Resize Video for Instagram Reels (9:16, 1080×1920)
Reels favors vertical 9:16 video. This workflow chooses the right fit mode so the subject stays visible and the output lands at 1080×1920.
Step-by-step
Choose 9:16 vertical
Open Video Resizer and select the 9:16 Reels/TikTok/Shorts target.
Pick crop or pad
Use crop when the subject can fill the vertical frame. Use pad when slides, captions, product screens, or full composition must remain visible.
Export at 1080×1920
Use 1080×1920 for Reels, TikTok, and Shorts. Keep frame rate the same as the source unless there is a specific reason to change it.
Recommended settings
| Aspect ratio | 9:16 vertical |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080 × 1920 |
| Fit mode | Crop for native look, pad for full-frame preservation |
| Codec / format | H.264 + AAC in MP4 |
Check before you publish
- Decide crop or pad before checking anything else. Cropping fills the frame and loses the sides; padding keeps everything and adds black bars that Instagram will not thank you for.
- Check the subject is still in frame throughout if you cropped, and that no burned-in text was cut off at the edges.
- Confirm the export is exactly 1080 x 1920. An odd size gets re-encoded on upload and loses detail for no reason.
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FAQ
Is crop or pad better for Reels?
Crop usually looks more native. Pad is safer for slides, product demos, subtitles, and footage where cutting edges would remove important information.
Can I use the same file for TikTok and Shorts?
Yes. 9:16 at 1080×1920 works well across Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts.
Does this run in my browser?
Yes — every step in this guide uses an in-browser FFmpeg WebAssembly tool. Your video never uploads to a server and never leaves your device.