Why is Instagram cropping my Reel? Causes & fixes
Compare the original with the full Reel and its feed or profile preview. Those placements may frame it differently. A 9:16 editing canvas can help plan a vertical version, but it is not proof of every current Reels display rule.
Check these first
- Source aspect ratio vs. Instagram's 9:16 for Reels
Likely causes
- Source isn't 9:16
When a video in a different shape is placed into a 9:16 frame, the player may crop, pad or scale it. Preview the exact placement; the editing target is not a universal acceptance rule.
Fix it
- Crop to 9:16 before uploading
The linked crop tool center-crops files up to 100 MB; check the generated copy before using it. Use your editor for an adjustable crop or padded canvas, and keep the original.
Crop video
Platform reference and evidence
These reference values have partial source coverage. Ratios and dimensions are editing guidance; account and upload-surface limits can differ. Approximate or unknown values do not certify eligibility.
- Platform
- Instagram Reels
- Editing ratio
- 9:16
- Max length
- current limit not reverified; check the Reels composer
- Max file size
- ~4 GB
Duration and size: reference and limitations. Approximate values still need confirmation in your composer.
The previous 90-second value is retained only as an editing preset. The current help page could not be reverified; this checker does not certify upload eligibility.
Format reference scope: Publishing API reference; current native upload support not reverified. Current source could not be reverified. Instagram content publishing documentation
Prepare a copy in Koldflux, review its output and check the current destination requirements before publishing.
Automate this in Koldflux