Complete Instagram Video Format Guide & Specifications For 2025

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?

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.

Video Format for Instagram 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 for Instagram 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

• 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 to Enhance Instagram Video: UniFab AI Video Enhancer

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.

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. 

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.

Key Features of UniFab Video Enhancer

✅ AI-Driven Auto Detection – Automatically detects and improves video quality using cutting-edge AI technology.

✅ Universal Enhancement – Boosts clarity for all video types, whether it's standard or animation, using advanced models.

✅ 8K Upscaling – Upscales your Instagram video resolution to 720p, 1080p, 4K, and even 8K.

✅ Noise Removal – Eliminates unwanted noise from poor lighting, high ISO, and compression artifacts, ensuring crisp and clean visuals.

✅ Extensive Format Compatibility – Supports over 1000 formats, enabling you to choose best video format for Instagram.

✅ Lossless Compression – Reduces Instagram video size while maintaining quality.

✅ High-Speed GPU Acceleration – Up to 50x faster denoising and video enhancements with advanced GPU optimization.

✅ Advanced Customization – Tailor your Instagram video codec, quality, and settings for the best results before posting.

✅ Built-In Video Editing – Quick tools for trimming, watermarking, and making other essential edits to fine-tune your content.

✅ Batch Processing – Process multiple Instagram videos at once, saving you time for mass uploads.

Easy Steps to Perfect Your Instagram Video

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering Instagram video specifications ensures your content looks great across all devices. For the best results, consider using UniFab AI Video Enhancer. Its AI-powered tools can instantly elevate your videos, improving quality and giving your Instagram content a professional edge.

FAQs

Does Instagram like MP4 or MOV?

Instagram supports both MP4 and MOV formats, but MP4 is generally the preferred format for better compatibility and performance, especially for videos with high quality and smaller file sizes.

What format are Instagram videos in?

Instagram videos are typically in MP4 format, using the H.264 video codec and AAC audio codec for optimal quality.

Can I post an MP4 file on Instagram?

Yes, you can post MP4 files on Instagram. It’s one of the most common and compatible video formats for the platform.

Is Instagram Reels 9:16 or 4:5?

Instagram Reels use a 9:16 aspect ratio, designed to fit full-screen vertical video for an immersive viewing experience.