Clipchamp export settings for Instagram Reels.
1080 x 1920 at 30 fps, H.264, 8 Mbps and AAC 128 kbps: here is why, and exactly where each setting lives in Microsoft Clipchamp.
Clipchamp to Instagram Reels
Shinel recommendation- Resolution
- 1080 x 1920
- Frame rate
- 30 fps, constant
- Codec
- H.264
- Bitrate
- Automatic (Clipchamp has no bitrate field). Aim: 8 Mbps
- Keyframes
- Automatic (no setting in Clipchamp)
- Audio
- AAC-LC, default bitrate, 48 kHz, stereo
- Colour
- Rec. 709 (BT.709), 8-bit 4:2:0, limited (TV) range
- Container
- MP4 with Fast Start (moov atom at the front)
Instagram Reels publishes no bitrate. This follows YouTube's published table for the resolution, which every major platform handles well. Meta re-encodes every upload, so more bitrate than this mostly adds upload time.
Estimated size: 46.2 MB for 0:45.
- Clipchamp has no bitrate setting. It picks its own rate.
Step by step in Clipchamp
- 1Set the project aspect ratio to match 1080 x 1920 (the ratio button beside the preview).
- 2Click Export at the top right of the editor.
- 3Choose 1080p vertical (1080p is the highest free option; 4K needs a paid plan).
- 4The file downloads to your computer. Work accounts save it to OneDrive first.
Bitrate at other resolutions
Same settings, different size or frame rate.
| Resolution | 30 fps | 60 fps |
|---|---|---|
| 720p | 5 Mbps, level 3.1 | 5 Mbps, level 3.1 |
| 1080p | 8 Mbps, level 4.0 | 8 Mbps, level 4.0 |
Instagram Reels upload limits
Each value links to where it was published.
Common mistakes
- Exporting a 16:9 timeline for Instagram Reels. Build the edit at 1080 x 1920 (9:16) from the start, or Instagram Reels adds bars or crops your edges.
- Exporting at 50+ Mbps "for quality". Meta re-encodes everything and its own spec tops out at 25 Mbps for Reels and Stories; a huge file just uploads slower.
- Uploading HDR (10-bit PQ/HLG) to Instagram Reels. There is no published HDR path, so colours can look washed out; export SDR Rec. 709.
- Leaving phone footage at a variable frame rate. Export at a constant 30 fps, or audio drifts and motion stutters after Instagram Reels re-encodes it.
- Clipchamp always exports at 30 fps; 60 fps footage is converted to 30.
- Resolution is the only setting. For a size cap, compress the download with HandBrake.
For comparison, YouTube publishes 8 Mbps for 1080p at 30 fps. Example length used for sizes: 0:45.
Frequently asked questions
What bitrate should I export from Clipchamp for Instagram Reels?
For 1080p vertical at 30 fps use about 8 Mbps (8000 kbps), VBR, 1 pass, with a maximum of 12 Mbps. Instagram Reels publishes no bitrate. This follows YouTube's published table for the resolution, which every major platform handles well. Meta re-encodes every upload, so more bitrate than this mostly adds upload time.
What resolution and frame rate should I use for Instagram Reels?
1080 x 1920 at 30 fps is a safe choice. Instagram Reels: 1440 x 2560 (ads spec); minimum 720 px (help); API limit is 1920 px horizontal. Frame rate: Minimum 30 fps (help); API accepts 23-60 fps.
What is the maximum file size and length on Instagram Reels?
File size: 300 MB via the Content Publishing API; 4 GB in Ads Manager (ads spec). In-app limit not published. Length: Record and edit up to 20 minutes in the app; reels over 3 minutes are not recommended to new audiences. API: 15 minutes.
Which codec should I pick in Clipchamp for Instagram Reels?
H.264, profile High, level 4.0, in an MP4 file. Instagram Reels lists: H.264 or HEVC, progressive scan, closed GOP, 4:2:0 chroma subsampling (API).
Can I export HDR from Clipchamp to Instagram Reels?
Instagram Reels has no published HDR upload path, so export SDR Rec. 709.
Clipchamp for other platforms
Other editors for Instagram Reels
Hubs and tools
Shinel Studios
Rather send the footage and get Instagram Reels-ready edits back?
Our editors cut, caption, colour and export to each platform's spec, with 2 revision rounds. Shorts come back in 48-72 hours, long videos in 5-10 days.