DaVinci Resolve 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 DaVinci Resolve.
DaVinci Resolve to Instagram Reels
Shinel recommendation- Resolution
- 1080 x 1920
- Frame rate
- 30 fps, constant
- Codec
- H.264, profile High, level 4.0
- Bitrate
- Restrict to (max data rate): target 8 Mbps (8000 kbps), max 12 Mbps
- Keyframes
- Every 2 s = 60 frames, 2 B-frames, closed GOP
- Audio
- AAC-LC, 128 kbps, 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.
Step by step in DaVinci Resolve
- 1Open the Deliver page (rocket icon at the bottom of the window).
- 2In Render Settings choose Custom Export, then set Filename and Location, and choose Single clip.
- 3Video: Format MP4, Codec H.264. Pick the hardware encoder if your GPU offers one, else Native.
- 4Resolution 1080 x 1920, Frame rate 30.
- 5Quality: choose Restrict to and type 8000 Kb/s (Resolve takes kilobits, so 8 Mbps = 8000).
- 6Encoding Profile: High. Key Frames: choose Every and type 60 frames.
- 7Advanced Settings: Data Levels Auto, Color Space Tag and Gamma Tag Same as Project (Rec. 709 (BT.709), 8-bit 4:2:0, limited (TV) range).
- 8Audio: Codec AAC, Data Rate 128 kb/s, Sample Rate 48000.
- 9Click Add to Render Queue, then Render All.
Bitrate at other resolutions
Same settings, different size or frame rate.
| Resolution | 30 fps | 60 fps |
|---|---|---|
| 720p | 5 Mbps, level 3.1 | 7.5 Mbps, level 3.2 |
| 1080p | 8 Mbps, level 4.0 | 12 Mbps, level 4.2 |
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.
- Typing 2 into DaVinci Resolve's keyframe field. It counts frames, not seconds: at 30 fps that is 60.
- Entering 8 in a Kbps field. DaVinci Resolve takes kilobits: 8 Mbps is 8000.
- 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.
- Restrict to is in Kb/s, not Mb/s: 20 Mbps is 20000.
- Key Frames are counted in frames, not seconds: multiply seconds by the frame rate.
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 DaVinci Resolve 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 DaVinci Resolve 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 DaVinci Resolve to Instagram Reels?
Instagram Reels has no published HDR upload path, so export SDR Rec. 709.
DaVinci Resolve for other platforms
- DaVinci Resolve for YouTube
- DaVinci Resolve for YouTube Shorts
- DaVinci Resolve for Instagram Stories
- DaVinci Resolve for Instagram feed video
- DaVinci Resolve for Facebook Reels
- DaVinci Resolve for Facebook feed video
- DaVinci Resolve for TikTok
- DaVinci Resolve for Snapchat Spotlight
- DaVinci Resolve for X (Twitter)
- DaVinci Resolve for LinkedIn
- DaVinci Resolve for Pinterest video Pins
- DaVinci Resolve for Threads
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.