Free Instagram Reels Safe Zone Checker — Test UI Overlay
Upload your Reels thumbnail or screenshot to see which areas are covered by Instagram's UI elements. Optimize text placement, faces, and calls-to-action for maximum visibility.
Check Your Instagram Reels Safe Zones
Click to upload or drag and drop
PNG, JPG up to 10MB (9:16 ratio recommended)
Your Reels with Safe Zone Overlay
What is the Instagram Reels Safe Zone?
The Instagram Reels safe zone refers to the areas of your vertical video (9:16 aspect ratio) that remain visible and aren't covered by Instagram's UI elements like profile pictures, captions, engagement buttons (like, comment, share, save), and audio information.
This free Instagram Reels safe zone checker helps you visualize exactly where Instagram overlays interface elements on your content, so you can optimize text placement, faces, logos, and calls-to-action for maximum visibility and engagement.
Why Check Instagram Reels Safe Zones?
Instagram automatically overlays UI elements on top of your Reels content. If you place important elements in areas covered by these overlays, viewers won't see them clearly. This affects:
- Text readability: Captions or on-screen text covered by UI buttons
- Faces visibility: Profile pictures blocking faces in your content
- CTA effectiveness: Call-to-action text hidden behind engagement buttons
- Branding: Logos or watermarks obscured by Instagram's interface
Instagram Reels UI Overlay Areas
Top Left (Profile Area)
Profile picture, username, and "Follow" button appear in the top left corner. Avoid placing important content here.
Right Side (Engagement)
Like, comment, share, and save buttons stack vertically on the right side. Keep text and faces away from this area.
Bottom (Caption & Audio)
Caption text and audio information appear at the bottom. Ensure CTAs and important text stay above this zone.
How to Use the Instagram Reels Safe Zone Checker
Upload Your Image
Upload a thumbnail, screenshot, or frame from your Instagram Reel (9:16 vertical format recommended).
View Safe Zones
The tool overlays Instagram's UI elements on your image so you can see exactly what's covered and what remains visible.
Optimize Your Content
Adjust text placement, logos, faces, or CTAs to stay within safe zones for maximum visibility and engagement.
Best Practices for Instagram Reels Content
Center Important Elements
Keep faces, text, logos, and calls-to-action in the center of your frame. Avoid placing them in the top 20%, bottom 25%, or right 15% of your video.
Use High-Contrast Text
If you add text overlays, use high-contrast colors (white text on dark backgrounds or vice versa) and place them in the safe zone for readability.
Test Before Posting
Always preview your Reel with this safe zone checker before publishing to ensure all important content is visible.
Now you know how to check Instagram Reels safe zones and optimize your content for maximum visibility. This tool helps creators ensure their text, faces, and CTAs aren't covered by Instagram's interface.
Last updated: November 24, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions About Instagram Reels Safe Zones
What is the Instagram Reels safe zone?
The Instagram Reels safe zone is the central area of your vertical video (9:16 ratio) that remains visible after Instagram overlays its UI elements like buttons, captions, and profile information. Keeping important content within this zone ensures maximum visibility.
What is the correct aspect ratio for Instagram Reels?
Instagram Reels use a 9:16 aspect ratio (vertical format), with recommended dimensions of 1080x1920 pixels. This full-screen vertical format is optimized for mobile viewing.
Why are parts of my Reels covered by Instagram's UI?
Instagram automatically overlays interface elements (profile pic, username, engagement buttons, caption, audio info) on top of your video content. These UI elements are essential for user interaction but can obstruct important parts of your content if you don't account for them.
How much of my Reel is covered by UI elements?
Approximately 20% of the top, 15% of the right side, and 25% of the bottom of your Reel can be covered by Instagram's UI. The exact positioning varies slightly based on device and screen size.
Where should I place text in Instagram Reels?
Place text in the center third of your frame, avoiding the top 20%, bottom 25%, and right 15%. This ensures text remains visible above captions and away from engagement buttons.
Does the safe zone matter for all Reels?
Yes, the safe zone matters for any Reel where you want viewers to see specific content (text, faces, logos, CTAs). If your Reel is purely visual without important elements in the overlay zones, it matters less.
Can I turn off Instagram's UI overlay?
No, Instagram's UI overlay is permanent and cannot be disabled. However, when users tap the screen, some elements temporarily disappear (though profile, engagement buttons, and bottom bar remain).
Should I design Reels differently for the Explore page?
No, Instagram Reels appear with the same UI overlay whether viewed in your feed, profile, or the Explore page. The safe zones remain consistent across all placements.
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