InShot 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 InShot.
InShot to Instagram Reels
Shinel recommendation- Resolution
- 1080 x 1920
- Frame rate
- 30 fps, constant
- Codec
- H.264
- Bitrate
- Automatic (InShot has no bitrate field). Aim: 8 Mbps
- Keyframes
- Automatic (no setting in InShot)
- 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.
- InShot has no bitrate setting. It picks its own rate.
Step by step in InShot
- 1Tap Save at the top right.
- 2Choose the resolution 1080p vertical (higher options depend on your phone).
- 3Choose the frame rate 30 if your version shows it.
- 4Tap Save to start the export, and keep the app open until it finishes.
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.
- 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.
- InShot does not publish an export help page and offers no bitrate number. For a strict size cap, compress the result with HandBrake.
- Every re-export adds compression. Export once from the original clips.
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 InShot 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 InShot 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 InShot to Instagram Reels?
Instagram Reels has no published HDR upload path, so export SDR Rec. 709.
InShot 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.