# How to edit Reels for Instagram

> Edit a Reel for Instagram: cut to a hook, frame 9:16, add captions in the safe zone and export from the Edits app. With Meta's size and safe zone for Reels ads.
- **Author**: Marxx
- **Published**: 2026-11-12
- **Category**: Video editing
- **URL**: https://marxx.ai/library-guides/how-to-edit-reels-for-instagram

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To edit a Reel, cut it to 9:16 with the hook in the first three seconds, add captions in the safe zone, then export. For Reels ads, Meta recommends 1440 x 2560 and keeping text out of the top 14%, bottom 35% and sides 6%.

## Steps in the Edits app

Edits is Instagram's own editor for iPhone and Android. Instagram says its exports have no watermark (checked 3 Nov 2026).

1. Open Edits. Tap the Projects icon at the bottom, then tap a project to open the editing view.
2. Cut the clips so the hook plays first. Trim pauses and repeated lines.
3. Tap Captions in the bottom tools row. Set the spoken language, the caption style and the transcription controls. Tap Generate captions.
4. To change them, select the captions layer. Then tap Style, Edit, Opacity, Bilingual or Move.
5. Tap the resolution label at the top right. Set the resolution, frame rate and colour.
6. Tap Next, then Download. Tap Share to Instagram to post it as a Reel.

Edits on iPhone needs iOS 16.3 or later. See [how to add captions to video ads](/guides/how-to-add-captions-to-video-ads) for what to check before you post.

We make Marxx. [Marxx's AI video editor](/features/ai-video-editor) runs in the browser, shows safe-zone overlays for Reels and Stories and exports an MP4 with a Meta ads preset. Cut is $9 a month at launch prices (checked 3 Nov 2026).

## Reels ad specs

| Item | Reels ad spec (checked 3 Nov 2026) |
|---|---|
| Aspect ratio | 9:16 |
| Recommended size | 1440 x 2560 |
| File types | MP4 or MOV |
| Maximum file size | 4 GB |
| Length | Up to 15 minutes |
| Video and audio | H.264, fixed frame rate, stereo AAC at 128 kbps or more |
| Captions and sound | Captions optional but recommended. Sound strongly recommended |
| Not allowed in Reels ads | Licensed music, GIFs, face or camera effects |

Source: Meta's [Reels ad specs](https://en-gb.facebook.com/business/ads-guide/update/video/instagram-reels). For hook and caption tips on ads, see [how to make Reels ads](/guides/how-to-make-reels-ads) and [how to write ad hooks](/guides/how-to-write-ad-hooks). To pick a size, see [9:16 vs 4:5 video ads](/compare/9-16-vs-4-5-video-ads). For other apps, see the [best video editors for Instagram Reels](/best/best-video-editors-for-instagram-reels).

## A worked example

Say your frame is 1080 x 1920. Meta's safe zone leaves this much clear:

- Top: 14% of 1920 = 269 px
- Bottom: 35% of 1920 = 672 px
- Each side: 6% of 1080 = 65 px

The text area is then 950 px wide (1080 - 65 - 65) and 979 px tall (1920 - 269 - 672). Keep captions and logos inside that box. The pixel figures are our arithmetic, not Meta's.

## FAQ

### Does the Edits app add a watermark?

Instagram says Edits exports have no watermark (checked 3 Nov 2026).

### How long can a Reel be?

Instagram lets you record and edit up to 20 minutes. Reels over 3 minutes will not be recommended to new audiences, so aim for 3 minutes or less.

### Can a Reels ad use trending music?

Meta's Reels ad spec does not allow licensed music in Reels ads. Use music you have the right to use.

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