Introduction
Instagram has become one of the most popular social media platforms for businesses, brands, and individuals alike. The platform’s features have evolved over the years, and video content has become a crucial part of any Instagram strategy. But, how long of a video can you post on Instagram?
Whether you’re creating content for your account or managing a brand account, understanding Instagram’s video length restrictions and best practices can make all the difference in engagement and growth.
The basics of Instagram video length: Everything you need to know
The length of your video depends on the type of video you are uploading. There are three main types of videos on Instagram – feed videos, IGTV videos, and Stories videos.
Feed videos are the standard videos that appear on your Instagram feed. These videos can be between three and sixty seconds long. IGTV videos are longer-form videos that live on their own IGTV channel. IGTV videos must be at least one minute long, and can be up to sixty minutes, but the duration varies depending on the account’s size and verification status.
Finally, Stories videos are short, vertical videos that disappear after twenty-four hours. They can be as long as fifteen seconds, and you can upload as many as you want in one Story update.
Why keeping your Instagram videos short is key to success
Shorter videos typically perform better on Instagram, as they keep audiences engaged and decrease drop-off rates. Research shows that videos under thirty seconds long get the most engagement. Keeping your videos concise is especially crucial for Instagram Stories, as users are more likely to swipe away from a Story that is too long or doesn’t catch their attention right away.
How to trim your video footage for Instagram without losing the essence
The key to trimming video footage without losing the video’s message is to identify the key points you want to emphasize. You can use editing software like iMovie or Adobe Premiere to trim the video to the appropriate duration and keep the essential elements.
When trimming your feed video, ensure that the most important parts of the video are in the first three seconds as these are the most valuable seconds in terms of capturing the viewer’s attention.
Best practices for uploading videos on Instagram: From resolution to duration
When uploading videos on Instagram, ensure that the resolution is at least 1080 pixels wide, and the aspect ratio is between 4:5 and 16:9, as this ensures the best quality. If the aspect ratio is not within this range, Instagram will crop the video or add white/ black bars.
For feed videos, the ideal length is between fifteen and thirty seconds. Instagram Stories, on the other hand, have shorter attention spans, and we recommend keeping videos to under ten seconds. With IGTV, you have the flexibility to upload longer videos, but ensure your video is engaging enough to keep your audience hooked.
The impact of video length on Instagram engagement rate: Here’s what data says
Data suggests that Instagram’s algorithm favors shorter videos. Shorter videos tend to have higher engagement rates, reach wider audiences and are more likely to appear on the explore page. In contrast, longer videos are likely to result in higher drop-off rates and lower retention rates. It is crucial to consider the goal of your video when determining the appropriate length. Informational videos, for example, may require a longer duration to convey all the necessary details.
How to craft a compelling story for Instagram video in just a few seconds
When creating a story video, first, think about your message and the emotion you would like to trigger in your audience. Keep in mind the fifteen-second time constraint and ensure the first three seconds are impactful enough to capture the audience’s attention. Consider using subtitles and relevant hashtags to boost your video’s reach.
Conclusion
Instagram’s video features offer users a unique opportunity to share their stories and engage with their audiences. Knowing the ideal length of video for each format is essential to creating successful videos that drive results. Ensure that your video is engaging, highlights the essential points, and keeps the audience hooked until the end. Lastly, remember to stay consistent to keep your audience engaged and foster growth on the platform.
