Use the whole screen
Reels are designed as immersive vertical media, so start with a genuine 9:16 composition.
Instagram Reels · 2027 planning guide
Instagram Reel size 2027: design 9:16, then check the interface
The current full-screen Reel canvas is 9:16. A 1080 × 1920 master gives designers a clean vertical production file, but the important part is keeping critical content clear of captions and interaction controls.
2027 planning guideBased on current platform guidance reviewed 27 September 2026. We’ll update this page when platform specifications or UI change.
Instagram Reel dimensions for current production
Use a full-screen 9:16 master and judge the creative with the Reel interface visible, not as an isolated video frame.
| Format | Dimensions | Ratio | Design note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reel canvas | 1080 × 1920 px | 9:16 | Recommended full-screen production size. |
| Minimum quality target | At least 720p | 9:16 | Keep source media high enough quality to avoid visibly soft output after platform processing. |
| UI-aware content | Central visual area | — | Keep essential type and subjects away from the caption/actions area and top controls. |
| Cover / grid check | Preview separately | — | The Reel cover may be framed differently away from the full-screen Reel view. |
Design for motion and platform chrome together
Keep type out of the controls
Do not use the bottom-right actions or caption zone as safe real estate for essential copy.
Check still and motion states
Review both the moving creative and any key first/cover frame used in decks or approvals.
What designers need to know
A Reel mockup is more than a 1080 × 1920 rectangle
Many template libraries get the video size right but leave designers reviewing the artwork without the current platform UI. That can hide clashes between captions, buttons, account details and the creative itself.
For 2027 work, the safer workflow is to keep one clean 9:16 master and preview it inside the current Reel-style interface before approval.
Preview it properly
Put the Reel UI back on top of the creative
MockUp Buddy lets you preview the content where the account details, captions and interaction controls actually compete for space.
Preview an Instagram ReelFrequently asked questions
What is the Instagram Reel size for 2027?
Based on current guidance, use 1080 × 1920 pixels at a 9:16 aspect ratio.
Are Instagram Reels and Stories the same size?
They share the same 9:16 production canvas, but the interfaces are different and should be checked separately.
Should text go all the way to the edges?
No. Keep important text and branding away from interface controls and mobile-screen edges.
Related guides
SOCIAL MEDIA MOCKUPS THAT LOOK LIKE SOCIAL MEDIA TODAY.
Check the spec. Then see the creative in context.
Use MockUp Buddy to preview your artwork inside a current platform-style interface before it goes into the deck or goes live.
Preview an Instagram Reel →