Instagram Video: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started
Everything you need to know about getting started with creating videos for your Instagram account.
Posted 4 years ago
Written by
Mackenzie TaylorPosted 4 years ago
It’s not a secret that Instagram wants you to focus hardcore on video content recently. Between Mosseri flat out telling everyone to use video content to Instagram pushing content that is in video format to the top of our feed to Reels and Stories being one of the biggest features on the app, it’s time to start doing video content if you haven’t been already.
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Instagram Video Formats, Specs, and Dimensions
There are four different video formats when it comes to Instagram:
- Instagram Stories
- Instagram Reels
- Instagram Lives
- Instagram Feed Videos
What are the dimensions for Instagram Stories?
Instagram Story aspect ratio: 9:16
Instagram Story Dimensions: 1090 x 1920 pixels
Max length: 15 seconds
What are the dimensions for Instagram Reels?
Instagram Reels aspect ratio: 9:16
Instagram Reels dimensions: 1080 x 1920 pixels
Max length: 60 seconds
What are the dimensions for Instagram Lives?
Instagram Lives aspect ratio: 9:16
Instagram Lives dimensions: 1080 x 1920 pixels
Max length: 4 hours
What are the dimensions for Instagram Feed Videos?
Instagram Feed Videos aspect ratio: between 1.91:1 and 9:16
Instagram Feed Videos file size: 650MB for videos 10 minutes or less
Instagram Feed Videos file size: 3.6GB for videos up to 60 minutes
What is an Instagram Story?
Instagram Stories appear at the top of your Instagram feed and are the shortest video format on Instagram. Once you post them, they stay posted for 24 hours (unless you decide to delete them—which if you’re posting after a night of drinking, we’d totally get it!).
Instagram Stories are a great way to show behind-the-scenes of your business or brand and are perfect for those very un-curated, informal, daily content that you post to bring your community closer.
How long can an Instagram Story be? Instagram Stories are 15 seconds.
Flick Tip: If you’re looking for new ways to make your Instagram Stories more engaging, you can view our guide HERE.
What is an Instagram Reel?
Instagram Reels are fun, short videos that are similar in style to TikTok videos. The vertical videos even have their own dedicated page on the app, where you can quickly scroll through a variety of videos and see new content from users you don’t even follow (again, similar to TikTok’s FYP!).
If you’re looking to gain new followers, Instagram Reels is the way to go. Start finding viral sounds to use for your content and you can start seeing real growth on your account. If you’re looking for new ways to grow and experiment, see the different ways you can grow on Reels here.
How long can Instagram Reels be? 60 seconds but our top tip is to keep them snappy!
What is an Instagram Feed Video?
Recently, Instagram did away with IGTV and has combined them with regular feed videos.
These videos will appear on your Instagram feed and they also live in their own tab on your profile. Depending on how you want to use videos on your feed, we recommend using them as a quick inside look into your brand or business—or a more curated, detailed look inside your biz.
How long can an Instagram Feed Video be? 60 minutes!
Flick Tip: Schedule your Instagram content with Flick’s Scheduler to make life so. much. easier. for you!
What is an Instagram Live?
Like Facebook Live, Instagram Live is when you live stream on the app in real-time. It’s one of the best ways to host Q+As, connect with your audience, and get to be a bit more personal (if you want!) with your followers so they can get to know all about you.
One of our favorite things about Lives is that you can schedule them in advance and ask your audience if they have questions before you go live! It’ll make them feel even more connected to you.
How long can an Instagram live be?
4 hours!
Now that you have down the basics, it’s time to deep dive into each area of video content so you can start creating engaging videos for your audience! Learn everything you need to create incredible Instagram Reels, Instagram Video, Instagram Lives, and Instagram Stories over on our blog! Plus, start your free 7-day trial with Flick to get started on scheduling out your Instagram content!
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