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THE BEST INSTAGRAM VIDEO COVER IMAGE SIZE IN 2026

The best video cover image size for Instagram in 2026.

The most optimal image size dimensions/pixels aspect ratio for Instagram video covers.

Brought to you by Mau, a senior Instagram marketing specialist at eDigital.

THE BEST INSTAGRAM VIDEO COVER IMAGE SIZE IN 2026

Before you start using the most optimal Instagram video cover image size, let me tell you something you may find hard to admit:

Social media platforms are mugging you in broad daylight 🔫 while you thank them for the privilege.

Their algorithms show your “viral” content to roughly the same audience who’d notice if you screamed into your office printer: Mark from the branding team who does not even know your name. 😵

You own nothing 🤡 on your social media accounts.

You’re renting followers from landlords who charge you extra just to talk to your own audience.

It’s like building a mansion on rented land: expensive, temporary, and the landlord can bulldoze it whenever they update their “community guidelines”. 🏠💥

Meanwhile, top social media platforms’ owners are swimming in pools filled with your ad spend. 🏊‍♂️💰

Your current situation:
❌ Zero follower data ownership 📊❌
❌ Organic reach = no-one watching! 🕵️‍♂️
❌ Ad costs rising faster than your therapy bills 📈💀
❌ Followers “export” button? Pure fantasy 🦄

The intervention your marketing needs:
✅ Stop being social media’s favourite ATM 🏧❌
✅ Own your audience (revolutionary concept!) 👑
✅ Lower your customer acquisition costs 💰
✅ Build marketing systems that you own and control 🤖❤️

Throwing money at social ads hoping for results is expensive self-harm with the worse ROI. 🔥

Ready to break up with social media algorithmic abuse?

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THE BEST IMAGE SIZE FOR INSTAGRAM VIDEO COVERS IN 2026

Instagram ditched the IGTV section in October 2021 and now you should optimise the cover image for the new Instagram video section.

Below are video cover image examples of one of the top 10 most-followed brands on Instagram: Nike.

All your Instagram followers and profile visitors will notice your Instagram video section as long as you use the best and most optimal cover image photo size dimension.

Uploading the best image size for your new Instagram video section cover will ensure you show a very professional Instagram profile, especially for brands that bring massive sales from Instagram or influencers looking to expand their video services to brands.

Marketers are using the best time to post on Instagram

What is the best size dimension for the new Instagram video cover image?

The most optimal Instagram video cover image size in 2026 is 1080 × 1920 pixels (vertical, 9:16 aspect ratio).

This video cover image size ensures your cover looks sharp across Reels, Stories, and the feed grid without cropping issues. ✅

The best Instagram Video Cover Image Specs (2026)

• Standard size: 1080 × 1920 px (vertical, 9:16)
• Safe zone for text/logos: Keep important elements within the center 1080 × 1350 px area so they display properly in the feed grid
• File type: JPG or PNG
• File size limit: Under 30 MB for smooth uploads
• Resolution: High-quality (minimum 72 dpi, ideally 300 dpi for crispness)

Why this Instagram video cover image size is optimal

• Reels dominance: Instagram prioritizes Reels, which are vertical-first. A 9:16 cover ensures full-screen impact.
• Grid compatibility: While Reels are vertical, Instagram’s profile grid crops covers to a 1:1 square. That’s why keeping text/logos centered is critical.
• Cross-format consistency: The same cover size works across Reels, Stories, and IGTV, avoiding the need for multiple versions.

Pro tips for better Instagram video covers ⚡

• Design with dual framing: Place your subject in the vertical frame but ensure the central square looks good too.
• Avoid edges for text: Anything near the top/bottom edges may get cut off in previews.
• Use bold visuals: Covers should “stop the scroll”, high contrast, clear subject, minimal clutter.

👉 In short: Stick to 1080 × 1920 pixels, keep your key elements centered, and design with both vertical and square crops in mind. That way, your Instagram video covers will look polished everywhere they appear.

Note: do not be confused with Reels as the best cover image/photo size for an Instagram Reel is 420 x 654 (or 1:1.55 ratio).

Below are video cover image examples of one of the top 10 most popular brands on Instagram: National Geographic (Natgeo) for desktop viewing the video cover photo/image is optimised with a square image.

When uploading your video, Instagram will allow you to:

1. Choose a frame from your video as a cover image or
2. Choose an image from your phone’s camera roll

How to upload a cover image for your Instagram video

Before you start, get your preferred video cover image ready in your camera roll. (Ideally square size so Instagram does not crop it).

Below I will also show you what happens when I upload a video cover image size that is not square.

Steps:

1.  Open the Instagram app
2. Click on the + symbol (top right)
3. Select “Post”
4. Select your video from your camera roll
5. Click next
6. Two options will appear Post and Reel.
7. Select “Post”
8. Select a filter, mute your video or trim your video if you wish (optional)
9. An initial image with the word: cover at the bottom of it will appear. Click on “Cover”

Instagram creators checked out the exclusive list of world’s top 10 most-followed influencers on Instagram.

I selected a short sunset video and I want to upload a funny custom cover image to it.

10. Instagram will show you multiple images from your video you can choose from or you can also click the + symbol and add an image from your camera roll
11. Click on: + Add From Camera Roll.
12. Select your preferred cover image from your camera roll.

I selected a sexy “Borat on a green mankini” image. The image size is 234 x 400 pixels.

13. Click on “Done”
14. A preview of the new (just updated) video cover image will now be shown.
15. White your caption, tag people, ad location, add to a video series, etc.
16. Click “Share”
17. Viola! You have successfully added a custom cover image to your video on Instagram

Instagram creators are using the best social media strategy plan template.

Did you notice Borat’s face and shoes are not shown?

That’s because if you do not upload a square image as your video cover image, Instagram will automatically crop the image and make it square.

⭐️ Tip: if you are running a promotion, deal or offer, make sure you upload a video cover image square size 650 x 650 pixels. If your video is longer than 60 seconds, a preview of it (the first 60 seconds) will appear in the feed. Once the preview has finished, the video pauses and viewers will need to tap “Keep watching” to continue watching the full video. If you share a preview of your video, the preview will show a 4:5 centre crop.

Marketers are using the best social media strategy plan template.

Conclusion

Instagram video covers play an important role in capturing users’ attention, conveying the essence of the video content, maintaining a consistent brand identity, and ultimately driving video engagement.

Using the most optimal video cover image size for your videos on Instagram can significantly impact how users interact with your videos on Instagram.

Final note📝: Are your marketing costs through the roof? 🚀💸

If your customer acquisition costs are climbing faster than a startup founder’s ego 📈😎 (post‑IPO champagne still in hand 🍾), and you’re hooked on paid ads like a reality TV star or a Tinder date who keeps accepting your dinner invites 🍝🍷 but never calls you back 📵💔…

If that sounds like you 👀👂🏼, you should definitely contact us 🧠💬📞

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Ready to start marketing like a boss? Let’s talk 🚀👊

THE NEW OPTIMAL INSTAGRAM VIDEO COVER IMAGE SIZE DIMENSION IN 2026

was brought to you by Mau
Mau‘s an Instagram marketer who delivers killer digital marketing strategy workshops and best social media training so good, even your grandma will get it.

5k+ smart marketers who love stealing good ideas receive Mau’s weekly email, while others tired of guessing use Mau’s Digital Marketing Plan and Social Media Plan templates.

Mau’s “Escaping Capitalism” trip 🌎 ✈️  is leaving questionable life choices on TikTok & YouTube