Instagram Video: Specs, Tips, and Examples for 2023
In this post, we’ll explain all your different options for posting videos on Instagram, as well as how to make sure you get the most eyeballs on the videos you put so much effort into creating.
Bonus: Claim your pack of free animated Instagram Reels templates created by Hootsuite’s professional designers. Easily customize them in Canva, and take your Reels game to the next level today.
Types of Instagram video
Instagram feed video
Back in the old days (that is, until 2022), Instagram feed videos were all horizontal or square.
Any videos that you posted pre-2022 still live on in their original format — but you’ll notice they are now found under your Reels tab. That’s because, as of 2022, all new video posts are shared as Reels.
The exception is when videos are included in Instagram carousels. An Instagram carousel can contain up to 10 photos and videos, and they appear in Instagram feed. All photos and videos within a carousel use the same orientation, so if your photos are horizontal or square, your videos will be too.
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A post shared by Strange Planet (@nathanwpylestrangeplanet)
Other than that, Instagram feed video has joined its cousin IGTV as a thing of the past. However, your Instagram feed likely contains quite a few Reels. On that note…
Reels
Reels were first introduced as Instagram’s answer to TikTok, and they were originally capped at 15 seconds. But as the platform phased out traditional feed videos and IGTV, the maximum length of Reels extended first to 60 and then to 90 seconds. That’s the current time limit if you create the Reel natively within Instagram.
(However, if you upload Instagram Reels videos through a third-party scheduling tool like Hootsuite, your Reel can be anywhere from 3 seconds to 15 minutes long.)
Instagram’s native Reels recording tools include filters, templates, green screen mode, timer and speed controls, and access to an audio library.
Source: Instagram
Reels record in vertical portrait mode (9:16) and are displayed in users’ feeds, on the Explore page, and in a dedicated Reels tab. They can include captions, hashtags, and product tags.
People can engage with Reels by liking, commenting, or sharing them in Instagram Stories videos and direct messages. They can also remix your Reels to create new content.
Resource: Everything you need to know about Instagram Reels
Stories
Instagram Stories are short videos that disappear after 24 hours. Though they originally maxed out at 15 seconds, each clip in your Instagram Story can now be up to 60 seconds long. If you post a longer video, it will be broken up into multiple clips.
Source: Instagram
Rather than appearing within the Instagram feed, Stories appear in a dedicated section at the top of the screen when you open the app.
Here’s how to make Instagram videos of this type. You can create a Story by swiping right from the home screen, or by tapping the plus icon and selecting Stories. You can choose to record natively within the app or to upload a video from your photo library.
Stories automatically disappear after 24 hours. If you want them to stick around longer, you can create Instagram Stories highlights that live on forever on your Instagram profile.
Stories can include interactive elements such as filters, emojis, tags, and stickers. Stickers offer lots of opportunities to interact with your audience through polls, questions, and quizzes.
If you tag someone in your Story, they can share it to their Story, too.
Instagram Stories are one of the rare places on Instagram where accounts can post direct links. For brands, links offer a significant way to drive organic leads and conversions.
Resource: Learn how to use Instagram Stories to build your audience.
Live
Instagram Live lets users video stream directly to their audience’s feeds. Brands and creators alike have used Instagram Live to host workshops, interviews, and more.
Start a Live broadcast by swiping right or tapping the plus icon and toggling to Live. Live streams can last up to four hours and can include up to three guests (co-hosts) through a virtual Live Room.
When an account goes Live, they appear at the front of its followers’ Stories bar with a Live icon. Once finished, Instagram Live videos are automatically saved to the broadcasting account’s Live archive for 30 days. From there, you can share a replay. Even though it was not created with Reels, the replay will live in your Reels tab.
When you go Live, you’ll be able to see how many people are watching your stream at the top of the screen. You can use Instagram Live analytics to better understand your broadcast’s reach and engagement.
Source: Instagram
Your Live audience can engage with you by adding comments or emoji reactions. Or, they can purchase badges to show support for your content. This is a form of follower funding for creators.
Nonprofits can use Instagram Live for live fundraisers in partnership with PayPal Giving Fund.
Resource: How to use Instagram Live to grow and engage your followers.
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Specs: Instagram video lengths and sizes
Here’s a quick overview of the most important Instagram video length and size specs to get you started. For a more detailed breakdown, check out our full post on Instagram video size and format specifications.
Instagram Feed video specs (for carousels)
* Minimum width: 320 pixels
* Maximum width: 1080 pixels
* Aspect ratio: Between 1.91:1 and 4:5
Instagram Reels specs
* Length: 3 seconds to 90 seconds when created and published through Instagram; up to 15 minutes when published through a third-party scheduler like Hootsuite
* Minimum resolution: 720 pixels
* Aspect ratio: 9:16
* Minimum frame rate: 30 fps
* Cover photo size: 420 by 654 pixels (or 1:1.55 ratio)
Instagram Stories specs
* Length: Up to 60 seconds (longer videos will be divided into multiple clips)
* Aspect ratio: Between 9:16 and 1.91:1
Instagram Live specs
Instagram Live broadcasts can only be recorded from the camera app, so you don’t have to worry about the dimensions. Instagram Live broadcasts can last up to four hours.
How to get your Instagram videos seen: 5 best practices
1. Hook your viewers
As a general rule, you have three seconds to stop thumbs from scrolling past your Instagram Reel or skipping your Instagram Story.
Be sure to give people a reason to keep watching. Whether it’s trending audio, arresting visuals or a teaser of what’s to come, find a way to offer instant appeal.
Pair Eyewear quickly grabs the viewer’s attention with this unusual take on glasses. It’s a peculiar enough idea that it makes you want to see more, while also showing off just how the Pair frames work.
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A post shared by Pair Eyewear (@paireyewear)
Don’t underestimate the importance of a caption either. If the video doesn’t grab someone’s attention, the caption is your second chance. If captions aren’t your strong suit, check out Owly Writer, Hootsuite’s AI content creation tool.
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