Instagram Video Length: 2024’s Handbook for Posts, Stories, and Reels

Jan 15, 2024 8:30:00 AM

Gone are the days when only three hour long movies could entertain-at least for Gen Z.

Instagram’s video length is not just a measure; it's a playground where attention is both the rule and the game-changer.

From a slam book to a video library- Instagram’s evolution has been crazy!

instagram vertical video ad

From the quick dance of Reels to the behind-the-scenes Instagram Stories and the real-time buzz of Lives, let us dive into the epicenter of captivating content or should I say ‘Your Instagram handbook for 2024’. 

Oh, and if you need help with curating quirky content, fill out the form below:

  1. Detailed Guidelines for Each Video Format
    1. Instagram Feed Video
    2. Instagram Reel Video
    3. Instagram Story Video
    4. Instagram Live Video
  2. Hacks for Surpassing Instagram Video Length Limits
    1. Trimming Videos
    2. Carousel Posts
    3. Segmenting Videos
  3. Technical Aspects of Instagram Videos
    1. Feed Videos
    2. Instagram Reels
    3. Instagram Stories
    4. Instagram Live Videos
    5. Instagram Video Ads
    6. Carousel Videos

Detailed Guidelines for Each Video Format

1. Instagram Feed Video

Instagram's video posts in the feed come in various lengths, ranging from quick 3-second snippets to lengthy 60-minute stories.

The intriguing part? If your video surpasses that 60-second mark, Instagram offers a sneak peek – a teaser, if you will – right in the feed.


But wait, there's a clever workaround!

You can use Instagram's editing tools to trim those longer videos or craft them into cool carousel posts. (More on this later)

And hey, here's a tip for the perfect video post: aim for that ideal size of 1080 x 1080 pixels for landscape vibes or 1080 x 1350 pixels for portrait magic!

And when it comes to aspect ratios, the key is keeping things between 1.911 and 4:5.

 

Pro tip: Embrace vertical videos for that extra oomph and better engagement – it's like speaking Instagram's language fluently!

Ah, remember those old-style horizontal videos? Well, they've evolved into Reels now!

2. Instagram Reel Video

instagram reel videos

Instagram Reels transformed short-form video with engaging 15 to 90-second clips set to music, capturing trends like TikTok.

Its creative arsenal, including filters and templates, empowers users to craft engaging content within the 9:16 aspect ratio and 1080 x 1920 pixels dimensions.

Want to maximize impact? Post your Reels early in the day to catch the morning scroll wave.

 

Instagram's pivot to video is no accident; it's a strategic move to capture the attention of Gen Z and millennials, ensuring the platform remains a vibrant hub of creativity.

Remember, in the world of Reels, it's not just about the length; quality content rules supreme, creating a ripple effect of audience participation and app engagement.

3. Instagram Story Video 

Instagram Stories, where creativity meets urgency in bite-sized, engaging videos that vanish after 24 hours.

instagram stories


Originally confined to 15 seconds, these short bursts of storytelling have evolved into 60-second wonders, automatically segmented for those eager to share more.

Capture the moment's essence with an ideal resolution of 1080px by 1920px and an aspect ratio of 9:16, ensuring a visually appealing experience for your audience.

Here’s an example from Starbucks:

instagram stories collage

But the magic extends beyond the ticking clock.

Elevate your storytelling by curating these moments into highlights, creating a lasting tapestry of your brand's narrative.

Unleash interactivity with filters, emojis, tags, and stickers— vibrant tools that enhance engagement and transform your Stories into an immersive experience.

Unlock the power of spontaneity as you share behind-the-scenes peeks, daily updates, or limited-time offers through the ephemeral nature of Stories.

Each Story is a vivid brushstroke, allowing your brand to resonate authentically.

4. Instagram Live Video

instagram live videos

Instagram Live is your direct ticket to real-time connection with your audience.

Now extended to a whopping 4 hours, it's the go-to platform for engaging workshops, interviews, and dynamic content.

Save your live videos for 30 days, ensuring everyone can catch up, and even discover replays conveniently tucked into your Reels tab.

Initiate a Live broadcast with a swipe or tap, and spice things up by bringing in three guests through a virtual Live Room.

Your Live audience is your instant feedback crew, expressing themselves through comments, emojis, and badges to support creators.

For nonprofits, it's a fundraising powerhouse in partnership with PayPal Giving Fund.

instagram live videos interface

Instagram Live: where real-time meets real engagement, fostering authentic connections in the blink of an eye. #InstaLiveMagic

5. Instagram Video Ads

instagram video mobile ads

  • Master the Formats: In-feed videos strut their stuff for up to 60 seconds, captivating users as they scroll. Meanwhile, Story ads under 30 seconds enjoy their spotlight, while the longer tales gracefully unfold in 15-second snippets.
  • Dance Across Displays: Picture your video ad waltzing through feeds, and stories, and explore pages, a show that spans from snappy 3-second teasers to compelling 2-minute stories.

  • Craft the Perfect Ad: Elevate your ad game with picture-perfect specs - 1080×1080 resolution, a dash of 4:5 aspect ratio, and the preferred MP4 or MOV formats. Text sorcery: weave a compelling 125-character primary text spell and sprinkle up to 30 hashtags for enchantment.

instagram mobile video ads

  • Styles Galore: Choose your adventure - from in-feed allure to Story saga, sponsored Reel escapades, carousel chronicles, and the allure of user-generated epics. Customize your ad voyage with tailored budgets, audience snippets, and a storyline duration of your choosing.

  • CTA Charm: Guide your audience with compelling calls-to-action; let them know how to dive into your world, whether it's making a purchase, booking a slot, or downloading delights. And, don't forget the visual symphony - keep it consistent with logos, colors, and fonts for that instant brand recognition.

Hacks for Surpassing Instagram Video Length Limits

Navigating Instagram's video length limits can be a breeze with a few clever hacks and the use of an Instagram post scheduler like SocialPilot for optimal content planning.

Here's a roundup of effective strategies to make the most out of your content:

instagram reels video

1. Trimming Videos: Unleash the Power of Precision

Ever found yourself with a captivating video that's just a tad too long for the Instagram spotlight?

Fear not! Harness the transformative potential of Instagram's trim tool.

Beyond a mere snipping operation, it's an art form.

Picture this: seamlessly slicing your video to retain the essence, leaving your audience craving more. 

2. Carousel Posts: Crafting Interactive Narratives 

 

Think beyond the constraints of a single video.

A carousel post can have up to 10 slides, accommodating ten 60-second videos, helping you to put out 60 mins of content in one go.

Imagine weaving an immersive tale through Instagram's Carousel Posts.

It's not just a series of slides; it's a dynamic, interactive experience for your audience.

Each swipe unveils a new facet, a fresh perspective, creating a storytelling journey that transcends the confines of a standalone post.

Leverage this feature to craft a narrative that resonates and lingers in the minds of your followers.

3. Segmenting Videos: Piecing Together the Perfect Story

Long-form content meets the scrolling world of Instagram.

Break down your video into digestible segments, each a compelling piece of the larger puzzle.

What unfolds is a masterful storytelling tapestry, a sequence of moments carefully orchestrated to captivate your audience.

As you piece together these segments, consider the rhythm, the crescendo, and the emotional journey you're curating. 

Want to know what else can help your content strike that sweet emotional chord with your audience?

Animated videos!

Technical Aspects of Instagram Videos

1. Feed Videos

  • Instagram Feed Aspect ratio: 1:1, 4:5, 9:16, or 16:9 aspect ratio. We recommend portrait 9:16.  
  • Instagram Feed Video length: 3 seconds to 60 seconds.
  • Instagram Feed Video format: MP4, MOV, or GIF.
  • Instagram Feed Video resolution: we recommend 1080p video resolution.
  • Instagram Feed Video Maximum size: 4GB.
  • Instagram Feed Video thumbnail: minimum width of 500 pixels.
  • Instagram Feed Video caption: up to 2200 characters.

2. Instagram Reels

  • Instagram Reel Aspect ratio: 1:1, 4:5, or 9:16 aspect ratio. We recommend portrait 9:16.
  • Instagram Reel Video length: 15 seconds to 90 seconds.
  • Instagram Reel Video format: MP4 or MOV.  
  • Instagram Reel Video resolution: we recommend 1080p video resolution. 
  • Instagram Reel Video size: 4GB. 
  • Instagram Reel Video thumbnail: minimum width of 500 pixels. 
  • Instagram Reel Video caption: up to 2200 characters. 

3. Instagram Stories

  • Instagram Story Aspect ratio: 9:16 aspect ratio. 
  • Instagram Story Video length: 1 second to 60 seconds.
  • Instagram Story Video format: MP4, MOV, or GIF
  • Instagram Story Video resolution: we recommend 1080p video resolution. 
  • Instagram Story Video size: 4GB. 
  • Instagram Story Video caption: up to 125 characters. 

4. Instagram Live Video

  • Instagram Live Aspect ratio: 9:16 aspect ratio. 
  • Instagram Live Video length: 1 second to 4 hours
  • Instagram Live Video format: MP4 or MOV.  

instagram live videos collage

5. Instagram Video Ads

  • The minimum Instagram vertical video dimensions are 600 x 750.
  • Instagram's ad vertical aspect ratio is 4:5.
  • The maximum Instagram ad file size is 4GB.
  • Recommended Instagram ad video formats are .MP4 and. MOV.
  • The Instagram ad video length limit is 60 seconds.
  • Video max frames 30fps.
  • Instagram caption max length: 2,200 characters.

6. Carousel Videos

  • Minimum Instagram carousel video ads resolutions are 600 x 600.
  • Maximum Instagram carousel video ads resolutions are 1080 x 1080.
  • Aspect ratio: Between 1.91:1 and 4:5
  • Video max frames 30fps.
  • Instagram caption max length: 2,200 characters.
  • Recommended caption length: 125 characters.

Conclusion

Bravo, Instagram virtuoso!

In this 2024 Handbook, you've got the map to navigate the Insta terrain.

So, sparkle in your videos, resonate in Stories, and dance through Reels.

Remember, it's not just about length; it's about crafting captivating content.

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