Trim Video for Instagram Reels
Instagram Reels can be up to 90 seconds long. Extract the best moments from your videos and create engaging Reels that can appear on the Explore page and reach new audiences beyond your followers.
Instagram Reels Requirements
- Duration: Up to 90 seconds
- Aspect ratio: 9:16 (vertical) recommended
- Resolution: 1080x1920 for best quality
- File size: Up to 4GB
- Format: MP4 or MOV recommended
Why Reels Beat Regular Posts
Instagram's algorithm heavily favors Reels over regular posts and Stories:
- Explore page exposure: Reels can reach users who don't follow you
- Dedicated Reels tab: Your content appears in a TikTok-style feed
- Higher engagement: Reels typically get 2-3x the reach of static posts
- Cross-platform potential: Same content can go to TikTok and YouTube Shorts
How to Trim for Instagram Reels
- 1 Load your video
Select your source video - any format works, Instagram accepts MP4 and MOV.
- 2 Select up to 90 seconds
Preview and find your best content. Use I/O keys to mark trim points.
- 3 Download and upload
Save your clip and upload to Instagram as a Reel. Add music, text, and effects in the app.
Reels Content Ideas
Behind the scenes
Show your process, workspace, or daily routine
Quick tutorials
Teach something valuable in under 90 seconds
Before/after
Transformations, edits, or progress clips
Trending sounds
Use popular audio for algorithm boost
Optimal Reel Lengths
| Length | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 7-15 seconds | Trending sounds, memes | High completion rate, good for loops |
| 15-30 seconds | Quick tips, showcases | Sweet spot for most content |
| 30-60 seconds | Mini tutorials, stories | Good for valuable content |
| 60-90 seconds | In-depth content | Use only if content demands it |
Shorter isn't always better, but completion rate matters. Keep it as long as it needs to be - no longer.
Note: Aspect Ratio
JustTrimVideo trims length but doesn't change aspect ratio. If your source is horizontal (16:9), you'll need to crop it to vertical (9:16) using Instagram's editor or another tool. Vertical phone recordings are already in the right format.
Ready to create Instagram Reels?
Go to the Video Trimmer →