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Complete Guide to Instagram Video Formats

Instagram Video Formats

Instagram video is the most used content format, given the recent surge of content creation and creators. Different types of Instagram video formats are Instagram video, Instagram Story, Instagram Reels, and Carousel videos. It is important to understand how different instagram video formats work and what keeps the audience engaged in your content. Here is a full guide to different formats.

4 Types of Instagram Video Formats


Type of Instagram Video

Size and Dimension

Video Format

Instagram Video

1080 x 1350p

MP4, MOV, GIF

Instagram Story

1080 x 1920p

MP4, MOV, GIF

Instagram Reel

1080 x 1920p

MP4, MOV, GIF

Instagram Carousel Video

1080 x 1920p

MP4, MOV, GIF

1. Instagram Video

Size & Dimension: 1080 x 1350p

Format: MP4, MOV, GIF

Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (landscape mode: 16:9)

Resolution: HD or 1080p

Duration: Upto 60 minutes

Videos appearing in the feed can be up to 60 minutes for ads it can be up to 90 seconds. These videos are best suitable for campaigns with stories, product videos, detailed reviews, etc.

2. Instagram Story

Size & Dimension: 1080 x 1920p

Format: MP4, MOV, GIF

Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (landscape mode: 16:9)

Resolution: HD or 1080p

Duration: Upto 60 seconds

Stories can be added to the story highlights if you intend to keep it on your profile beyond 24 hours. You can engage with your audience using interactive stickers, emoji sliders, Q&As, etc. using your stories.

 3. Instagram Reel

Size & Dimension: 1080 x 1920p

Format: MP4, MOV, GIF

Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (landscape mode: 16:9)

Resolution: HD or 1080p

Duration: Up to 90 seconds

Reels are the most used Instagram video formats and the algorithm suggests reels to the users based on their activity and interactions with the content. You can create multi-clip videos up to 90 seconds, and get creative with easy-to-use text, AR filters and trending audio to get a good rate of engagement. What sets you apart from the short-form content is you can monetize your reels and start earning from your content pieces.

 4. Instagram Carousel Video

Size & Dimension: 1080 x 1920p

Format: MP4, MOV, and GIF

Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (landscape mode: 16:9)

Resolution: HD or 1080p

Duration: One slide of the carousel can be up to 59 seconds

Carousel video allows multiple images/videos in one post and is often seen to be used to show a final output and process of making it. It allows users to swipe left or right to view additional content, making it more engaging than static posts and allows for detailed storytelling.

Instagram Video Statistics Every Marketer Should Know

–        35% of Instagram users prefer Stories that have a mix of photo, text, and video.

–        70% of shoppers use Instagram to purchase products or services online.

–        Instagram Reels have the highest reach rate of approximately 37.87% out of all insta content types.

–        Compared to other content types, Reels have twice the average impression rate.

–        694,000 Instagram Reels are sent via DM every minute.

–        Carousels have the highest engagement rate out of all types of posts with 10.15%.

–        Instagram Stories are the most popular content type with 71.92% of posts accounting for Stories.

Read here: Get hands-on with Instagram Marketing Strategy with this guide.

How to use Instagram Video for your business goals?

Given the increasing popularity of Instagram videos, there are many avenues for businesses to utilize them for enhancing their brand presence. The videos can be used as Instagram posts, stories, or reels, or you can interact with your audience by going live.

Let’s look into how we can leverage videos for impactful brand communication.

1. Creating bite-sized content pieces

Numbers say a user gives only 6 seconds of his attention span before jumping to the next content in the feed. Creating bite sized content pieces with a catchy hook, trending audios, interactive storytelling, and keeping it crisp gives you the leverage to the most trending Instagram video format i.e. reels. The growing popularity is quite encouraging to creators to create reels and bring in the desired attention. Brands should strategize their social media calendars to fit into the changing social media landscape.

2. Use storytelling

Storytelling is a great way to capture your audience’s attention and build an emotional connection with your viewers. A well-crafted narrative with key brand messaging and creating a compelling brand story helps to establish the brand identity and makes it relatable to the audience being targeted. Content that is relevant to the audience will be shared and circulated more, giving your brand greater visibility. This prompts the viewer to take action like following the account, maybe buying a product, visiting a website, etc.

3. How-to tutorials

How-to tutorials are educational content pieces and drive good organic engagement if it is well thought out and shot. These content buckets can be used to address the common challenges or questions in your niche, your demonstration of your expertise, step-by-step guides, hacks to use your product, etc. are a good way to use the how-to videos.

Read here: How to leverage video marketing for your business?

FAQs

1: What are the different types of Instagram video formats?

The four main types of Instagram video formats are:

  1. Video: 1080 x 1350p, up to 60 minutes.
  2. Story: 1080 x 1920p, up to 60 seconds.
  3. Reel: 1080 x 1920p, up to 90 seconds.
  4. Carousel Video: 1080 x 1920p, with each slide lasting up to 59 seconds.

2: What are the best Instagram Video Formats for business promotions on Instagram?

For enhanced business promotions, Instagram Reels and Carousel Videos are highly effective. Reels have the highest reach and engagement rates, while Carousel Videos allow you to showcase multiple images or videos, making them great for storytelling and product demonstrations.

3: How can I create engaging videos?

To create engaging videos, you can focus on:

  • Keep videos short and impactful to capture attention quickly.
  • Craft compelling narratives that connect emotionally with your audience.
  • Provide educational content with how-to videos that address common challenges or showcase product usage.

Ready to jumpstart your Instagram video strategy?

Spinta Digital, a digital marketing agency in Chennai specializes in creating tailored strategies to enhance your brand positioning through captivating Instagram video marketing. Our approach aims to drive authentic engagement to empower your business goals.

Reach us here for more information on how we can partner with you to enhance your online presence. 

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