How To Post A Long Video On Instagram: Reels, Stories, Feed

Although it has been quite some time since Instagram began supporting video content, the platform still does not provide nearly as many options as other platforms, such as YouTube or Facebook.

One of the most significant limitations on Instagram video content has been the maximum length of videos that can be uploaded, which varies depending on the video platform used to post them.

However, if you want to post an Instagram video that is longer than 60 seconds, you have two options:

• Option 1: Cut your video into shorter segments that can be uploaded to Reels and Stories
• Option 2: Publish to your Instagram Feed from your device (formally known as IGTV)

What course of action should you take, and which of the available alternatives is the best suited for Instagram? Let's take a look.

Option 1: Cut your video into shorter segments that can be uploaded to Reels and Stories

It is recommended that you cut a longer video into shorter segments before uploading it to Stories or Reels if you wish to do so:

• If the video is going to be used for an Instagram Story, cut it up into clips that are 15 seconds long and upload them one after the other to the same post.
• If the video is intended for Instagram Reels, it should be no longer than 60 seconds in length.

Keep in mind that Instagram will cut your video up automatically for the Stories feature. If you want to be in complete control of your content, cutting and editing the video yourself is the best option available to you.

It is recommend that you use the Kapwing Studio on your mobile device or desktop computer in order to trim your clips.

You can access the Studio by going to Kapwing.com on the browser of your mobile device and clicking the Get Started button. You can upload your video using any device that connects to the internet, including your mobile phone.

You can get the perfect 60-second clip by using the Timeline to trim, split, and rearrange your video until you get it just right. Simply repeat the process of tapping the Export button, then the Download button, for each individual video clip that you want to upload!

Option 2: Publish to your Instagram Feed

In 2018, Instagram came up with a solution for longer videos by launching Instagram TV, also known as IGTV. They have since discontinued IGTV and created Instagram Video by combining the videos that were previously hosted on IGTV with those that were hosted on the Instagram Feed. You now have the ability to directly post videos to your Feed that are up to ten minutes in length.

The difficulty of using Instagram Video lies in selecting the appropriate thumbnail for your video so that it can be displayed in your feed. When posting on Instagram, you have the option to do so; however, you must be certain which frame from the video you want your followers to see. In addition, you have the ability to create and upload a personalized thumbnail.