Reels with Brand Profile
Brand Profile stores your colors, fonts, tone, and visual style. Every creative Coinis generates stays on-brand automatically. Consistency across Reels builds recognition faster.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What video format does Instagram require for Reels?
Instagram requires MOV or MP4 with an H264 or HEVC codec. Progressive scan and closed GOP structure are also required. Maximum file size is 300 MB.
How long can an Instagram Reel be?
Reels must be at least 3 seconds long and no more than 15 minutes. Most high-performing Reels fall between 15 and 60 seconds.
What aspect ratio should I use for Instagram Reels?
9:16 vertical is the recommended aspect ratio. It fills the full mobile screen. Other ratios may display with black bars or get cropped.
Can I share a Reel to both Feed and the Reels tab?
Yes. Toggle 'Also share to Feed' during the posting flow. If you do, your cover photo is cropped to a 1:1 square for the Feed placement.