Instagram Video Sizes and Formats: All You Need to Know in 2024

Wondering what are the various Instagram video sizes and formats? This comprehensive guide will answer all your burning questions and provide insights...

Wondering what are the various Instagram video sizes and formats? This comprehensive guide will answer all your burning questions and provide insights on how to optimize your Instagram videos for the best user experience and engagement. Let's dive in.

Instagram is a popular social media platform owned by Meta Platforms, Inc. (formerly known as Facebook, Inc. as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021). Instagram allows users to upload and share photos and videos with their followers or with a select group of friends. They can also view, like, and comment on posts shared by their friends on Instagram.

1. Photos: The basic type of Instagram post is a single photo. The minimum resolution for these posts is 1080 pixels wide. Instagram supports various file formats including JPEG and PNG. These posts appear on your followers' feeds and can also appear in the "Explore" section if you use hashtags.
2. Carousels: These are multiple-photo or multiple-video posts, which users can scroll through. Each carousel post can include up to 10 images or videos. This format is handy for sharing several related pictures or videos at once, allowing your followers to swipe or scroll through the content.
3. Videos: Regular video posts on Instagram can be between 3 seconds and 60 seconds long. The acceptable video file format is MP4, and the maximum file size is 4GB. The recommended video resolution for Instagram posts is 1080 pixels wide. Like photo posts, video posts can also appear on your followers' feeds and in the "Explore" section if they are tagged with relevant hashtags.
4. IGTV Videos: IGTV (Instagram TV) is designed for longer video content, typically over one minute and up to 60 minutes when uploaded from a web browser. IGTV videos need a thumbnail, similar to other online video platforms like YouTube. The video file format is MP4.
5. Reels: Instagram Reels are short, engaging videos up to 60 seconds. They allow users to record and edit multi-clip videos with audio, effects, and new creative tools. You can share reels with your followers and discover more through the "Explore" section. Reels videos should be in the MOV or MP4 format.
6. Stories: Instagram Stories are photos or short videos that disappear after 24 hours. They are displayed at the top of the Instagram app on mobile devices and are a popular way to share day-to-day moments without overloading your feed. You can add interactive elements like hashtags, stickers, and GIFs to your stories. Video length in stories can be up to 15 seconds per individual story, and the recommended resolution is 1080 x 1920 pixels.
7. Video Ads: These are sponsored posts that allow businesses to reach a broader audience. Like regular video posts, video ads can be up to 60 seconds long, but they have the added feature of a call-to-action button. Instagram video ads should be in the MP4 or MOV format with a recommended resolution of at least 1080 pixels.

Each type of Instagram post has its benefits and can play a key role in a social media marketing strategy, whether it's driving engagement, sharing behind-the-scenes content, or promoting products and services.

What is the best video size for Instagram?

The best video size for Instagram varies depending on the type of post. For feed posts, a square video with a 1:1 aspect ratio and 1080px by 1080px size is recommended. For Instagram stories, reels, and IGTV, a 9:16 aspect ratio with a size of 1080px by 1920px is ideal.

Should I use 4:5 or 9:16 for Instagram video?

Both 4:5 and 9:16 aspect ratios can be used on Instagram. The 4:5 aspect ratio is ideal for feed videos, providing a more immersive experience. The 9:16 aspect ratio is used for full-screen vertical videos like Instagram stories, reels, and IGTV videos.

Can I post 1920x1080 to Instagram?

Yes, you can post a 1920x1080 video to Instagram, but it is better suited for IGTV videos in landscape orientation. For feed videos, it's best to resize your video to 1080px by 1080px (square), 1080px by 1350px (portrait), or 1080px by 608px (landscape).

What size is Instagram video post 2023?

The ideal Instagram video sizes in 2023 are still 1080px by 1080px for feed posts, 1080px by 1920px for stories, reels, and IGTV videos. Landscape IGTV videos should be 1920px by 1080px.

How many seconds is a standard Instagram video?

The length of Instagram videos depends on the type of post. Instagram feed videos can be anywhere between 3-60 seconds. Instagram stories and reels can be up to 15 and 30 seconds respectively, while IGTV videos can go up to 60 minutes when uploaded from a computer.

What size is the best for Instagram video?

The best size for Instagram videos varies depending on the type of post. For Instagram feed videos, 1080px by 1080px is recommended. For stories, reels, and IGTV, the best size is 1080px by 1920px.

What is the best Instagram video size?

The best Instagram video size depends on the type of content. Feed posts work best with 1080px by 1080px size. For full-screen vertical content like stories, reels, and IGTV, use a size of 1080px by 1920px.

What size video should I use for Instagram?

For Instagram feed videos, use a size of 1080px by 1080px (square), 1080px by 1350px (portrait), or 1080px by 608px (landscape). For stories, reels, and IGTV, use a size of 1080px by 1920px.

What size are Instagram videos?

Instagram videos sizes are 1080px by 1080px for feed videos, 1080px by 1920px for stories, reels, and IGTV videos, and 1920px by 1080px for landscape IGTV videos.

Instagram Video Sizes and Dimensions

Instagram supports different types of video content. Each type has a unique size and format that works best.

1. Instagram Feed Videos: For regular video posts on your Instagram feed, the recommended video size is 1080px by 1080px, square (1:1 aspect ratio). Landscape video (1.91:1 aspect ratio) and portrait video (4:5 aspect ratio) can also be used with sizes of 1080px by 608px and 1080px by 1350px, respectively. The maximum file size for feed videos under 60 seconds is 4GB.
2. Instagram Stories and Reels: These full-screen vertical videos should be uploaded in a 9:16 aspect ratio, with a size of 1080px by 1920px. Instagram stories last for 15 seconds, while reels can be up to 30 seconds. The maximum file size is 4GB for stories and reels.
3. IGTV Videos: IGTV supports longer videos, up to 60 minutes when uploaded from a computer. The video size should be 1080px by 1920px, with a 9:16 aspect ratio for vertical videos, or 1920px by 1080px with a 16:9 aspect ratio for landscape video. The maximum file size is 5.4GB for videos up to 60 minutes.
4. Instagram Carousel Videos: Carousel posts can feature multiple videos (or photos). Each video in the carousel should adhere to the sizes and aspect ratios suitable for Instagram feed videos.
5. Instagram Live Videos: The same as IGTV and stories, Instagram live videos use a 9:16 aspect ratio and a size of 1080px by 1920px.

In 2023, you can indeed post a 1920x1080 video to Instagram, but it will be better suited for IGTV or converted to a 1:1 aspect ratio for feed posts.

Top 8 Apps for Video Editing and Formatting for Instagram

1. Adobe Premiere Rush: This powerful video editing tool lets you create and share professional-quality videos.
2. InShot: Popular for its user-friendly interface, InShot provides powerful video editing features and resizing options for various social media platforms.
3. Canva: Canva isn't just for graphic design. It offers video editing features and templates suitable for different Instagram video formats.
4. Quik: Developed by GoPro, Quik allows automatic creation of videos from your clips and offers several customization options.
5. Magisto: This app uses artificial intelligence to create videos for your business.
6. Clipomatic: Perfect for Instagram stories, it adds captions to your videos automatically.
7. Splice: A simple yet powerful video editing tool, Splice offers a range of features to create stunning videos.
8. FilmoraGo: With its easy-to-use interface, FilmoraGo offers a wide range of editing features and effects.

Whether you're aiming to boost your Instagram marketing, become a social media influencer, or simply want your video content to look its best, understanding Instagram video dimensions and best practices is essential.

Don't forget the technical details. For all types of Instagram video, the preferred video format is MP4 (file type .mp4), with H.264 codec, AAC audio, 3500 kbps bitrate for video, a frame rate of 30 fps (frames per second), and a maximum file size of 4GB.

Keep your marketing strategy relevant by staying updated with the Instagram video specs and adapting your content to maximize engagement. Whether it's IGTV, Reels, or in-feed posts, make sure your videos are formatted for success.