Do you know how to leverage each video format for Instagram? That’s right, there are several! Stories and reels are vertical, feed videos are usually square, and IGTVs are another story. Believe it or not, there is a reason to differentiate each video format for Instagram so that it can have a great rate of views and interaction .
According to data shared by Hootsuite, the impact of videos continues to increase exponentially, the video format for Instagram has the highest overall engagement rate, 38% more than photos. Therefore, if you have a brand and want to expand your presence in the market, you can’t refrain from producing videos for your profile.
The truth is, videos are the ones that are ruling on Instagram and the rest of the social networks. This premise forces us to ask ourselves: is there an ideal video format for Instagram? what is the format for reels, IGTV and stories on Instagram?
If you still don’t know the answers, don’t worry, in this article we will solve all your doubts about it. You will learn what is the ideal format for uploading videos to your feed, the format for Instagram TV, as well as for reels and stories.
We will also show you how you can adapt any content to the video format for Instagram and how you can improve its quality to amaze your followers, andfinally, we will exceed your expectations with a list of free resources that you can use to boost your performance on Instagram and differentiate yourself from your competitors .
let’s keep going!
what’s the best video format for Instagram?
Considering that there is more than one video format for Instagram, there are certain general parameters, even for audio settings.
There are no major problems if you directly upload a video recorded from your smartphone; however, Instagram is somewhat strict in case you use an editing program beforehand.
If you edit the video before uploading it, make sure it conforms to the basic Instagram video format, i.e. that it complies with the specifications detailed on Instagram’s support page:
1. Video format for Instagram
You can’t overlook these features if you want your video to look professional:
Video format: MP4
Compression: H.264
Quality or Bit rate: 5Mb/s
Codec: libx264
Ratio: between 4:5 and 1.91:1
2. Audio configuration
These features ensure a clean sound. Keep them in mind:
Audio codec: AAC
Quality or Bit Rate: 64 – 128 kb/s
Sample rate: 44100
Bit rate: 64 – 128 kb/s
Also, after considering this video format for Instagram in your next posts, it is also important that the video quality is super good. For this, we recommend recording with a good camera.
For example, if you record with your smartphone, instead of using the app’s camera, you should directly use the camera of your cell phone, so we guarantee the maximum resolution of the image.
Onceyou complete this step, the thing to do is to convert the video for Instagram to the correct dimensions according to the content you are going to publish. Let’s start with the video format for Instagram Feed, which still generates some confusion.
Image: Pexels
what is the video format for Instagram Feed?
In the beginning, the video format for Instagram Feed was exclusively square. However, starting in 2015, the social network allowed the community to upload vertical and horizontal videos.
The first thing to say in this regard is that the video format for Instagram Feed looks good in all its variants. Although the publications of the feed are still displayed square, when uploading a video, this can be adapted .
To do so, just press the icon located at the bottom left that appears as soon as we upload the content to be published, just before going to the next step. When you press it, the video will adopt the form in which it was originally recorded.
Now that you know that the three options are valid, here are the specifications of each of the video formats for Instagram Feed.
1. Square video
Ideal for an animated video that promotes your brand
Minimum dimensions: 600 x 600 pixels
Aspect ratio: 1:1
Recommended format: MP4
Length: Maximum 60 seconds
Video size: Maximum 30MB
2. Horizontal video
Excellent for showing a panoramic view
Minimum dimensions: 600 x 315 pixels
Aspect ratio: 1:91:1
Recommended format: MP4
Length: Maximum 60 seconds
Video size: Maximum 30MB
3. Vertical video
Perfect to surprise your followers
Minimum dimensions: 600 x 750 pixels
Aspect ratio: 4:5
Recommended format: MP4
Length: Maximum 60 seconds
Video size: Maximum 30MB
On the other hand, it is appropriate to mention that video ads on Instagram feed keep the same specifications as organic posts.
all right! The time has come to move on to the favorite part of all Instagramers. do you know what we’re talking about? That’s right, the video format for Instagram stories.
Image: WP Instagram profile
what is the video format for Instagram stories?
While it’s important to keep in mind the video format for Instagram, we can’t forget that Instagram stories are also a boom. Currently, more than 500 million accounts use Instagram Stories daily and one third of the most viewed ones belong to business accounts.
Therefore, the video format for Instagram Stories represents a great opportunity for any business, especially for startups. This is because, in addition to allowing you to create diverse content, through Instagram stories statistics you can monitor the performance of your videos.
Some experts consider it to be the most successful video format for Instagram within the community. As you know, they disappear after 24 hours (unless you highlight them in your bio) and allow you to post images or videos in different dimensions.
However, unlike the previous case in which you can adapt your video to the video format for Instagram feed, in this case, it is recommended that the content is always vertical.
Video format for Instagram stories
To make an Instagram story and publish it instantly, you just need to record it vertically with your smartphone. Now, if you record with a camera (also vertically) and then edit the content you must keep in mind the following specifications:
Dimensions: 1080 x 1920 pixels (maximum resolution), 750 x 1334 pixels (size recommended by Instagram), 450 x 800 pixels (lower quality, longer loading time).
Aspect ratio: 9:16
Format: MP4
Video length: 15 seconds
For the video format for Instagram Stories, you will also need to follow the same specifications for non-organic posts.
Image: WP Instagram Profile
what is the video format for Instagram TV?
Instagram TV is one of the newest video features the social network has added. If you’re about to dabble in this video format for Instagram, there are a few important points you’ll want to keep in mind.
While until recently only some accounts could upload content of up to one hour, Instagram now allows all users to do so on one condition: upload the video from the web.
Keep in mind that, if you upload the video from a smartphone, it can only be 15 minutes long, according to the latest specifications published by Instagram in this regard.
Video format for Instagram TV
So, what is the ideal format for IGTV? To adapt to it, in addition to the above, you will also need to consider the following specifications:
Aspect ratio: 9:16 (vertical) or 16:9 (horizontal)
Minimum dimensions: 720 pixels
Maximum dimensions: 1080 x 1920 pixels
Recommended format: MP4
Video size: 650 MB for videos of 10 minutes or less and 3.6 GB for videos of up to 60 minutes
As you can see, the Instagram TV video format is ideal for diversifying your feed on this social network, as it allows you to upload different types of content to provide your followers with quality content in different presentations.
The IGTV video format is widely used to expand information about various aspects of your brand, for example, to explain the functionality of your products, deepen the brand’s history, etc.
Image: WP Instagram profile
what is the video format of Instagram Reels?
While Instagram Reels was born specifically to give competition to TikTok, we could define this video format for Instagram as content that falls between stories and IGTV.
Initially, Reels were only 15 seconds long, but an update by Instagram increased the length of the clips to 30 seconds. Also, the Reels format allows the community to record videos through a smartphone and then edit them to make them look fun.
One of the great advantages of Reels over Instagram stories is that they can remain in the feed without the need to highlight them. Additionally, as it is a more personalized function, it does not require more specifications to publish, although it is important that you record yourself in a vertical position.
Instagram reels video format
So, what is the format of the reels? If you want to upload a reel with the best video resolution, we share with you the specifications of this video format for Instagram that you should take into account:
Dimensions: 1080 x 1920 pixels (maximum resolution)
Size: 9:16
Format: MP4
Video length: maximum 30 seconds
Since the Instagram reel video format is very similar to that of TikTok, basically, the interaction with users occurs in the same way as in the latter platform we mentioned.
Therefore, to take advantage of this feature, you will have to use the reel format to create content that is relevant and connects with users in a few seconds, in this way, you will gain relevance in the social network and thus you can increase your followers on Instagram.
Image: Instagram
how to adapt your material to each video format for Instagram?
If you have recorded material for your profile from a professional camera or you have downloaded some video from Youtube and you want to upload a part of it to your Instagram profile, it is almost certain that you will not be able to do it because it does not comply with the video format for Instagram.
But, don’t be discouraged, for those cases, there are some free online video editors to achieve all the specifications that we have previously mentioned, as well as to get the video size for Instagram that the platform asks you.
Here is a list of online editors that will help you change the format of a video for Instagram and other social networks:
kapwing: this editor is specially designed for what we are looking for. It gives you the possibility to trim videos and adapt them to different social networks.
clipChamp: on this platform you can adjust the dimensions of a video for Instagram in simple steps.
rocketium: is an editor with a free version that allows you to upload a video, change the format and make quick clips to share on your social networks. The bad news is that the result of the free version appears with a watermark.
kizoa: although it is an application with premium plans, it has a free version that will allow you to create and resize videos for Instagram. However, the videos edited for free include a watermark.
splice Video Editor: a great free app for resizing video for Instagram. It also allows you to add effects, change transitions, add music or record your voice while commenting on the video.
vivaVideo: in this online editor you can adapt your video to any of the video formats for Instagram. In fact, it is one of the most popular applications to give life to your videos, since you can add filters, stickers, text, etc.
videoshop: if you are looking to change the dimensions of a video on Instagram, this free app will help you do it. It is ideal if you want your video to be modified in a vertical format, either for IGTV or Instagram Reels.
As you can see, there are several ways to adapt the material you have recorded to the video format for Instagram. Remember that, if you don’t take into account the specifications we have mentioned throughout the article, Instagram won’t let you upload any of the content you have planned .
So, while it can be a bit tedious to record and edit each video, following the video format for Instagram is essential for your content to have the impact you expect on the network, as it will help you capture new users who are interested in your profile.
Image: Kapwing
how to increase the quality of videos for Instagram?
While you now know what the video formats for Instagram are and how to adapt your material to these specifications, you’re probably wondering how you can make your video look professional to impress your followers.
So, if you’re looking to achieve the highest quality video on Instagram, here are a few things to keep in mind to do so:
look for a good internet connection, we recommend you to stay close to a wifi network so that the video loads smoothly and the video resolution is not affected.
Use the video dimensions for Instagram that correspond to the type of content you want to upload to your profile, as described above.
transfer your video file through Google Drive, Apple Airdrop or WeTransfer to avoid compressing the quality of the video for Instagram .
do not use Whatsapp to transfer your video file, this app compresses the video format and interferes with the video quality.
Record your videos for Instagram with the best quality camera available.
Edit your Instagram videos with the right settings.
In short, to make sure that you are uploading your video in the best possible quality on Instagram, you will need to make use of the best camera you have, upload your video for Instagram with a solid internet connection, and use the right video settings.
Examples of how to take advantage of video formats for Instagram
When you adapt your content to any of the video formats for Instagram with the right settings, you can upload flawless videos for your followers. This way, your page will maintain a professional look and, in the future, it can be considered as a reference for those who are new to social media.
In this sense, so that you can build a well-structured feed later on, we have prepared for you a list of some of the best Instagram profiles where you can find various video formats that will surely inspire you:
Andy To
Sam Kolder
Matt Komo
Apple
Samsung
Let’s learn together BBVA
By examining these profiles, you will realize that each one uses different video formats for Instagram depending on the type of content. In that sense, to take advantage of the size of the screen and put together a short but impactful video, reels are the best option.
On the other hand, the video format for Instagram that is ideal to go deeper into a topic is IGTV videos. In it you can include interviews, debates and everything you consider relevant to your audience and you can’t summarize in a minute.
take advantage of each of these examples and apply them to your personal case!
Free resources to create the best Instagram videos and show off online
Well, promises are promises and, as we told you at the beginning, this time we will exceed your expectations. As a reward for having made it this far, we have prepared for you a list of 10 free resources that you can easily download and that will help you improve your online performance .
That’s right, to be an expert on this platform, it’s not enough to know the video metrics for Instagram, you need to have some extra knowledge. So, download the following tools and get ready for success.
1. Guide to video formats for networks
You already know the video format and size for Instagram, however, with this resource you will be able to go even deeper into the topic. In addition, it will be ideal if you want to learn about the formats of other social networks to expand your brand.
our guide to video formats for social networks
2. Calendar template for Instagram
organize all those ideas you have in your head! This calendar template allows you to organize not only your videos on Instagram, but all your publications according to the theme, the day and time of publication, the copy, the format and other aspects.
This document will be key for you to optimize your content for Instagram.
our Instagram calendar template
3. Adobe Premiere Shortcuts
If you choose to edit the format and size of video for Instagram in Premiere, then you need to download this file as soon as possible.
This Premiere shortcuts guide will allow you to optimize your work routine and will be your ally to produce the best audiovisual content.
our guide to Adobe Premiere shortcuts
4. Ideas for your social media calendar
We know that there are barriers to creativity and, sometimes, no matter how many hours we spend in front of the PC, the screen will remain blank. We can be super clear about the video format for Instagram, the recommended duration and all the technical stuff and still run out of ideas to create content for our brand .
But don’t panic, don’t panic! Check out this guide with ideas for your social media calendar and avoid falling into those moments of frustration.
our guide of ideas for your social media calendar
5. Handbook: Skills of every audiovisual producer
If you loved learning about video resolution for Instagram and got excited about Premiere shortcuts, surely you want to know more about everything related to audiovisual production.
Knowing about the Instagram video format is the first step, but have you ever wondered what skills you need to have to dedicate yourself to it? This handbook will solve all your doubts, as it will teach you about all the skills and abilities that an audiovisual producer must have.
download it for free and start creating amazing content!
our handbook of skills of every audiovisual producer
6. Instagram story templates for clothing startups
If you have a startup, keeping in mind what are the video formats for Instagram will help you to make your brand known to the fullest, denoting professionalism and quality in each post.
With these templates for clothing ventures, you’ll be able to create stories that, in addition to following the established video formats for Instagram, will look amazing and won’t go unnoticed.
our Instagram story templates for clothing businesses
7. Healthy food templates for Instagram Stories
do you have a page that focuses on healthy living? Well, this resource is for you! With our templates, which follow the video format for Instagram, you’ll be able to promote your health food brand with a design that matches your approach.
Plus, you can modify them so that each of the stories is aligned with your brand’s visual identity. So, what are you waiting to use them?
our healthy food template for Instagram stories
8. Botanical templates for Instagram Stories
The environment and nature are so important that more and more projects are being created to encourage their protection.
If you have in mind to develop a project that promotes this initiative, you can’t miss our botanical templates for Instagram stories. All of them have the video dimensions for Instagram established by the social network, so you won’t have any problem uploading them to your profile .
Start off on the right foot with this adventure.
our botanical templates for Instagram Stories
9. Templates for social media promotions
discount season is approaching and you don’t know how to attract the attention of your followers? don’t worry! With these templates, you can capture the interest of your current followers and even promote them to reach new customers.
our templates for social media promotions
10. Colorful Instagram Stories templates
Now, if what you are looking for are templates for Instagram stories that comply with the video format for Instagram, but do not follow a particular motif, as in the previous cases, but designed with lots of color and good taste, this is the ideal resource for you.
what are you waiting for to boost your profile in this social network?
our colorful templates for Instagram stories
great job! If you’ve made it this far, now you know which are the video formats for Instagram, how you can modify your content to adapt it to each of them, what are the best tips to safeguard the quality of your videos and you have at hand incredible free resources to improve your online presence.
“To know what to publish and not run out of ideas, the key is to research what your target audience wants and is looking for, and always focus on that. For example, you should take into account the questions your users ask you and the market trends at the moment. Remember that you are producing content for your customers and not for you.
So, you know, besides keeping in mind the various video formats for Instagram, you can’t omit the main focus of this whole process: your customer. Therefore, we advise you to keep learning so that your online performance is the most appropriate.