VN export settings for Instagram Stories.
1080 x 1920 at 30 fps, H.264, 8 Mbps and AAC 128 kbps: here is why, and exactly where each setting lives in VN Video Editor.
VN to Instagram Stories
Shinel recommendation- Resolution
- 1080 x 1920
- Frame rate
- 30 fps, constant
- Codec
- H.264
- Bitrate
- Average Bitrate (Manual): target 8 Mbps (8000 kbps), max 12 Mbps
- Keyframes
- Automatic (no setting in VN)
- 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 Stories 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: 15.4 MB for 0:15.
Step by step in VN
- 1Tap Export at the top right of the editor.
- 2Switch from Auto to Manual.
- 3Resolution: 1080p vertical. FPS: 30.
- 4Average Bitrate: 8 Mbps. Set this last, because changing resolution or FPS resets it.
- 5Leave HDR off unless every clip was shot in HDR.
- 6Tap Export.
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 Stories upload limits
Each value links to where it was published.
Common mistakes
- Exporting a 16:9 timeline for Instagram Stories. Build the edit at 1080 x 1920 (9:16) from the start, or Instagram Stories 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 Stories. 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 Stories re-encodes it.
- Going over the length limit. Instagram Stories: 60 seconds via API; app offers a trimmer for videos over 60 s (help); ads up to 60 minutes, split into cards.
- Changing resolution, FPS or HDR resets the bitrate to automatic, so set Average Bitrate last.
- HDR on with SDR clips can shift colours; HDR off tone-maps HDR clips to SDR.
For comparison, YouTube publishes 8 Mbps for 1080p at 30 fps. Example length used for sizes: 0:15.
Frequently asked questions
What bitrate should I export from VN for Instagram Stories?
For 1080p vertical at 30 fps use about 8 Mbps (8000 kbps), VBR, 1 pass, with a maximum of 12 Mbps. Instagram Stories 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 Stories?
1080 x 1920 at 30 fps is a safe choice. Instagram Stories: 1440 x 2560 (ads spec); minimum width 250 px; API limit 1920 px horizontal. Frame rate: 23-60 fps (API); ads spec asks for a fixed frame rate.
What is the maximum file size and length on Instagram Stories?
File size: 100 MB via API; 4 GB (ads spec). Length: 60 seconds via API; app offers a trimmer for videos over 60 s (help); ads up to 60 minutes, split into cards.
Which codec should I pick in VN for Instagram Stories?
H.264, profile High, level 4.0, in an MP4 file. Instagram Stories lists: H.264 or HEVC, progressive scan, closed GOP, 4:2:0 (API); ads spec: H.264, square pixels.
Can I export HDR from VN to Instagram Stories?
Instagram Stories has no published HDR upload path, so export SDR Rec. 709.
VN for other platforms
Other editors for Instagram Stories
Hubs and tools
Shinel Studios
Rather send the footage and get Instagram Stories-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.