Everything You Need To Know About Instagram Video

Just two months into 2022, Instagram is making it known that they’re pushing into video in a big way. According to leadership at Instagram, the platform is no longer just a video-sharing app and will be making video a priority for 2022. It can be construed that this is due in part to pressure felt by the astronomic rise of Tik Tok.

With new features rolling out in reels, stories, Instagram Live, and feed posts, it can be difficult to keep track of all of the new tools. This guide will help explain some of the most important changes and how they can affect your content strategy. 

Instagram Stories

• Recommended aspect ratio 9:16

• Recommended dimensions 1080x1920 pixels

• Maximum length 15 seconds

Stories are great for daily, informal content. It’s the perfect place to start conversations with your followers, share what’s going on that day and have some fun on the platform. Stories still disappear after 24 hours unless saved to a highlight and Instagram is constantly adding new features like story likes, stickers and interactive options like polls and surveys. Stories are the perfect place for an always-on strategy without having to post several times a day.

Instagram Feed Videos

• Recommended aspect ratio between 1.9:1 and 9:16

• Maximum file size 650MB for videos 10 minutes or less

• Maximum file size 3.6GB for videos up to 60 minutes

Instagram recently merged IGTV and feed videos into one format, further separating them from the reels feature. These posts live on your grid, just like static posts but now also have their own tab on your profile. This is a great place for curated content, and more polished videos. Remember, your feed is your brand!

Instagram Reels

• Recommended aspect ratio 9:16

• Recommended dimensions 1080x1920 pixels

• Maximum length 60 seconds

Instagram reels are the perfect way to reach new eyes- and with the creation of the reels feed, there’s even more potential here for expanded reach. Experiment with reels content a couple of times of a week, taking the same conversation approach as Instagram stories.

Instagram Lives

• Recommended aspect ration 9:16

• Recommended dimensions 1080x1920 pixels

• Max length 4 hours

Instagram live are real-time video feeds. They are perfect for announcing or broadcasting events, or connecting with your community in a more personal way. We recommend focusing on having a polished, but approachable video presentation, a set speaking agenda or schedule for the live, and an energetic, upbeat approach. Lives should be fun! Just make sure to pay attention to incoming comments and to engage with your followers.

General Tips

With so much change coming so quickly, it’s important as well to take a moment to remember the basics of content creation when developing your video strategy.

1. Create high-quality video content. This may mean engaging a production agency or videographer ( a service offered by TrailHead) or, buying the equipment and doing it yourself.

2. Tell a story. Just like all content marketing, telling a story is the priority. You have to add value for your customers first and foremost. Read more about telling a story to grow your brand.

3. Show up on camera. People want to see you! Make sure if you’re going to jump into the video field that you’re ready to have a presence on camera.

4. Use captions and subtitles. Unlike TikTok, Instagram is still very much a sound-off platform. Use captions and subtitles to help people follow along and create a more inclusive video presence.