Instagram is one of the largest social media platforms, with over 1 billion users for sharing photos and videos. Instagram videos get 38% more engagement than photos. Here is a guide to perfecting your Instagram videos and making the most out of them!
A Guide to Instagram Video Sizes
Creating a video for your Instagram audience can take a lot of effort. And sometimes, when you upload to Instagram videos sometimes appear lower in quality, or parts get cropped. This is because videos get compressed to comply with the size requirements of Instagram.
To avoid this, you must consider the Instagram video size before uploading a video on Instagram. Choose the highest possible resolution for your videos to provide the best quality to your audience. Choosing the right Instagram video size will make your content appealing, increase the number of viewers, and generate organic traffic to your profile.
Keep reading to find out how to select the best size for your Instagram videos.
What Is Aspect Ratio?
The metric that relates the height and width of a video on your screen is the aspect ratio. The first and second figures denote the width and height, respectively. Instagram supports videos with an aspect ratio ranging from 1.91:1 to 4:5.
Another factor is the resolution or size of the video. When the width and height are measured in pixels (p), it is known as resolution or size. For instance, 1080 x 1350 p, 1080, 1920 p, etc. The video size or resolution corresponds to the aspect ratio.
Hence, it is essential to check that your video’s size and aspect ratio complies with the specified Instagram video size. You can use one of several apps available to resize your videos to Instagram’s recommended size and ratio without compromising quality.
Once Instagram video size was constrained to square format. But now, users can opt for portrait and landscape ratios.
- Landscape Post Ratios: Choosing an aspect ratio within a range of 1.91:1 up to 16:9 and a size of 1080 x 608p will meet the Instagram requirement for landscape posts. This will result in a high-quality video.
- Portrait Post Ratios: This format is more optimized than the landscape format. The ratio and size for portrait posts on Instagram are 4:5 and 1080 x 1350 p. It’s recommended not to go above that ratio to retain video quality.
- Square Post Ratios: This is the most preferred format with a recommended aspect ratio of 1:1 and a size of 1080 x 1080p. Since the video gets cropped to a 1:1 ratio by default on compression, it will not disrupt your video quality.
Instagram Video Sizes, For Every Format
Instagram Reels Video Size
Instagram reels are another exciting feature introduced in 2020. They allow you to create videos with multiple clips. Recording reels video on Instagram will enable you to add Instagram filters, tools, audio, etc.
Because these video clips appear vertically on the screen, the best aspect ratio and resolution are 9:16 and 1080 x 1920p. and the acceptable video length is 60 seconds.
Instagram Feed Video Size
Three kinds of video formats determine Instagram feed video size. These are Portrait (4:5 with 1080 x 1350 p), Landscape (1.91:1 to 16:9 with 1080 x 608 p), and the basic Square (1:1 with 1080 x 1080 p). All of these videos run at 30 fps.
Instagram feed videos are widespread. Their length varies between 3 to 60 seconds. But, it’s good to note that their file size does not exceed 4 GB.
Instagram Stories Size
Instagram stories are one of the most exciting features on the platform. They are 15 seconds long each. So, if your video is between 15 seconds and 1 minute long, Instagram will automatically split it into 15-second intervals.
The minimum size and aspect ratio of Instagram stories are 1080 x 608 p and 1.91:1.
Though, full-screen Instagram stories are more aesthetically pleasing with an aspect ratio of 9:16 and 1080 x 1920p.
Instagram Carousel Video Ads
Instagram carousels are consecutive videos that allow an extended view period. A handy tool for marketers, Carousel Ads drive high traffic and attract viewers to their campaigns with targeted ads on Instagram.
Instagram carousel video size is the same as Instagram feed videos, i.e., Landscape, Portrait, or Square format. Make sure to add videos or photos with a similar resolution and aspect ratio as the first clip in the carousel. This will not disrupt the quality of the following videos in the carousel upon compression.
IGTV Video Size
IGTV videos were introduced back in 2018 and have been trending ever since. They are more advanced than Instagram feed videos. The best IGTV video size corresponds to an aspect ratio of 9:16 and 1080 x 1920 p resolution.
A portrait view is the best option as Instagrammers view them mainly on a phone screen. However, viewers can also play landscape IGTV videos by choosing a full-screen view. Customize the 15-second preview of IGTV videos and a 1080 x 1080 p snap for the IGTV preview appearance on your profile.
How to Resize Your Instagram Videos
You can resize your video content for maximum optimization at any time. But, you will need different resizing, trimming, and cropping tools to adjust your content according to Instagram’s size requirements. Many free applications now offer services to schedule, edit, preview, and visualize your videos before uploading them on Instagram.
Make The Most Of Your Instagram Videos
Level up your video content by adding a professional touch to your video content through size optimization and focusing on how the Instagram algorithm responds to your content in relation to:
- Instagram video formats
- The aspect ratio
- Resolution or size of Instagram videos
- File sizes of Instagram videos
- The frame rate of Instagram videos
Ervin Kalemi
