What is the correct size for an Instagram Reels cover?

What is the correct Instagram Reels cover size? Many content creators make great videos for Instagram Reels, and even invest in promoting these videos, buying Instagram Reels views to boost the reach of their content. But they forget one detail that makes all the difference: the size of the Reels video cover. After all, when this video is displayed in the Instagram feed to other users, a well-optimized cover that catches the eye can be the difference between gaining more views on Instagram, or losing the interest of users who will simply scroll past your video, forgetting about it as they scroll down the feed. With that in mind, we've prepared this article about the correct Instagram Reels cover sizes, so you can stay updated on the right sizes for Reels videos. Happy reading!

Why is it important to know the cover size for Instagram Reels?

Before we talk about the correct Instagram Reels cover size , let's better understand why this information is important. Instagram is one of the most popular social networks today, and Reels videos have over 200 billion daily views on Instagram and Facebook, where they are also displayed. This number indicates the popularity of short video content. However, this gigantic number of views doesn't necessarily mean that all content creators know how to make their Instagram Reels go viral . In fact, many are underperforming. And one of the main reasons for this is precisely the poor video sizing, which ends up leaving the content with poor visual quality. When the Reels video doesn't respect Instagram's post sizes , it may appear cropped or even out of focus. The result is a tiring, difficult-to-watch video that is often incomprehensible to viewers, becoming confusing due to the wrong size that prevents parts of the scene from being properly viewed. This includes the Reels cover. Because if it's the wrong size, it won't be fully displayed, or it will be too small, losing the visual impact it would have if it were the correct size. So, when we talk about the right size for Instagram Reels covers, we're talking about a strategic detail that can directly impact the performance of your videos.

Instagram's algorithm prioritizes videos with good quality.

There's another detail you need to know to understand the importance of knowing the correct Instagram Reels cover size: Instagram's algorithm prioritizes high-quality videos, and when content doesn't meet the minimum size requirements, the algorithm won't recommend it to other users, thus limiting your reach. So, even if you create creative, fun videos, and even buy Instagram followers to boost your growth, you won't get the results you expect. And don't forget that followers can identify in seconds when a video is the right size for posting, easily skipping videos that are unpleasant to watch. Therefore, ensuring your video is within the correct parameters, knowing the correct Instagram Reels cover size, is also a way to show that you care about your followers. People will notice when they watch that you took care to plan your content to be well-optimized for the social network, improving the user experience.

So, what size Instagram Reels cover should I use?

Okay, now that you better understand the importance of knowing the correct Instagram Reels cover size, let's look at the updated 2025 sizes used for Instagram Reels. See below:

• Video reels: size 1080 x 1920, in a 9:16 aspect ratio.
• Instagram Reels cover: size 1080 x 108 x 0 px.

Yes, that's right, your Reels video cover should be smaller than the video itself . This is because when your video appears, the cover's display size will be smaller to better fit the user's feed. Only when someone clicks on the video to open it in full screen on their phone is the content displayed in its full size. Therefore, using the wrong size cover can cause important information to be missing if it's larger than recommended. On the other hand, using a smaller cover can make it difficult to view the content and won't completely cover the video screen, creating an awkward viewing experience. Want to buy views for your videos but afraid it might work? Try our free trial of Instagram Reels views and discover how the service works in practice, without any risk of loss!

Other important sizes for Instagram Reels

Besides knowing the correct video size and the ideal Instagram Reels cover size, there are a few other details you need to know to better optimize your videos. Check them out below:

• Maximum video length: 3 minutes.
• Supported formats: MOV, MP4.
• Minimum resolution: 720 px.
• File size: 4 GB.
• Minimum frame rate: 30 FPS.

Remember that you can do most of the editing you need within Instagram's own video editor, which is quite feature-rich. You can even start editing your video and, if necessary, save it as a draft on Instagram to finish later. This way, you don't have to worry about interrupting your edits for any reason, as you won't lose the work you've already done. Now, if you feel you need an external video editor to finish your content, take a look at this other post: the 5 best free video editors for mobile .

Instagram Reels: video sizes in different locations

Now that you know the correct Instagram Reels cover size, it's also important to understand that your Reels videos can be displayed in 3 different sizes, depending on where they appear on the platform: the Instagram explorer, the feed, and Instagram Reels itself, where the full videos are displayed.

Instagram reels

Here, your videos appear in full size, in a 9:16 aspect ratio, filling the screen of most users' smartphones. This is because this viewing size was specifically designed to be optimized for the screen size of most mobile phone models used. Remember that Instagram traffic happens mostly via mobile, with only 20% of users, on average, using Instagram Web . This format is ideal for immersive experiences. But remember: it's very easy for Instagram users to skip a video to move on to the next one, due to the platform's infinite scrolling format. Therefore, it's crucial to optimize your videos well, understanding the correct Instagram Reels cover size. In addition to investing in quality content that grabs people's attention, you can even use other strategies, such as buying Brazilian comments for Instagram .

Instagram Explorer

Instagram's explore page is a space that shows content recommended to the user, according to their interests and behavior on the social network. Here, your videos may appear in square previews, in a 4:5 aspect ratio, or in vertical previews, depending on the organization of each user's explore tab. Therefore, it's also important to know the correct size for your Instagram Reels cover here. Since your thumbnail will be displayed to the user, it can attract their attention and lead them to click on your video to watch it in full screen. If the cover isn't the right size, the video thumbnail may lose its impact, becoming unattractive to users when they visit Instagram's explore tab.

Instagram feed

Instagram's algorithm also recommends Reels videos in users' feeds. Again, each person's feed is unique, and your video will be shown to those users that the algorithm understands may be interested in that content. This may or may not include your followers. In the Instagram feed, Reels also appear in a 4:5 aspect ratio, in a square format. But, unlike the Instagram explorer, here the videos appear larger, giving more prominence to the cover you add. Therefore, it's very important that you know the correct Instagram Reels cover size and keep the relevant information within the 1080x1080 area that will be displayed by the platform. Need to accelerate your growth? Try buying Instagram likes and watch your engagement grow rapidly!

Key factors for optimizing Instagram Reels

Besides knowing the correct Instagram Reels cover size, you should consider other factors to optimize your Reels videos. For example, captions, tags, and other details are located at the bottom of Reels, causing you to lose approximately 420px of useful viewing space. In other words, your viewers' eyes will focus more on these details. Another important point is the music. Choosing a trending song on Instagram , one that is popular at the time you publish your videos, will make the platform's algorithm recommend your video more to other users. This way, your performance will be even better. However, remember that trending songs on the platform change over time, so follow Instagram trends to know which sounds are most popular at the moment. Don't forget to use a clear title, use captions well (avoiding excessive text length, but explaining what is necessary), and insert the correct hashtags. These details make a big difference in your performance in practice, either expanding the reach of your content or harming the results of your video if it is poorly optimized.

Create a custom cover for your Instagram Reels.

It's very common for users to choose an image from the video as a cover. But Instagram allows you to upload a custom cover for your video, did you know? So, you can use the information you learned here about the correct Instagram Reels cover size to think of an attractive image for your video covers. In this cover image, you can include elements and triggers that encourage users to click on your video, including:

• A call to action that is creative and direct;
• Strategic choice of color palette (when in doubt, you can use your brand colors);
• Emojis and symbols.
• Image.

Think carefully about which elements are truly important for your cover, and to highlight your attention-grabbing element, place it in the center of the image. Ideally, use creativity, but don't overdo the number of elements included, as too much information can tire users, discouraging them from clicking on your video. If you're unsure about the correct Instagram Reels cover size, make a test video and see how it looks on your feed! Check out our essential Instagram download tools and start downloading your favorite videos, audios, and images today. It's free!

Reels are the most popular content on Instagram!

Instagram Reels videos are simply the most popular content on Instagram. It's in this part of the social network, created to compete directly with TikTok's short video platform, that users spend most of their time. That's why it's important to know the correct Instagram Reels cover size. After all, Reels can't be left out of your Instagram content strategy. Investing in creative, fun Reels or those with emotional triggers that capture the user's attention is essential for growth on Instagram , so take advantage of our tips on the correct Instagram Reels cover size and start creating them now!