How to upload Reels in high quality

Reels that look blurry or compressed hurt the viewing experience and the chance the algorithm will show them. Good quality starts with correct capture and settings and ends with correct upload. Here's how to preserve it.

When it matters

• Upload from low resolution – A file uploaded at 720p or less looks weak on larger screens.
• Double compression – Editing in another app with strong compression, then Instagram compresses again.
• Lighting and exposure – Dark or spotty video looks unprofessional even at good resolution.
• Aspect ratio – Reels need 9:16 (vertical). If you upload 16:9, you get bars or non-ideal cropping.

How to upload Reels in high quality – step by step

1. Record or export at 1080p – In camera: choose 1080p (Full HD) or higher. In editing: export at 1080x1920, 9:16.

2. Upload directly from the device – When possible, upload from the gallery of the same device that recorded, without going through apps that compress.

3. Pick the high-quality file – In the gallery don't choose a "low" or "space-saving" version. Pick the original or maximum quality file.

4. Avoid heavy editing outside Instagram – If you edit in another app, export at high quality (e.g. H.264, 1080p) before upload.

5. Lighting and stability – Before upload: stable video (tripod or steady hand) and reasonable lighting improve the professional look.

Common mistakes

• Uploading a file saved "for sending" or "social media" – Apps often reduce quality. Export "original" or "high."
• Cropping and resizing aggressively in Instagram – Light cropping is fine; changing aspect ratio or heavy zoom can hurt quality.
• Ignoring lighting – Even 4K video with bad lighting looks weak. Add light or film in daylight.

Summary

To upload Reels in high quality: record or export at 1080p (9:16), upload directly from the device, choose high-quality files and avoid unnecessary compression. Lighting and stability improve the result.

Next steps

• How to make Reels on Instagram – Reels basics
• How to save Reels as draft – draft before publishing
• How to add subtitles to Reels – accessibility