How do i get videos on instagram
How to Post Videos on Instagram in 3 Different Ways
- It's easy to post videos on Instagram in three different ways.
- You can post videos to your feed or your story, and you can also privately send videos through direct message.
- In each case, you will have the option to post an existing video from your library or record a new one using the Instagram app.
- Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.
While photos are a great way to capture a specific moment, videos are better at showing movement, the process of making something, or capturing events where sound plays a significant role.
In addition to photos, Instagram is well-suited to share video content.
You can post recorded moments to your feed and stories, and Instagram also allows you to privately send videos to friends through a direct message.
Here's how to do all three.
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1. Open the Instagram app on your iPhone or Android phone.
2. Tap the "+" icon at the bottom center of your screen.
3. You can either select a pre-recorded video from your library or take a video in the moment to post. For the former, tap on "Library" at the bottom of your screen and then tap on the video you'd like to post. For the latter, tap on "Video" then press down on the circle toward the bottom of your screen to record.
Select an existing video from your Library or record a new one to post to your feed. Christina Liao/Business Insider4.
Tap "Next" at the top right corner of your screen.
5. You'll be brought to a screen where you can edit your video. Once you've made any desired changes, tap "Next" again.
6. Now you'll be brought to a screen where you can add a caption, select a location, tag people, and simultaneously post the video to another social media network. Once you've completed the desired fields, tap "Share" to post your video to your feed.
How to post videos on Instagram to your story1. Open the Instagram app.
2. Swipe right from anywhere in the feed or tap on the camera icon at the top left corner of your screen.
3. Your screen will now show your camera's view. Press down on the white circle at the bottom of your screen to begin recording a video. Alternatively, swipe up on the screen to pull up your library where you can select a pre-recorded video to post.
4. Once you've recorded a video directly from the app or selected one from your library, tap "Send To >" at the bottom right corner of your screen.
5. On the "Share" screen you'll have the option to post the video to your story for all of your followers to see — and if you have a public profile, for anyone who comes across your account. You can also choose to share it with a specified list of "Close Friends." Tap "Share" or "Send" to select where and who you'd like to send the video to.
6. Tap "Done" at the bottom of the screen.
1. Open the Instagram app.
2. To access your direct messages, swipe left from anywhere in your feed or tap the paper plane icon at the top right of your screen.
3. Find the person you'd like to send a direct message to by tapping on the pencil icon at the top right of your screen, selecting them from your existing list of messages, or via the "Search" bar at the top of the screen.
4. A chat screen will open up. Tap the camera icon at the bottom left corner to begin recording a video directly from the app or the photo icon at the bottom right corner to select a pre-recorded video from your library.
You have the option to record a new video or send an existing one through direct message. Christina Liao/Business Insider5.
If you're taking a video directly from the app to send to someone, their profile photo will appear at the bottom of your screen above the words "Send" once you've finished recording. Tap on the person's profile photo. If you're selecting a video from your library, tap on the video(s) you'd like to send and then tap "Send."
How to save your Instagram stories in 3 different ways
How to go live on Instagram, to broadcast video in real time to your followers
How to repost a video on Instagram using the Repost app for iPhone or Android
How to get verified on Instagram, if your account meets these 4 standards for verification
How to save Instagram videos to your iPhone or Android phone
Christina Liao
Freelance writer
Christina Liao is a freelance contributor for Business Insider.
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Everything You Need to Know in 2023
Instagram video content is currently available in four formats: Reels, Live, Stories, and Instagram Video.
Video content has exploded on the platform in recent years, with 91% of Instagram users reporting they watch videos on a weekly basis.
The varying formats of video across the platform may feel like a lot to juggle. But it’s also created new ways for marketers to tell stories and reach their audience.
Which Instagram video format is right for your brand? There may be a place in your social media strategy for all of them. Or maybe you’ll decide just to focus on a couple.
In this guide, we’ll teach you all about the features, specifications, and best practices for every type. Plus, we’ve rounded up tools that make using Instagram video that much easier.
Types of Instagram video
Instagram video size
Tips to make your Instagram videos go viral
Helpful Instagram video apps
Bonus: Download the free 10-Day Reels Challenge, a daily workbook of creative prompts that will help you get started with Instagram Reels, track your growth, and see results across your entire Instagram profile.
Reels, Stories, Live, oh my! If you’re looking to get started with Instagram video, we put together a simple breakdown of current formats to help.
Instagram StoriesInspired by Snapchat, Instagram Stories are 15-second videos that disappear after 24 hours.
Stories can be recorded by swiping right from the home screen, or by tapping the plus icon and selecting Stories. They can also be uploaded from your Photo Library.
Expired Stories can be saved to the Highlights section of your Instagram profile, positioned just above the grid.
You can also add interactive elements such as filters, emojis, tags, and stickers to each Story. Several brands—some four million every month by Instagram’s count—have found novel ways to use these features, from “this or that” polls to Q&As and product tags.
Source: Instagram
Instagram Story tips- Instagram Stories are also 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. - In fact, more than 50% of people polled by Facebook say they’ve visited a brand’s website after seeing a Story.
- Despite their short-form, ephemeral nature, Stories remain one of the platform’s most popular features.
Resource: Learn how to use Instagram Stories to build your audience.
Instagram feed videoInstagram Video is a format introduced in 2021. It replaced IGTV and combined it with in-feed video posts.
Instagram Video posts are added the same way images are posted: by using Instagram’s built-in camera or by uploading from your Photo Library.
Instagram videos can be up to 60 minutes in length, giving you creative freedom that doesn’t yet exist on most competing platforms.
Instagram Video tipsView this post on Instagram
A post shared by Jesse Cook (@musicianjessecook)
- Like an image post, an Instagram video post can include a filter, location, caption, as well as user and location tags.
- Once posted, people can engage with likes and comments, and can even share public videos in Stories and direct messages.
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 be hosted by one or two accounts.
When an account goes Live, they appear at the front of the Stories bar with a Live icon. Once finished, Instagram Live videos can be shared for 30 days before they are deleted.
Instagram Live tipsView this post on Instagram
A post shared by Cara Mia (@oh.
uke.mia)
- 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 also review Instagram Live analytics to understand your broadcast’s reach and engagement.
- Your audience can also engage with you by adding comments or emoji reactions. Or, by purchasing badges that show heart icons beside their names in the comments.
- Instagram Live hosts can pin comments, turn comments off, or set up keyword filters to moderate comments.
- Make use of Live Shopping features to let users shop directly from your stream! Tag relevant products and they will appear at the bottom of the screen.
- Instagram Live also supports donations, so nonprofits on social media and creators can use this medium for fundraising.
Resource: How to use Instagram Live to grow and engage your followers.
Instagram ReelsReels is Instagram’s latest video format.
Inspired by TikTok, these 15-30 second clips can be created with Instagram’s camera or uploaded from the Photo Library.
Recording effects include timed text, AR filters, green screen mode, timer and speed controls, and access to an audio library.
Source: Instagram
Instagram Reels tips- Reels record in vertical portrait mode (9:16) and are displayed in users’ feeds, the Reels tab, and a dedicated Profile tab.
- Like feed videos, Reels can include captions, hashtags, and most recently, product tags.
- People can engage with Reels by liking, commenting, or sharing them in Stories and direct messages.
Resource: Everything you need to know about Instagram Reels
Instagram video sizeIf you’re ready to get started with Instagram video formats, the first thing to do is learn about Instagram video specs and sizes.
Here are the size and format specifications for each type of Instagram video.
Stories take up the entire mobile screen and are tailored to the device. For that reason, exact specifications vary.
These are the recommended specs:
- File type: .MP4 or .MOV
- Length: Up to 15 seconds (longer videos can be clipped into multiple Stories)
- Recommended size: Upload the highest resolution video available that meets file size and ratio limits.
- Maximum video file size : 30MB
- Ratios: 9:16 and 16:9 to 4:5
- Minimum width: 500 pixels
- Minimum aspect ratio: 400 x 500
- Maximum aspect ratio: 191 x 100 or 90 x 160
- Compression: H.264 compression recommended
- Square pixels, fixed frame rate, progressive scan, and stereo AAC audio compression at 128+ kbps
Tip: Keep about 14% (~250 pixels) of the top and bottom of the video free from essential content.
In this area, it could be obstructed by the profile photo or call to action.
Instagram feed videos are displayed in user feeds as well as on your Profile page. Use feed videos to promote a product, service, or collaboration with your audience.
Here are the recommended Instagram feed video specs:
- File type: .MP4 or .MOV
- Length: 3 to 60 seconds
- Ratios: 9:16
- Recommended size: Upload the highest resolution video available that meets file size and ratio limits.
- Recommended file type:
- Maximum file size: 30MB
- Maximum frame rate: 30fps
- Minimum width: 500 pixels.
- Compression: H.264 compression recommended
- Square pixels, fixed frame rate, progressive scan, and stereo AAC audio compression at 128kbps+
Tip: Do not include edit lists or special boxes in file containers.
Instagram Live broadcasts can only be recorded from the camera app. Specifications are similar to Instagram Stories. Before going live, be sure that you have a reliable and fast Internet connection.
Instagram Reels sizeInstagram Reels are fullscreen vertical videos dusplated in Stories, Feeds, Explore, and the Reels tab.
Here are the recommended Instagram Reels specs:
- File type: .MP4 or .MOV
- Length: 0 to 60 seconds
- Resolution: 500 x 888 pixels
- Maximum file size: 4GB
- Maximum frame rate: 30fps
- Minimum width: 500 pixels.
- Compression: H.264 compression recommended
- Square pixels, fixed frame rate, progressive scan, and stereo AAC audio compression at 128kbps+
Tip: Include on-screen text, music, and closed captions to make your Reels engaging and accessible.
Every Instagram video format is different, but these best practices apply to all of them.
Start with a hookAs a general rule, you have three seconds to stop thumbs from scrolling past your Instagram video. Or leaving your Instagram Story altogether.
Be sure to give people a reason to keep watching. Whether it’s arresting visuals or a teaser of what’s to come, find a way to offer instant appeal.
Don’t underestimate the importance of a caption either. If the video doesn’t grab someone’s attention, the caption is your second chance.
Create for mobileView this post on Instagram
A post shared by Nike (@nike)
While, most people intuitively use portrait or selfie mode when they record with their phones, that’s not the best practice for Instagram video.
Most people view Instagram video on mobile, which means it’s best to shoot in vertical orientation.
Source: Instagram
Of course, there are some exceptions. For longer video content, horizontal video may be a better fit. Viewers can tilt their phone sideways for a full-screen viewing experience. Landscape video can also be uploaded to Stories and in-feed, but without the tilt effect.
Source: Instagram
Provide valueTo keep a viewer’s attention you need to make it worth their while. Try entertaining your audience through comic relief, captivating conversation, or your magnetic personality. Or, you could impart tips and tricks, how-to’s and workshops, or thought-provoking information.
In each Instagram video, your value proposition should be clear and simple. Before setting out to create a video, fill in the blank: When someone watches this video, they will _______.
The answer may range from “laugh out loud” to “want to make breakfast cereal ice cream sandwiches” Whatever you land on, it should be clear to viewers upfront.
If you deliver on your promise, you’ll likely see more views, engagement, and shares.
Schedule your videos in advanceView this post on Instagram
A post shared by Ben & Jerry's (@benandjerrys)
You can use Hootsuite to schedule in-feed videos, Reels, and Stories.
Scheduling content in advance can help you post content when your audience is most active. It can also help improve the quality of your content by giving you more time to plan.
To schedule an Instagram video with Hootsuite, simply upload your video to the Hootsuite Dashboard, customize using the Hootsuite Image Editor, and then click Schedule for later.
When your Instagram video is ready to go live, you’ll get a push notification from the Hootsuite app. From there, open your content in Instagram and share it with the world.
Resource: How to Schedule Instagram Stories: A Step-by-Step Guide.
Use sound and captionsAccording to Instagram, 60% of people watch Stories with sound on. But it’s well known that there are many reasons people may watch video with sound off, including context and hearing impairments.
Use sound to enhance your video, and include captions to make your video accessible. Timed-text can be manually added to Instagram Stories and Reels.
To save time, tools like Clipomatic automatically add captions to your video.
Post regularly
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Aerie (@aerie)
The best way to build an audience is to post regularly. This is especially true when it comes to long-formats like Instagram Video and Live.
Create and share a schedule with your audience so they know when to expect your next Instagram Live. Or develop a video series that your followers can regularly look forward to and tune in to. Take advantage of scheduling tools like Hootsuite to make sure your posts are published on time.
As well, try to post when your followers are most active online. Check your analytics and consult our research to find the best times to post Instagram videos.
Tip: Create a countdown sticker in an Instagram Story to build anticipation for an Instagram Live or an upcoming video premiere.
Helpful Instagram video appsGot your tripod and your ring light ready to go? Try these Instagram video apps to perfect your content.
Adobe Creative Cloud ExpressUse Adobe Spark to automatically size Instagram videos for you, add interactive elements, and take advantage of the app’s photo and audio library.
HootsuiteHootsuite’s collaborative platform is ideal for content that requires teamwork and approvals. You can also manage all your video material with Hootsuite’s content library.
Use the Hootsuite Planner to pinpoint publication, plan production, and spot holes in your content calendar. And avoid lags while posting a story with multiple parts with the scheduling tools.
Pictory is an AI tool that will help you turn text into professional-quality videos with just a few clicks.
How does it work? You copy and paste text into Pictory, and AI automatically creates custom video based on your input. The program pulls from a vast library of over 3 million royalty-free video and music clips.
Pictory integrates with Hootsuite, so you can easily schedule your videos for publication without ever leaving their dashboard.
ClipomaticClipomatic is an Instagram video app that lets you add live captions to social video.
It’s been used by a number of high profile users, including U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Queer Eye’s Karamo Brown.
Caption as you speak, or add captions to pre-recorded video. The captioning tool is available in more than 30 languages, and text can be edited and customized before posting.
Apple Clips
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@aoc)
Apple’s video editor lets you slice and dice videos as you see fit before sharing it to Instagram.
The app also includes a range of filters, special effects, and graphics. Like Clipomatic, it also lets you add live subtitles and text to your videos.
Lumen5Lumen5 is an Instagram video app that helps businesses turn their blog posts into engaging social video.
The AI-powered video app pulls images and words into a storyboard brands can edit and tailor to each platform.
HeadlinerView this post on Instagram
A post shared by Lumen5 (@lumenfive)
If you want in on the Instagram video action, but only have audio and text to work with, Headliner is for you.
Originally made to help promote podcasts, the app is used by Wondery, BBC, CNN and other platforms use Headliner to transcribe audio clips into shareable, animated videos.
Grow your Instagram presence using Hootsuite. From a single dashboard you can schedule and publish posts and Stories directly to Instagram, engage your audience, measure performance, and run all your other social media profiles. Try it free today.
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Tips for Making Great Instagram Videos by Instagram
Instagram has published a collection of tips for video creators, bloggers, and brand content managers to help you create engaging and high-quality content for your feed, Stories, and IGTV, as well as promote your videos on IGTV.
How to make cool videos for Instagram
We publish a translation of material that will help in creating a high-quality video for Instagram.
Stay real
Audiences interact much better with content that creates a sense of personal communication. Be honest in your messages, share unique content about your life that subscribers cannot see elsewhere: back-stage photos and videos, not perfect and not processed materials.
Video posting frequency and creative
The secret to success is regularity. This also applies when creating videos for Instagram Stories. Don't be afraid to post content every day and don't get overwhelmed by it. As long as you stay connected and stick to your values, your followers will stay with you and follow your life.
Posting frequently will get your audience to follow your content. Set a goal to post to your feed, stories, IGTV at least once a week.
You can find out what content and when to publish (on any Instagram account) using Popsters analytics.
Get closer to the audience
Engage with followers: use stickers with questions or @mention the most active users. An engaged community is the key to success on Instagram, and a public response to a comment or tag can give you a fan for life.
Tell stories
Create content that will make your subscribers feel like they are with you right now.
Your rides, reactions to funny moments, and even morning workouts are the reason why people will follow you and leave comments and reactions.
Use different tools - photo and video carousel, countdown stickers will help you create interesting content about the most common situations.
Upload Long Stories
Now you can upload videos from 15 seconds to 1 minute to Stories. In addition, it is now easier to upload several photos or videos at once.
When you make an Instagram video longer than 15 seconds, thumbnails will show how many stories you have recorded. Every 15 seconds of recorded or uploaded media turns into a story on its own, and up to 4 videos can be recorded in one session with a total duration of up to 1 minute.
To upload multiple stories to Stories, click on the camera icon and then select up to 10 photos and videos.
In both cases, you can edit each photo and video separately, which saves a lot of time during processing.
Three Rules for Creating Branded Content
1. Be transparent
To gain the trust of your audience, tag the companies you work with. According to Instagram's rules, creators must tag business partners in branded content posts.
2. Be relevant
Work with brands whose products you really like.
3. Create native content
Make sure the post looks natural on your account and is appropriate for your audience. Subscribers don't want their attention to be sold.
IGTV: be the first
How to make a quality video for IGTV on Instagram? Create a series of 2-3 minute videos so that subscribers want to watch them all. IGTV videos should be vertical, in 9:16 format - users are used to this format.
Other video formats are better for Stories or Instagram feed.
Pro tip: When creating a video for Instagram, add an action at the very beginning so that the audience continues watching after the video starts.
Views on IGTV are counted from the third second.
IGTV video promotion step by step
1. 3 days before the release: share the backstage in stories to announce the release of the video.
2. 2 days: post a countdown sticker to stories.
3. While uploading : Post an IGTV video preview in the feed.
4. 1-10 minutes after posting the video : use the IGTV sticker in Instagram Stories.
5. 1-10 minutes after posting the video : Post a link to the IGTV video on Facebook and other social networks.
6. One day after posting : Start a livestream to discuss how your followers react to your IGTV video.
Useful articles on a related topic:
- Tools for effective work in Instagram;
- Extended statistics of any YouTube channels;
- How to become a popular blogger, all the details;
- How to promote reels on Instagram: the main rules and features.
how to upload and add video from phone and computer
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Instagram has created a convenient format for long IGTV videos for bloggers, stars and every ordinary person with a smartphone in their hands - Instagram TV (IGTV). These are vertical videos in Instagram Stories format. You can download and add IGTV videos from your phone or computer right away in the Instagram app, on the website in the web version of instagram.com, or by downloading the IGTV app.
In this case, you do not need to shoot a picture at the Netflix level, but you can upload ordinary vlogs. YouTube investors frowned in unison.
IGTV video on Instagram - what is it?
TV is watched less and less, and perhaps Instagram videos IGTV want to become a replacement for your plasma on the wall. Directly on Instagram, we have the ability to add long videos.
Another tool for promoting on Instagram and increasing coverage!
Even cheat services already offer IGTV video views.
What is IGTV and how is it different from Instagram Stories and Live? IGTV videos of a similar format are vertical. But these videos need to be made in advance and then uploaded to IGTV. But there is scrolling back and forth while viewing. Duration - from 60 seconds to 15 minutes (for downloading from a phone) and no longer than an hour (if done from a computer).
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IGTV videos can also be liked and commented, they have statistics (if you make a business account or an author account). And in the description, you can add a clickable link to an external site.
Any Instagram account (regardless of the number of followers) in Stories can add a link to an IGTV video. And you can put a preview in the feed with a link to the full IGTV video.
Video size, format and duration for uploading to IGTV
Not any video can be uploaded to IGTV, it must fit the format.
IGTV video sizes and format
The most popular format in Stories is vertical. Can be uploaded and horizontal video in IGTV - while watching, you can turn the screen over and it will unfold (just like on Youtube). If you shoot and upload videos from your phone, then you don’t need to think too much - when uploading a video to IGTV (detailed instructions below), you will open a gallery and it will contain only those videos that are suitable in length and size.
IGTV video size:
Aspect ratio:
- 9:16 vertical videos
- 16:9horizontal videos
Video size ("weight"):
- 1-10 min.: 650MB maximum
- 10-60 min: 3.6GB maximum
File format: .mp4
IGTV video duration:
- download from phone: 1-15 min. (file size up to 3.6 GB)
- upload from computer (instagram.
com web version): up to 60 min.
How to upload and post IGTV videos to Instagram
There are three ways to upload videos from 60 seconds to IGTV:
- in the Instagram app (from phone)
- via instagram.com web version (from computer)
- on IGTV app (phone)
How to add IGTV video to Instagram from your phone
You can add IGTV video on your phone without downloading additional applications.
The first way to download IGTV from your phone
Log in to your account on your phone, press the plus at the bottom in the middle. Choose the video you want (in IGTV, only longer than 60 seconds is suitable). Click next.
If you select "short video", your video will be cut to 60 seconds and appear as a normal video in the feed. For the video to fully load on IGTV, select Long Video.
Choose a cover either from the frames of the video, or click "Add content from the camera roll" and you can upload a suitable photo from the gallery.
Write a title and description for the video. You can add an active link to an external site in the description.
If you leave the 'Publish Preview' switch checked, the first 60 seconds of the video will appear in your feed with a link to the full video.
Here you can also edit what part of the video will be shown in the tape ("Edit preview") and crop the cover ("Edit cover") .
In advanced settings, you can also connect automatically generated subtitles.
The second way to download IGTV from your phone
Go to your Instagram account, click the plus sign on the top left. Choose "IGTV Video". Then everything is as in the screenshots above.
You can view uploaded IGTV videos in your Instagram account.
How do I add a link to an IGTV video in Stories?
Shooting or uploading Stories. Click on the "Link" icon at the top.
Click "IGTV Video".
Choose what you need. Click "Done" in the upper right corner. You can add text or a GIF with an arrow at the top.
When watching this Story, followers will be able to swipe up and go to the IGTV video you linked to.
How to post videos on the IGTV app on Instagram
We recommend downloading this app if you often watch and post IGTV videos.
Download the IGTV app
👉 download in the AppStore
👉 download in Google Play
Open IGTV, click "Continue as"
Three sections at the top: subscriptions, popular, history (not everyone has these sections). History - those IGTV videos that you have watched before.
To upload a video in the IGTV app, click the plus on the top right, allow access to your photos and videos.
Video that matches the length, size and format will be available for download, the rest will not.
Choose a video, you can watch it. Click "Next" on the top right. Choose a cover either from the frames of the video, or click "Add content from the camera roll" and select the appropriate photo from the gallery.
Write a title and description for the video. You can add an active link to an external site in the description.
If you leave the "Publish Preview" checkbox checked, the first 60 seconds of the video will appear in your feed with a link to the full video. You can edit a segment of an IGTV video for feed preview and crop the cover.
After downloading the IGTV video preview, you can upload it to Stories .
You can view uploaded IGTV videos in your Instagram account.
How to download and watch IGTV on Instagram on computer
You can also watch and upload IGTV videos to your account from your computer.
- Go to the web version of instagram.com, log in to your account. To the right of "Publication" you will see "IGTV" (see screenshot below). Click on the video and watch. So you can watch IGTV from a computer and in your account, and in any other.
- To upload a video to IGTV from a computer, in your account, click the blue "Upload" button on the right.
You will be redirected to the download page, where everything is clear without words 🙂 Do not close the page during the download. In the Description window, you can insert an active clickable link to an external site.
IGTV statistics on Instagram
You can view statistics for your videos uploaded to IGTV. Moreover, the number of views (this is everyone who watched longer than 3 seconds), likes and comments will be seen by everyone. But only you will have access to the "Average Audience Retention Percentage" (how long it was watched on average).
To view IGTV stats:
Open the desired video. Below you see the number of views and comments. Click on "Views" and you will see views and likes. Click on "Comments" and you will see them.
If you click on the three dots at the bottom of the screen, you can delete the video, copy the link to it, change the title and description, tag a business partner (video sponsor, for example) or view Statistics.
