We have said this time and time again, that video continues to be the most shareable content on social media. We know this, but do we use it enough on our channels? Here is what’s on offer for video on Instagram.
84% of customers say brand’s video has convinced then to purchase a product
So we really need to make the most of what video can offer.
Instagram though changing from just being an image-based app has got lots of ways you can get the most out of the videos you create.
The platforms inbuilt video features are relatively easy to use and accessible and offer a variety of ways to show well-curated content as well more topical off the cuff content. Each serves its own purpose and can be a real asset to your brand or services.
Instagram Grid Video
This option has been around for the longest and it easy to apply, just as you would a normal post. The specification for the grid posts are below and can be accompanied by a well-written caption and associated hashtags.
- Resolution of 1080×1920
- Landscape aspect ratio is 16:9, square aspect ratio is 1:1, vertical aspect ratio is 4:5
- Maximum file size is 4GB
- Upload using .MP4 and .MOV files
- Maximum video time is 1 minute
Instagram Stories
Instagram Stories are where I use my topical and spontaneous content ( as I like a well-ordered grid) These are where you can speak directly to your audience, with topical tips, weather updates or the countdown to a live webinar. It is a great way to share Behind The Scenes content to give more personality to your brand.
You can share directly as a video from stories, or pre-record and upload it as a story. The longest a clip can be is 15 seconds. If your story is longer, Instagram will automatically cut from one story to the next to make another 15-second clip.
I love Stories because you can then jazz any mundane video up with the stickers, ask a question, add a gif, use a hashtag all can be included to give your story a really personal touch.
Instagram Stories specs include:
- Resolution of 1080×1920
- Aspect ratio is 16:9
- Maximum file size is 4GB
- Upload using MP4 and .MOV files
- Maximum video time for paid content is 2 minutes
- Maximum video time for organic content is 15 seconds
IGTV
If you are more interested in sharing longer form video content on Instagram, then IGTV is the option for you.
This format is great for Q&A’s, promotional videos, in-depth tutorials and a great vlog.
You will need to record your IGTV footage then upload it to the platform, using the + key to access IGTV the upload your video. You can title and describe your video and add a cover image to display as the first thing your viewers see. You also get an option to post directly onto your grid a short 15-second preview to give your followers a little taster.
We would also recommend for all videos you take advantage of the ‘Autogenerated captions’ to make sure your videos are accessible to all
- Resolution of 1080×1920
- Aspect ratio is 16:9
- Upload using .MP4 and .MOV files
- Minimum video time is 1 minute
- Maximum video time is 15 minutes for regular accounts
- Maximum video time is 60 minutes for verified accounts
Instagram Live
Now you are getting more confident, Instagram LIVE is a great streaming feature that can host live videos within the app. Once completed this can then be shared as a story and put to IGTV for your audience to view later.
Instagram Live specs include:
- Aspect ratio is 16:9
- Maximum file size is 4GB
- Maximum video time is 60 minutes
Reels
The newest tool in Instagram’s box, Reels is the rival to the highly successful Tik Tok platform, the ability to cut and edit your video directly in Instagram offers a huge amount of creativity as well as adding fun filters, text and sounds to make your reel a truly stop then scroll opportunity.
The added bonus is that Reels can be seen by not just your audiences so it is a great way to expose your brand to a large audience and build up that following.
Reels specs include:
- Resolution of 1080×1920
- Aspect ratio is 16:9
- Maximum file size is 4GB
- Upload using MP4 and .MOV files
- Maximum video time is 30 seconds
