Shotcut 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 Shotcut.
Shotcut to Instagram Reels
Shinel recommendation- Resolution
- 1080 x 1920
- Frame rate
- 30 fps, constant
- Codec
- H.264, profile High, level 4.0
- Bitrate
- Average Bitrate + Dual pass: 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 Shotcut
- 1Settings > Video Mode: pick 1080 x 1920 at 30 fps (or Custom > Add to make it).
- 2Open the Export panel and choose the stock preset YouTube (H.264/AAC MP4), then click Advanced.
- 3Video tab: Resolution 1080 x 1920, Frames/sec 30, Scan mode Progressive.
- 4Codec tab: Codec libx264. Rate control Average Bitrate + Dual pass, Bitrate 8M.
- 5Codec tab: GOP 60 frames, B frames 2. Tick Dual pass if you chose Average Bitrate.
- 6Audio tab: 2 (stereo), 48000 Hz, aac, 128k.
- 7Click Export Video/Audio, name the file and save. Progress shows in the Jobs panel.
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 Shotcut's keyframe field. It counts frames, not seconds: at 30 fps that is 60.
- 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.
- Rate control, bitrate and GOP live on the Codec tab, not the Video tab.
- The stock YouTube preset uses quality-based VBR with a GOP of 15 frames; change it if a platform wants 2-second keyframes.
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 Shotcut for Instagram Reels?
For 1080p vertical at 30 fps use about 8 Mbps (8000 kbps), VBR, 2 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 Shotcut 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 Shotcut to Instagram Reels?
Instagram Reels has no published HDR upload path, so export SDR Rec. 709.
Shotcut 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.