Complete Instagram Video Format Guide & Specifications For 2024

Instagram is the third popular social media platform that allows users to create, edit, and share videos. If you want your Instagram video to perform well, consider the sizing requirements, formats, aspect ratio, and length for each type of Instagram video. This blog post will guide you through Instagram videos, the right format to choose, video length, and how to upscale an Instagram video to improve its quality.

What is Instagram Video?

Instagram video is a content format that allows you to watch, create, or share videos directly on the Instagram app. Videos are the most compelling form of content to share on Instagram. People can connect you by watching or sharing and commenting on your videos. You can upload video content on Instagram as reels, stories, live videos, video ads, and in-feed videos.

What Video Format Does Instagram Support?

instagram photo

There are three types of Instagram video formats.

  • MP4: MP4 is a Multimedia File Storage format that is the most used and recommended Instagram video format for all types of IG videos, including feeds, Stories, Reels, and carousels, live streaming.
  • MOV: MOV stands for Metal Oxide Varistor. It is an Instagram video format standard for Apple's QuickTime and provides better quality or file size than MP4.
  • GIF: GIF stands for Graphics Interchange Format, without the sound of a concise video. The maximum size for a GIF must be four or five seconds long and can be from a movie, show, or song.

Instagram Video Format for Reels

These two formats are used for reels

  • MP4
  • MOV

Tip: Users should use MP4 video format for in-feed videos, Reels, and Stories.

Instagram Video Format for In-feed video

These formats are used for In-feed videos:

  • MP4
  • MOV
  • GIF

Tip: When an in-feed IG video includes GIFs, use a third-party app like Giphy instead of uploading directly from your phone.

Instagram Stories Video Format

These formats are used for Instagram story videos:

  • MP4
  • MOV
  • GIF

Tip: When your story is blurred, and the video aspect ratio is low, you might need to resize your image.

Live Video Formats

The following video formats are used for live video:

  • MP4
  • MOV

How Long of a Video Can You Post on Instagram?

Video length and size play important roles when uploading a video to the Instagram app. Instagram automatically fixes video size and aspect ratio like other social media apps. But it's better to choose the right video size with an aspect ratio of 16:9. So, how long of a video can you post on Instagram app?

Length of In-Feed Video

Instagram feed videos are regular video posts that are useful for engaging existing audiences. These videos live forever in your profile and do not disappear after 24 hours. People who watch your Instagram stories or profile can also access In-Feed videos.

  • Video length: 60 minutes
  • Video size:1080 X 1080 Pixels

Length of Reel Video

Instagram Reels are short-form videos just like TikTok videos. Users like to watch Instagram reels that are short and feel helpful, charming, or educational.

  • Video length: 90 seconds
  • Reel size: 1080 x 1092 pixels

Length of Video Ads

Video ads are made to grab the attention of those who don't follow you. You can upload a 60 minute long video to build your brand awareness. Instagram stories, In-Feed videos, and Reels can also be used to make ads.

  • Video length: 60 seconds to 60 minutes
  • Video size: 1080 x 1080 pixels

Length of Live Video

You can go live on Instagram via live videos to engage your audience in real-time. In real-time, people can connect with you through comments. Instagram live videos are great for enhancing your audience on Instagram.

  • Video length: Up to 4 hours
  • Size of video: 1080 x 1092 pixels

Length for Instagram Stories

Stories are short, temporary videos that disappear after 24 hours unless you add them to your profile highlights, which appear under your bio toward the top of your profile. Also, the YouTube aspect ratio may help you as well, have a look.

  • Video length: 60 seconds long video will be broken into 15-second segments
  • Video size: 1080 x 1092 pixels

Types of IG Video

Video Size

Video Aspect Ratio

Video Length

Video Format

Resolution

Instagram feed videos

1080p x 1080p

1:1

60 minutes

MP4, MOV, GIF

HD, 4K

Instagram reels

1080p x 1092p

16:9

90 seconds

MP4, MOV, GIF

HD, 4K

IG video ads

1080p x 1080p

1:1 or 16:9

60 seconds to 60 minutes

MP4, MOV

HD, 4K

Instagram stories

1080p x 1092p

16:9

60 seconds

MP4, MOV, GIF

HD, 4K

IG live videos

1080p x 1092p

16:9

Up to 4 hours

MP4, MOV

HD, 4K

Instagram Carousel Video

1080p x 1092p

16:9

30 to 60 seconds long

MP4, MOV, GIF

HD, 4K

  • Instagram Video Specifications

Why Does Instagram Ruin Video Quality?

When you upload videos on Instagram Reels, the quality could be better. Here are some reasons why does Instagram ruin video quality:

  1. When our Internet connection is unstable, Instagram ruins video quality to ensure quick uploads. So, you can not upload high-quality videos on Instagram with a poor internet connection.
  2. The camera setup is also essential when setting up the right aspect ratio from the camera setting. Also, if you don't choose the standard format and recommended size, your Instagram story is uploaded with a low aspect ratio because Instagram automatically adjusts all parameters. As a result, video quality is ruined.
  3. Uploading Instagram posts from a backup can change the clarity of photos.

Best Tool for Enhance Instagram Video

The quality of videos is more important. If your video does not attract your audience, then you need to upgrade the IG video with the help of any video editor. UniFab AI Video Enhancer is the best software for upgrading video quality.

before after using ai video enhancer.jpg

UniFab AI Video Enhancer can make your video top-notch by enhancing resolution to 720p, 1080p, 4K, or even 8K. It is the best software for improving the details and clarity of an Instagram video, delivering sharp, quality visuals at any resolution you choose. UniFab's video enhancer uses two different AI models, Universal and Animation, that can bring your video quality up to par to attract more viewers.

Easily enhance IG videos

  • Make your video top-notch to 4K, even 8K;Improve the details and clarity of Instagram video;Deliver sharp, quality visuals to impress followers.
Free Download

The software's algorithms are smart enough to add pixel dots to low-quality videos to enhance them. Moreover, this AI tool is straightforward to use and affordable. It can cover all your video enhancement needs. Using this AI Video Enhancer, you can remove any noise from the video or add lost details to your video within seconds. It helps you to enhance the clarity and quality of all types of video content.

If you want the best video enhancer, try UniFab AI Video Enhancer today and enjoy high-quality IG videos.

As a passionate software tester, AI enthusiast, and tech lover, I bring precision and innovation to my writing. Or perhaps I'm off on a new adventure. My articles are your go-to guide for navigating the fast-paced tech landscape.