# Instagram Reels ad specs

> Instagram Reels ads are 9:16 MP4 or MOV files, 1440 x 2560, up to 4 GB and 15 minutes, with 44 characters of text. Safe zone and ad rules, checked 3 Nov 2026.
- **Author**: Marxx
- **Published**: 2026-11-05
- **Category**: Ad specs
- **URL**: https://marxx.ai/library-guides/instagram-reels-ad-specs

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Instagram Reels ads are 9:16 MP4 or MOV files at 1440 x 2560, up to 4 GB and 15 minutes (checked 3 Nov 2026). Meta lists 44 characters of primary text.

## The specs

| Item | Instagram Reels ad |
|---|---|
| Aspect ratio | 9:16 |
| Recommended size | 1440 x 2560 |
| Minimum size | 250 px wide under 30 s, 500 px wide at 30 s or longer |
| File types | MP4, MOV |
| Max file size | 4 GB |
| Length | 0 seconds to 15 minutes |
| Primary text | 44 characters |
| Video | H.264, square pixels, fixed frame rate, progressive scan |
| Audio | Stereo AAC, 128 kbps or higher |
| Captions | Optional, recommended |
| Sound | Strongly recommended |

Source: Meta's [Instagram Reels ad guide](https://en-gb.facebook.com/business/ads-guide/update/video/instagram-reels). Meta gives no frame rate number and no video bitrate. See [Reels export settings](/guides/best-export-settings-for-instagram-reels) for how to set them.

## What Reels ads cannot have

Meta's spec page lists these limits.

- No Reels published before 15 Oct 2021
- No licensed music
- No face or camera effects
- No GIFs
- No product tags

## Safe zone

Meta says to leave at least 14% of the top, 35% of the bottom and 6% on each side clear of text and logos. Its Reels ads page offers a Reels Safe Zone Checker as PowerPoint, Photoshop and Keynote files. The [Reels safe zone](/guides/instagram-reels-safe-zone) page turns the percentages into pixels.

## Sound

Meta's Reels ads page says ads play with sound on by default, and you can pick up to five songs. Its developer blog says [over 75% of Reels views on Instagram are sound on](https://developers.facebook.com/blog/post/2024/11/07/unlock-the-power-of-reel-ads/). Plan your audio, and add captions for anyone watching muted.

## A worked example

Say your primary text is "Steel bottle that never leaks. Order today and get INR 200 off." That is 60 characters. Meta lists 44 for Reels, so cut it.

"Leak-proof steel bottle. INR 200 off today." is 40 characters and fits.

## Ads versus normal Reels

- A normal Reel can run up to 20 minutes. Instagram says Reels over 3 minutes are not recommended to new audiences.
- An older Instagram help page on boosting a Reel says 9:16 and 90 seconds or less. We saw it only in a search summary. It predates Meta's ad guide, so follow the ad guide.

To plan the creative, read [how to make Reels ads](/guides/how-to-make-reels-ads).

## Safe-zone overlays

[Marxx's AI video editor](/features/ai-video-editor) has safe-zone overlays for Reels and adds auto-captions. We make Marxx.

## FAQ

### What size is a Reels ad?

9:16. Meta's Reels page recommends 1440 x 2560 pixels.

### How long can a Reels ad be?

Meta's spec page lists 0 seconds to 15 minutes.

### Can I use licensed music in a Reels ad?

No. Meta's spec page says Reels ads should not use licensed music.

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