Instagram video formats 2022: specifications and examples
Verica Rosic, November 29, 2022· Creative Process
Instagram is an ideal platform for sharing visual content. In addition to pictures, you can also upload videos to give your followers even more insights into your life or business. In this article, we explain which video format is best suited for Instagram. We also show you which specifications Instagram has for videos.
Content
Which video format for Instagram?
Instagram generally supports two different formats for videos:
MOV
MP4
We recommend that you use MP4, as MOV files often cause problems when uploading. Also, the MP4 format is a standard format that is supported by most devices and programmes. If you have a video in another format, no problem! You can convert it to MP4 with a free conversion programme.
Depending on where the video is played, it will be displayed in landscape format (e.g. in the feed) with an aspect ratio of 4:5 or in portrait format (full screen format) with an aspect ratio of 9:16. However, the specifications differ depending on the type of video. Below you will find all relevant specifications depending on the video type.
Video format and specifications for all Instagram video types at a glance
Currently there are the following different types of video on Instagram:
Instagram Video (previously IGTV and Feed Videos).
Instagram Reels
Instagram Story
Instagram Live
Instagram Video
Instagram Video combines the former IGTV and In-Feed videos. Instagram Video is a feature that allows you to share longer videos of up to 60 minutes with your followers or only with selected friends. The play button, which can be found in every profile, leads directly to all videos of the user, except for Instagram Reels. Instagram Video is the right choice for long content on Instagram – for example Q&As.
We recommend the following specifications for your Instagram video:
File size and dimension:
Maximum file size 4 GB
Vertical (1080 x 608 pixels)
Horizontal (1080 x 1350 pixels)
Aspect ratio:
4:5 (1,91:1 to 9:16 are supported)
The aspect ratio of a video is the width in relation to the height. The first digit always stands for the width and the second for the height.
Instagram videos can also be uploaded in square formats (1080 x 1080 pixels or in an aspect ratio of 1:1).
Size limit:
650 MB (for videos 10 minutes long or shorter)
3.6 GB (for 60-minute videos)
If you need further technical specifications, such as video and audio codecs, Instagram offers you an overview of all important key data on their support page.
Also important: Make sure that the content of your video does not violate Instagram’s community guidelines.
Instagram Reels
Reels are short videos with music and effects that you can create within the Instagram app – very similar to the idea of TikTok, short and crisp. There are various tools to help you edit the maximum 60-second clips. Instagram reels, with their modern and dynamic style, are best suited for young people and influencers.
We recommend the following technical specifications for Instagram reels:
File size and dimension:
Maximum file size 4 GB
Vertical (1080 Pixel x 1920 Pixel)
Aspect ratio:
9:16 (Newsfeed: 4:5)
Size limit:
4 GB (video length 60 seconds)
Important: Reels are played in a variety of places. Depending on where your video is viewed, the format will change. In full-screen mode, for example, an Instagram reel will be displayed in 9:16 format, but in the newsfeed in 4:5 format.
Instagram Story
Story’s are short photos or videos that you can share with your followers or only with selected friends. They appear in your Story for 24 hours and then disappear. With interactive tools, you can add stickers, polls or filters to give Stories the right touch.
For Instagram Stories, we recommend similar technical specifications as for Reels:
File size and dimension:
Maximum file size 4 GB
Vertical: 1080 x 608 pixels (minimum) 1080 x 1920 pixels (maximum)
Aspect ratio:
9:16
Size limit:
4 GB (15 seconds video)
If the story is longer than 15 seconds, Instagram splits it into 15-second blocks. Each of these blocks can be up to 4 GB in size.
Instagram Live
Instagram Live is a feature that allows you to stream live. This allows you to interact with your followers in real time and show them what’s happening. Your followers can get in touch with you in real time via comments, emojis and hearts. Live videos thus enable direct exchange with followers. Instagram Live can also be interesting for companies – for example, to present a new product.
You can only record Instagram Live via your smartphone app.
The following technical specifications apply to Instagram Live:
File size and dimension:
Maximum file size 4 GB
Vertical (1080 x 1920 pixels)
Aspect ratio:
9:16
Size limit:
4 GB (4 hours of video)
As you can see, the Instagram video formats and their specifications are straightforward – now there’s nothing to stop you choosing the right format for your personal content.