Instagram Story Video Length Limitations and Solutions

Instagram Stories have become a popular platform for sharing brief snippets of your life, your business, and everything in between. However, if you try to post a video that is even a little longer than expected, you may run into some unforeseen limitations. This article explores these limitations and provides comprehensive solutions to help you post the entire video on your Instagram Story.

Understanding the Limitations

When you attempt to post a video that exceeds the recommended limits, Instagram may cut it off. For example, if you have a one-minute and 41-second screen recorded video, and you try to post it directly to Instagram Story, only the first minute might be visible. Here’s why:

Video Length and Size Limitations

Instagram has specific requirements for uploading videos to Stories:

Video Length: For most videos, the maximum length is 1 minute. Videos over 1 minute may be cut off. Video Size: The maximum file size for videos is 650MB for videos of 10 minutes or less and 3.6GB for videos of up to 60 minutes. Video Dimensions: The minimum resolution is 720 pixels wide and a maximum of 920 pixels tall. The aspect ratio must be either 9:16 for vertical videos or 16:9 for horizontal videos. Codec and Format: The best video codec is H.264, and the best file format is MP4. Other formats, such as MOV with H.264 codec, are also supported.

Why Your Video May Be Cut Off

If your video is one minute and 41 seconds long and you try to post it directly, it may be cut off because:

The video exceeds the 1-minute limit for Instagram Stories. The video may be too large in terms of file size.

If you share your video on your feed and then copy it to your story, it might work, but this is not ideal for posting the entire video.

Solutions for Posting Full Videos

To post your entire video, you need to compress it to meet Instagram’s requirements. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Convert and Compress Your Video

Using an online converter like Online UniConverter can help you compress and convert your video to the appropriate format:

Step 1: Add a File to the Online Converter Click on the Add files button to select your preferred file from your computer. Step 2: Set the Target Format Pick your target format from the drop-down menu. Here, you should select MP4 as your output format, as it is the best format required for Instagram videos. You can also choose the output format for all items separately if you have multiple videos to convert. Step 3: Convert Your Files Click on the CONVERT button to start the conversion. The time it takes to convert your file depends on your Internet speed and the complexity of your video. Step 4: Download the Converted Files Once the conversion is complete, click on the DOWNLOAD ALL button to save the compressed video to your computer.

Alternative Solutions

Alternatively, you can also use other popular converters such as HandBrake, TechSmith SnagIt, or Adobe Media Encoder. These tools offer similar features to Online UniConverter and can help you compress and convert your video to the appropriate dimensions and resolution.

Additional Tips for Successful Uploads

Here are a few more tips to ensure your video meets Instagram’s requirements:

Check the File Size: Ensure your video does not exceed 650MB (for videos shorter than 10 minutes). Optimize Resolutions: Adjust the resolution to 720 pixels wide and ensure the aspect ratio is correct (9:16 for vertical, 16:9 for horizontal). Use the Correct Codec: Make sure the video uses the H.264 codec and is in the MP4 format. Compress Before Uploading: Compress your video to a smaller size before uploading to reduce the load time on Instagram.

Conclusion

Instagram’s limitations for Stories can be frustrating, but by following these steps, you can successfully post the entire video. Remember, quality, clarity, and audience engagement are key. Use these tips to create and share engaging content on Instagram Stories and get the most out of your video uploads.