You’re scrolling through your Instagram app, captivated by a video clip that’s way longer than 60 seconds. You think, “I want to upload a video longer than just 15 seconds or 1 minute!” But here’s the snag: every time you try to upload a video, Instagram slices it into 15-second clips. Annoying, isn’t it? You’ve even tried to cut your video using a video trimmer, but it’s not the video you want to share. Don’t fret; we’ve got the solution to send a long video the way you want, bypassing those pesky Instagram limits.
Importance of Video Content on Instagram
Video content is the lifeblood of Instagram. It’s not just about pretty pictures anymore; videos on Instagram are taking center stage. They’re engaging, interactive, and they keep people glued to their screens.
Remember the time I tried posting my dog’s adorable antics? It was a 2-minute video, and Instagram mercilessly cut it into snippets. The essence was lost! But after some research, I found ways to keep the video’s soul intact. You can too!
According to 2023 statistics, videos on Instagram receive 49% more engagement than images. So, why not leverage this to your advantage?
Challenges and Solutions for Posting Long Videos
Posting a long video on Instagram can feel like trying to stuff a square peg into a round hole. But guess what? There are solutions to make that peg fit perfectly!
I once wanted to post a cooking tutorial. It was 5 minutes long, and Instagram’s limitations were a hurdle. But then I discovered IGTV, and voila! My entire video was up, and the engagement was through the roof!
Understanding Instagram Video Length Restrictions
Types of Instagram Videos and Their Length Limits
Instagram isn’t just one-size-fits-all when it comes to video length. Did you know how long of a video you can post varies depending on the format?
For instance, Instagram Stories allow up to 60 seconds, as I found out from a Kapwing article. But if you’re thinking of posting a Reel, it’s a different ball game.
How to Post Long Videos on Instagram Stories
Splitting Videos into Segments
You’ve got a video into 15-second segments? No problem! Instagram will automatically do that for you. But if you want more control, you can manually split a long video into segments.
I had a 45-second video of my cat doing backflips (don’t ask how), and I wanted each segment to have its own caption. So, I used the in-app feature to split it, and it worked like a charm!
Tools for Splitting Videos
There are various video editing apps out there, but my go-to is Story Cutter. It’s user-friendly and gets the job done efficiently.
Posting Long Videos through IGTV
Uploading from Mobile and Computers
So, you’ve got a video that’s Oscar-worthy but too long for the regular Instagram formats. Enter IGTV, Instagram’s platform for uploading long videos. You can upload from both your mobile and computer, and it’s as easy as pie.
I remember the first time I used IGTV. I had a 10-minute yoga tutorial that I just couldn’t trim down. So, I turned to IGTV and uploaded it from my laptop. The video quality remained intact, and my followers loved the detailed instructions!
Sending Large Videos via Instagram DMs
A Guide to Sending Large Videos in Direct Messages
Ever wanted to send long videos on Instagram but didn’t know how? You can actually send them via Direct Messages or DMs. And yes, you can send long videos on Instagram DM without any hiccups.
I once had to send a 3-minute video of a family gathering to my cousin. Email was too cumbersome, and other platforms compressed the video. I sent it via Instagram DM, and not only was it quick, but the video also retained its quality!
Alternative Methods for Posting Long Videos
Using Instagram Carousels and Feed Videos
Another nifty trick is to use Instagram feed videos or carousels to post longer videos on Instagram. Carousels allow you to post videos that are up to 60 seconds each, and you can post up to 10 of them in a single post!
I used this feature when I had a series of short cooking tutorials. Each step was a separate video, and I combined them all in a single carousel post. My followers could swipe through the steps at their own pace, making it an interactive and engaging experience.
Using External Tools for Sending Big Size Videos
How to Use File.io and Other Tools
Sometimes, Instagram’s in-app features just don’t cut it. Maybe you need to send them via direct message but don’t want to compromise on quality. Or perhaps you need to turn a video into shorter segments for a business presentation. That’s when external tools like File.io come in handy for online video sharing.
I had to send a high-resolution video for a work project once. Instagram DMs and even email were compressing it too much. I used File.io, and the quality remained pristine. My boss was thrilled!
According to a 2023 case study, businesses that used external tools like File.io for video sharing saw a 20% increase in engagement compared to using only Instagram’s native features.
Conclusion
Summary of Methods and Best Practices
So there you have it! Instagram offers a smorgasbord of options to upload a video to Instagram, each with its unique set of guidelines. Whether you’re a seasoned pro with a bustling Instagram account or just dipping your toes into the Instagram pool, the platform is incredibly accommodating. Want to send more than one video? You can do that, either one after another or even as multiple videos in a carousel.
You’re not confined to videos up to 60 seconds long; you can post them one after another to create a longer narrative. And if you’re worried about the length of direct messages via Instagram Direct, fret not. The platform doesn’t forbid you to send longer videos; you just need to know the hacks, like using a third-party tool or cutting the video into bite-sized segments.
Ever been puzzled by the icon on the top right or wondered how to add users to your video? We’ve got you covered. You can trim your videos, drag the slider to the section of the video you want, and craft that perfect Instagram post. So, whether you’re looking to upload a 60-second masterpiece or a series of 15-second video clips, Instagram offers you the flexibility to do it all.
Teaser: How to Save and Upload Live Videos to IGTV
Ready for the cherry on top? You can even save your Instagram Live videos and upload to your Instagram via IGTV. Yep, you heard that right! So the next time you go live, remember, that content can be repurposed for your IGTV channel. Stay tuned for a future article that dives deep into this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Add Music to My Longer Instagram Videos?
Absolutely! While Instagram does have some limitations on adding music to videos longer than one minute, there are third-party apps that allow you to add your favorite tunes to your longer Instagram videos. Just remember, the bet will be to cut the music to fit the segments using the app’s features.
How Do I Add Multiple Photos and Videos to One Instagram Post?
You can absolutely choose the video or photos and videos you want and add them to a single post on Instagram. This is a great way to share a story that can’t be told in just one clip or image. You can clips and post them one after another, creating a carousel post.
What’s the Best Time to Post My Longer Video to Instagram?
The best time to post on Instagram varies depending on your audience. However, Instagram users are generally more active during evenings and weekends. So if you have a longer video that you want to get maximum exposure, that’s probably the best time to upload it.
Can I Convert My IG Story into a Longer Video?
Yes, you can! After you’ve uploaded to Instagram, your IG story can be saved and then converted into a longer video to Instagram. You can then edit it down into 15-second clips or keep it longer than one minute depending on your needs.
How Can I Add Subtitles to My Video for Instagram Stories?
Subtitles can make your video to Instagram story more accessible and engaging. While Instagram doesn’t offer this feature natively, it’ll be easy to add users to third-party apps that can help you add subtitles. Just choose a video, and the app will help you break the video into 15 seconds or longer segments with subtitles.
Author Bio
Ellen Bartolino
As a seasoned author and communication expert, Ellen specializes in Instagram with a deep understanding of the platform. Her expertise has enabled her to produce captivating and impactful content for both businesses and individuals.