# Premiere Pro export settings for Instagram Reels

> Export Reels from Premiere Pro with a 9:16 sequence, H.264 and the Match Source - Adaptive High Bitrate preset. Exact menu steps and a file-size example.
- **Author**: Marxx
- **Published**: 2026-11-05
- **Category**: Ad specs
- **URL**: https://marxx.ai/library-guides/premiere-pro-export-settings-for-instagram-reels

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In Premiere Pro (now called Adobe Premiere), build a 9:16 sequence and choose File > Export > Media. Set Format to H.264 and start from the preset "Match Source - Adaptive High Bitrate" (checked 3 Nov 2026).

Meta asks for H.264, a fixed frame rate and AAC audio at 128 kbps or more on Reels ads.

## Make a 9:16 sequence

1. Choose File > New > Sequence and open the Settings tab.
2. Under Video, type the Frame Size. Use 1080 x 1920 or Meta's 1440 x 2560 for Reels ads.
3. Name the sequence and select OK.

Already cut a 16:9 edit? Select the sequence in the Project panel and choose Sequence > Auto Reframe Sequence. Pick a Target Aspect Ratio and a Motion Tracking speed. Premiere makes a copy in the "Auto Reframe Sequences" folder.

## Export steps

1. Select the sequence in the Timeline panel.
2. Choose File > Export > Media. The shortcut is Ctrl+M on Windows and Command+M on macOS.
3. Set Format to H.264. Adobe calls it recommended for most online videos.
4. Set Preset to "Match Source - Adaptive High Bitrate". Open the Preset menu and choose "More presets..." for others.
5. In the audio settings, keep AAC stereo at 128 kbps or higher.
6. Select Export, or "Send to Media Encoder".

Adobe's pages also say to connect each social account first if you want to publish from the Export screen.

## Bitrate and frame rate

Adobe describes two bitrate modes. CBR holds one fixed data rate and can lose quality on busy frames. VBR adapts to the picture, so it gives smaller files at the same quality but can export slower. Target Bitrate sets the overall rate in Mbps, and Maximum Bitrate caps VBR.

Adobe also warns that a frame rate different from your footage can add motion artifacts. Match your source.

## A worked example

Say you set a Target Bitrate of 10 Mbps for a 30-second Reel.

- Picture: 10 x 30 / 8 = 37.5 MB.
- Audio at 128 kbps: 0.128 x 30 / 8 = about 0.5 MB.
- Total: about 38 MB, far below Meta's 4 GB limit.

## Captions on export

In the Export screen's Captions section, "Burn Captions Into Video" puts the text in the picture. "Create Sidecar File" writes a separate .srt file. See [how to add auto captions in Premiere Pro](/guides/how-to-add-auto-captions-in-premiere-pro).

## Cost and a quick cut

Premiere is a subscription app, with a 7-day free trial on the single-app plan (checked 3 Nov 2026). See [Premiere Pro pricing](/prices/premiere-pro-pricing).

[Marxx's AI video editor](/features/ai-video-editor) can export an editable timeline for Premiere Pro. Cut fast in the browser, then finish in Premiere. We make Marxx.

## FAQ

### What is the best preset for Instagram Reels in Premiere Pro?

Start with H.264 and "Match Source - Adaptive High Bitrate". Check the size is 9:16 before you export.

### Does Premiere Pro have a Reels preset?

Adobe's pages we read do not name a vertical-specific export preset. The vertical size comes from your sequence's Frame Size.

### Why does my export look blurry?

Adobe warns that a frame rate different from your footage can add motion artifacts. Match the frame rate and the size to the source clip.

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