# Reels ad edit checklist > A copy-and-paste Reels ad edit checklist with Meta's size, safe-zone and file numbers, so you catch cut-off text and wrong sizes before you upload. - **Author**: Marxx - **Published**: 2026-11-06 - **Category**: Checklists - **URL**: https://marxx.ai/library-templates/reels-ad-edit-checklist --- Check four things before you upload a Reels ad: Meta's 9:16 size, text inside the safe zone, captions and an H.264 MP4. Copy the checklist below and tick it on the exported file. ## The checklist ``` REELS AD EDIT CHECKLIST: [ad name], [version] HOOK AND STORY [ ] The first 3 seconds show the product or the problem [ ] The offer appears before the last 3 seconds [ ] One call to action, matching the button under the ad TEXT [ ] Captions are on and match the voice [ ] No text or logo in the top 14% or bottom 35% [ ] No text in the outer 6% on each side SOUND [ ] The ad makes sense with the sound off [ ] The voice is louder than the music [ ] Meta's not-allowed list checked (see the table below) PICTURE AND FILE [ ] 9:16 vertical, full screen [ ] 1440 x 2560, the size Meta recommends for Reels [ ] MP4 or MOV, H.264, stereo AAC at 128 kbps or more [ ] Fixed frame rate, under 4 GB LAST LOOK [ ] Watched on a phone with the Reels buttons in mind ``` ## Meta's Reels numbers These come from Meta's Instagram Reels ad spec page (checked 3 Nov 2026). | Item | Meta's figure | |---|---| | Ratio | 9:16 | | Recommended size | 1440 x 2560 | | Minimum width | 250 px under 30 seconds, 500 px at 30 seconds or longer | | File types | MP4, MOV | | Maximum file size | 4 GB | | Length | 0 seconds to 15 minutes | | Listed as not allowed | Licensed music, face or camera effects, GIFs, product tags | | Safe zone | At least 14% of the top, 35% of the bottom and 6% on each side clear of text and logos | Meta strongly recommends sound for Reels. Its developer blog says over 75% of Reels views on Instagram are with sound on, so mix for sound and still add captions. See [Meta's Reels ads post](https://developers.facebook.com/blog/post/2024/11/07/unlock-the-power-of-reel-ads/). ## A worked example Say your Reel ad is 1080 x 1920. The pixel figures below are our arithmetic on Meta's percentages, not numbers from Meta. - Top margin: 14% of 1,920 = about 269 px. - Bottom margin: 35% of 1,920 = 672 px. - Side margin: 6% of 1,080 = about 65 px each. - Safe box: 1,080 - 65 - 65 = 950 px wide, and 1,920 - 269 - 672 = 979 px tall. Keep every line of text and the logo inside that 950 x 979 box. ## Make the check faster Marxx's [AI video editor](/features/ai-video-editor) shows safe-zone overlays for Reels, Stories, Shorts and TikTok. It also reframes a video for another placement in one request. We make Marxx. For the full list of placements, use the [video ad specs cheat sheet](/templates/video-ad-specs-cheat-sheet). For the structure of the ad itself, see [Reels ad structure templates](/templates/reels-ad-structure-templates) and [how to make Reels ads](/guides/how-to-make-reels-ads). If you also run Facebook Feed, read [9:16 vs 4:5 video ads](/compare/9-16-vs-4-5-video-ads). Meta lists a different ratio there. ## FAQ ### Do I need captions on a Reels ad? Meta lists captions as optional but recommended. Add them, because many people watch without sound. ### Which size does Meta recommend for Reels ads? 1440 x 2560 at 9:16, on Meta's Reels ad spec page (checked 3 Nov 2026). The minimum width is 250 px for ads under 30 seconds. --- - [More Checklists articles](https://marxx.ai/library-templates/category/checklists) - [All articles](https://marxx.ai/library-templates)