How to Upload Instagram Reels: Complete Desktop & Mobile Guide

Instagram Reels has become one of the most powerful features for content creators, with over 200 billion Reels plays per day. Whether you're uploading from your phone or computer, this comprehensive guide will show you how to upload Instagram Reels the right way, optimize for maximum reach, and avoid common upload errors.

What Are Instagram Reels?

Instagram Reels are short-form vertical videos up to 90 seconds long, designed to compete with TikTok and YouTube Shorts. They appear in the dedicated Reels feed, on your profile grid, in the Explore page, and can be shared to your main feed and Stories, giving your content massive visibility across Instagram.

Instagram Reels Upload Requirements

Before uploading, ensure your video meets Instagram's specifications:

• Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (vertical) recommended for full-screen display
• Resolution: 1080x1920 pixels (Full HD vertical) recommended
• Duration: Up to 90 seconds (1 minute 30 seconds) maximum
• Format: MP4 or MOV format recommended
• File Size: Maximum 4GB per video
• Frame Rate: 30fps minimum, 60fps recommended for smooth motion

How to Upload Instagram Reels from Mobile

The Instagram mobile app is the most popular way to upload Reels with access to all editing features:

Step-by-Step Mobile Upload Process

1. Open the Instagram app and tap the '+' button
2. Select 'Reel' from the bottom menu
3. Tap the gallery icon in the bottom left to upload an existing video
4. Choose your video from your phone's camera roll (ensure it's under 90 seconds)
5. Trim the video if needed using the trim tool at the bottom
6. Add music, text, stickers, filters, or effects (optional)
7. Tap 'Next' when finished editing
8. Tap 'Add cover' to select or upload a custom thumbnail
9. Write a compelling caption (150 characters recommended for best engagement)
10. Add 10-15 relevant hashtags (e.g., #Reels #InstagramReels #YourNiche)
11. Choose cover image settings and whether to share to Feed
12. Tap 'Share' to publish immediately

How to Upload Instagram Reels from Desktop

Instagram now allows Reels uploads from desktop via instagram.com and Creator Studio, giving creators more flexibility:

Method 1: Upload via Instagram.com

1. Go to instagram.com and sign in to your account
2. Click the 'Create' button (+ icon) in the top navigation
3. Select 'Create' from the dropdown menu
4. Click 'Select from computer' and choose your video file
5. Instagram will auto-detect if it's a Reel-format video (vertical, under 90 seconds)
6. Crop or adjust the video as needed
7. Add a caption with hashtags
8. Select a cover image from the video frames
9. Choose accessibility and advanced settings
10. Click 'Share' to publish your Reel

Method 2: Upload via Meta Creator Studio

Creator Studio offers advanced features like scheduling and analytics:

1. Go to business.facebook.com/creatorstudio and sign in
2. Select your Instagram account from the left sidebar
3. Click 'Create' then select 'Reel'
4. Upload your video file (9:16 format, under 90 seconds)
5. Add your caption with hashtags
6. Upload or select a custom cover image
7. Choose to publish now or schedule for a later time
8. Click 'Publish' or 'Schedule' to finalize

How to Add Custom Thumbnails to Instagram Reels

Custom cover images make your Reels stand out on your profile grid and in search results. Here's how to add them:

Creating the Perfect Reel Cover

• Dimensions: Create a 1080x1920 (9:16) image for perfect display
• Design: Use bold text, vibrant colors, and high contrast
• Branding: Keep consistent style across all Reels for cohesive profile grid
• Upload: During the upload process, tap "Add cover" and upload from your camera roll

Instagram Reels Caption and Hashtag Strategy

Writing Effective Captions

While Instagram allows 2,200 characters for captions, the first 150 characters are most important as they appear without the "more" button. Front-load your caption with the most compelling information, a hook, or a question to drive engagement.

Hashtag Best Practices for Reels

• Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post
• Use 10-15 relevant hashtags for optimal reach without appearing spammy
• Mix popular and niche hashtags (#Reels + #YourSpecificNiche)
• Always include #Reels and #InstagramReels
• Research hashtags with moderate competition (100K-1M posts) for better visibility

Music and Audio Best Practices for Instagram Reels

Audio is crucial for Reels success. Here's how to optimize your audio strategy:

Using Trending Audio

• Trending sounds significantly boost your Reels' reach and discoverability
• Browse Instagram's audio library to find trending tracks
• Look for the arrow icon next to audio names indicating trending status
• Create original audio for potential viral moments (others can use your audio)

Important Audio Considerations

• Copyright: Use only licensed music from Instagram's library or royalty-free tracks
• Business accounts: May have limited access to copyrighted music
• Desktop uploads: Add music before uploading as desktop has limited editing features

Common Instagram Reels Upload Errors (And Fixes)

Error: "Upload Failed" or "Couldn't Upload Video"

Solutions: Check your internet connection (switch to WiFi), verify video format is MP4 or MOV, ensure file size is under 4GB, clear Instagram app cache, update the app to the latest version, or try uploading from a different device.

Error: "Video Too Long" or Not Showing as Reel

Solution: Trim your video to 90 seconds or less using a video editing tool. Instagram Reels must be under 90 seconds to be classified as a Reel. Videos longer than 90 seconds will post as regular videos instead.

Error: Video Stuck on "Processing"

Solutions: Wait 10-15 minutes (high-quality files take longer to process), check your internet connection stability, close and reopen the app, reduce video file size or resolution, or try uploading during off-peak hours when Instagram servers are less busy.

Error: "Audio Not Available" for Business Accounts

Solution: This is a known limitation for business/creator accounts with copyrighted music. Switch to a personal account temporarily, use original audio, or choose music from Instagram's commercial music library. Alternatively, add audio to your video before uploading.

Frequently Asked Questions

Start Uploading Instagram Reels Like a Pro

Now you know exactly how to upload Instagram Reels from both mobile and desktop, create custom thumbnails, optimize captions and hashtags, and troubleshoot common errors. Remember to use trending audio, post consistently, and leverage Instagram's algorithm by engaging with your audience. If you're managing content across multiple platforms, check out our guide on how to upload YouTube Shorts and our cross-platform posting strategy guide to maximize your reach.