Upload problems
Instagram Reel upload rejected? Size, ratio, frame rate, fixes
Short answer
Instagram's help states that Reels should have a minimum frame rate of 30 fps, a minimum resolution of 720 pixels and an aspect ratio between 1.91:1 and 9:16. A Reel that is rejected or fails to upload is usually below those minimums, in an unusual codec, or hit by a connection or app problem. Re-export 1080 × 1920 at 30 fps in MP4 with H.264 and AAC.
Key takeaways
- Minimum 30 fps and 720 px resolution; aspect ratio between 1.91:1 and 9:16.
- Reels that break Community Standards may be removed, which is a separate issue from a failed upload.
- 1080 × 1920 at 30 fps in MP4 is a safe export.
Find your case
| What you see | What it usually means | Do this |
|---|---|---|
| Low-frame-rate clip rejected | Under 30 fps | Re-export at 30 fps (step 2) |
| Small clip fails | Under 720 px | Use the original, not a downscaled copy (step 2) |
| Very tall or very wide clip | Outside 1.91:1 to 9:16 | Reframe (step 3) |
| Upload hangs | Connection or app | Switch network and update the app (step 4) |
Fix it step by step
Read the file
ffprobe -hide_banner in.mp4lists frame rate, size and codecs.Export at the minimums or above
1080 × 1920 at 30 fps:
ffmpeg -i in.mov -vf scale=1080:1920 -r 30 -c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p -c:a aac -movflags +faststart out.mp4.Reframe to the allowed range
Instagram Reels should be between 1.91:1 and 9:16. Reframe anything outside that range.
Rule out the app and network
Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data, update Instagram, restart the phone and retry.
Before you retry
- Open the exported file and play it start to end.
- Keep the original for another export.
- Retry on Wi-Fi with the app open.
Check your file
Extension and MIME type are labels, not proof of the container. Dimensions and duration come from this browser's media reader. This does not detect codecs, bitrate, corruption or platform upload compatibility. Files and measurements are not sent anywhere.
Frequently asked questions
What are Instagram Reels' minimum requirements?
A frame rate of at least 30 fps and a resolution of at least 720 pixels, with an aspect ratio between 1.91:1 and 9:16.
Why does my Reel fail to upload?
The file is below the minimums or outside the aspect ratio range, or the connection or app is the problem.
Can Instagram remove my Reel?
Yes, Reels that do not follow Community Standards may be removed.
Sources
- Instagram Help: Reel size and aspect ratios (official, checked 2026-10-06)
Reviewed 2026-10-06. Steps not attributed to a source are general video practice or computed above.