How to Post a Full Video on Instagram: A Complete Guide

Want to share that epic adventure, hilarious skit, or compelling message without Instagram cutting you off? You’ve come to the right place. Posting a full video on Instagram isn’t always straightforward, but understanding the platform’s limitations and available tools makes it entirely achievable.

Understanding Instagram’s Video Limits

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s understand the “why.” Instagram’s video length restrictions are designed to optimize user experience and server load. These limits vary depending on where you’re posting:

• Instagram Feed: Videos can be up to 60 seconds long. Anything longer needs to be trimmed or split.
• Instagram Stories: Each story segment is limited to 15 seconds. Longer videos are automatically broken down into these segments.
• Instagram Reels: Similar to Stories, Reels allow for short-form video content, but they’ve evolved. Reels can now be up to 90 seconds long.
• IGTV (Instagram TV): This is where you can truly unleash your longer videos. IGTV allows videos ranging from 1 minute to 60 minutes when uploaded from a mobile device. Verified accounts and those with a large following can even upload videos up to 3 hours long from a desktop.
• Instagram Live: You can stream live for up to 4 hours. After the live broadcast ends, you can share it to your story for 24 hours or save it to IGTV.

Posting Long Videos: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now for the main event. Here’s a breakdown of how to post long videos, depending on the desired format.

Posting a Full Video to Instagram Feed

The 60-second limit is a hard cap. If your video exceeds this, you’ll need to trim or split it.

1. Record or Choose Your Video: Start with the video you want to share.
2. Trim in-App (If Possible): When uploading to the Feed, Instagram offers basic trimming tools. If your video is only slightly over 60 seconds, use this feature to cut it down.
3. Use a Video Editing App: If the in-app trimming isn’t enough, you’ll need a dedicated video editing app. Apps like iMovie (iOS), Adobe Premiere Rush (iOS & Android), and FilmoraGo (iOS & Android) allow you to precisely trim, cut, and merge video clips.
4. Upload to Instagram Feed: Once trimmed to 60 seconds or less, select the video from your gallery, add a caption, hashtags, and tag people, and hit “Share.”

Posting a Full Video to Instagram Stories

Instagram Stories is built for shorter bursts of content, with each segment capped at 15 seconds. The platform will automatically split longer videos for you.

1. Record or Choose Your Video: As before, start with the video you want to share.
2. Upload to Instagram Stories: Open Instagram and swipe right to access the Stories camera. Select the video from your gallery.
3. Instagram Automatically Splits: Instagram will automatically divide the video into 15-second segments.
4. Rearrange (If Necessary): In some cases, the automatic split might not be ideal. Some third-party apps can help you manually split the video into 15-second segments and rearrange them if needed.
5. Add Text, Stickers, and More: Enhance each segment with text, stickers, GIFs, polls, and other interactive elements.
6. Share to Your Story: Tap “Your Story” to post the segments to your profile. They will disappear after 24 hours.

Posting a Full Video to Instagram Reels

Reels offer a middle ground, allowing for videos up to 90 seconds.

1. Record or Choose Your Video: Choose a compelling video.
2. Trim in-App: The Reels editor provides trimming tools to get your video under the 90-second limit.
3. Add Music, Effects, and Text: Reels are known for creative editing. Use Instagram’s built-in tools to add music, effects, text overlays, and transitions.
4. Share to Reels: Tap “Share” to publish your Reel.
5. Choose Cover and Caption: Select a visually appealing cover image and write a catchy caption.
6. Share to Feed (Optional): You can choose to share your Reel to your Instagram feed for wider visibility.

Posting a Full Video to IGTV

IGTV is specifically designed for longer-form content, making it the ideal choice for videos exceeding the limits of Feed, Stories, and Reels.

1. Download the IGTV App (Optional): While you can upload to IGTV through the main Instagram app, the standalone IGTV app offers a streamlined experience.
2. Create an IGTV Channel: If you haven’t already, create an IGTV channel. This serves as your dedicated space for long-form video content.
3. Upload Your Video: Within the IGTV app or through Instagram, tap the “+” icon to upload your video.
4. Choose a Cover Photo: Select a visually appealing cover photo that represents your video.
5. Add a Title and Description: Write a compelling title and a detailed description. Use keywords to help people find your video.
6. Share to Facebook (Optional): You can choose to cross-post your IGTV video to Facebook for wider reach.
7. Post to IGTV: Hit “Post” to publish your video to IGTV. It will then be accessible on your channel.

Essential Tips for Posting Longer Videos on Instagram

• Plan Your Content: Before recording, plan your video’s structure and content to ensure it fits within Instagram’s limits or can be easily divided.
• Use Engaging Visuals: Keep your audience hooked with visually appealing content.
• Optimize for Mobile Viewing: Most Instagram users watch videos on their smartphones. Ensure your video is optimized for mobile screens.
• Add Captions: Many users watch videos with the sound off. Add captions to make your content accessible and engaging.
• Promote Your Content: Let your followers know you’ve posted a longer video on IGTV. Share snippets on your Story or Feed to drive traffic to your IGTV channel.
• Call to Action: Encourage viewers to take action, such as liking, commenting, or sharing your video.
• High-Quality Video: Ensure your video resolution and quality are optimal, to enhance the viewing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What video formats are supported by Instagram?

Instagram supports MP4 (the most recommended), MOV, and M4V video formats. Using MP4 ensures compatibility across different devices and platforms.

2. What is the ideal video resolution for Instagram?

For Instagram Feed and IGTV, the ideal resolution is 1080 x 1920 pixels (vertical). For Instagram Stories and Reels, the recommended resolution is also 1080 x 1920 pixels.

3. How can I compress a large video file without losing quality?

Use video editing software like Handbrake to compress your video. Experiment with different compression settings to find a balance between file size and quality. You can also adjust the video’s bitrate to reduce file size.

4. Can I post a horizontal video on Instagram?

Yes, you can, but Instagram is predominantly a vertical video platform. While horizontal videos will work, they won’t take up the entire screen and may not be as engaging. Consider cropping or reframing your video for a better viewing experience.

5. How do I create a compelling cover photo for my IGTV video?

Use a high-resolution image that accurately represents your video’s content. Ensure the cover photo is visually appealing and includes a clear title or message. Tools like Canva are great for creating custom cover photos.

6. What are some good video editing apps for Instagram?

Popular video editing apps include Adobe Premiere Rush, iMovie, FilmoraGo, InShot, and Splice. These apps offer a range of features for trimming, adding music, applying effects, and creating engaging videos.

7. How do I add subtitles to my Instagram videos?

You can manually add subtitles using video editing software or use Instagram’s built-in captioning tool. Alternatively, you can explore third-party apps like Clipomatic or Descript to automatically generate subtitles.

8. What is the best way to promote my IGTV videos?

Share snippets of your IGTV videos on your Instagram Feed and Stories to drive traffic. Use relevant hashtags in your video description to increase visibility. Collaborate with other creators to cross-promote each other’s content.

9. Can I schedule Instagram videos in advance?

Yes, you can. Instagram has a built-in scheduling tool for business accounts. Alternatively, you can use third-party social media management platforms like Later, Hootsuite, or Buffer to schedule your videos and other content in advance.

10. How do I measure the success of my Instagram videos?

Track key metrics such as views, likes, comments, shares, saves, and reach. Analyze these metrics to understand what types of videos resonate with your audience and adjust your content strategy accordingly. Use Instagram Insights for a detailed analysis.

11. What are the best practices for using hashtags on Instagram videos?

Use a mix of broad and specific hashtags to reach a wider audience. Research relevant hashtags in your niche and use up to 30 hashtags per video. Place the hashtags in your video description or in the first comment.

12. How do I keep my audience engaged when posting longer videos?

Use engaging visuals, storytelling techniques, and interactive elements to keep your audience hooked. Break up long videos into segments with clear transitions. Ask questions, run polls, and encourage viewers to leave comments.

Mastering the art of posting full videos on Instagram requires understanding the platform’s nuances and utilizing the right tools. By following these guidelines and answering these frequently asked questions, you’ll be well-equipped to share your longer, more captivating content with the world.