Your Ultimate Instagram Video Guide for 2025

You will agree that Instagram is no longer what it used to be. It has involved much more than a photo-sharing app – it’s now a dynamic platform where video content takes center stage.

If you’re not already using video to connect with your audience, now is the perfect time to start. Video has the power to engage and inform in ways that images alone can’t.

Presently, there are a variety of video formats you can post on Instagram to keep your content fresh and captivating. Understanding how to use them effectively can mean a lot to how much results you get from your videos.

So, in this guide, we will walk you through the ins and outs of Instagram video, providing you with tips and strategies you need to make the most of each video format. Just keep reading!

 

Why Does Instagram Favor Videos?

Instagram’s algorithm has evolved over time to prioritize video content, and for good reason. The platform is all about maximizing user engagement, and video is one of the best ways to achieve that.

Perhaps you have also noticed how the platform has given video an edge and are wondering why. Let’s see some reasons videos are so important on Instagram.

Higher engagement levels

Videos are more likely to grab attention and hold it for longer periods compared to static images. When people watch videos, they tend to spend more time interacting with the content, including liking, commenting, and sharing them.

This higher engagement signals to the algorithm that the content is valuable, prompting it to push the video to more users. Simply put, the more people interact, the more Instagram wants to share it.

Rising demand for video

Across all social media platforms, users are increasingly gravitating toward video content. Instagram has taken note of this shift in user behavior and adjusted its algorithm accordingly.

The platform now prioritizes short-form videos like Reels, a direct response to the popularity of TikTok. By meeting the demand for more video content, Instagram keeps users engaged and satisfied.

Increased time spent on the platform

Instagram, like all social media platforms, aims to keep users on the app for as long as possible. Video content, especially short-form videos like Reels, has been shown to keep users engaged for longer periods.

The longer users stay on Instagram, the better it is for the platform. That’s why Instagram has introduced features like adding notes to Reels or reposting comments to Stories – anything to encourage users to spend more time watching and interacting with videos.

Competitive pressure

With platforms like TikTok dominating the short-form video space, Instagram has had to adapt in order to remain relevant. By boosting video content in its algorithm, Instagram is positioning itself as a key player in the video-sharing world. That way, it ensures it retains users who crave quick, engaging video experiences.

Higher potential for ad revenue

Video ads typically see higher engagement than static ones, making them more attractive to advertisers. Instagram recognizes this and favors video content to encourage more businesses to create ads that drive engagement. This results in better ad performance and, ultimately, more revenue for Instagram.

Now, you can see that Instagram’s shift toward favoring video content isn’t just about staying current. Rather, it is more about providing users with what they want while driving higher engagement and revenue.

So, if you are looking to take full advantage of the platform’s algorithm, you just have to embrace video content too. This is no longer optional – it’s essential.

 

How Long Can Instagram Video Be

If we won’t deny it, this is one of the most common questions people ask when it comes to Instagram videos. People are often confused about how long their videos should be on the platform.

There are different types of video content on Instagram. And each of them has a recommended length. While we will go into details later in this post, here is a quick breakdown of the latest length update:

 

The Different Types of Instagram Videos

1. Feed Videos

Feed videos are the content that lives right in your main Instagram feed, making them one of the most visible forms of video content on the platform.

These videos are posted just like regular photos, and they appear on your profile page alongside your curated images. You can easily identify them by the little “play” icon in the top right corner of the thumbnail.

When Instagram first introduced video in the feed, users were limited to just 15 seconds. But today, you have much more flexibility.

You can create longer videos – up to one hour – directly from your smartphone, offering endless creative possibilities. Now, you have all the space to capture and share a wide range of content, whether it’s a quick teaser or a full-length documentary.

Instagram feed video specs

• Length: Up to 1 hour
• Dimensions: Square, portrait, or landscape
• Aspect Ratio: Between 1.91:1 (landscape) and 4:5 (portrait)

 

How to use Instagram feed videos

Since feed videos are featured prominently on your profile page, it’s important that they align with your overall branding or feed aesthetic.

These videos should blend seamlessly with the rest of your content while also offering something engaging for your audience. Feed videos are great for a variety of purposes, including:

• Showcasing new products: You can use them to give your followers a closer look at new products or services. It allows you to highlight key features in an engaging format.
• Exploring your brand’s story: Feed videos allow you to tell the story of your brand in a unique way, different from sharing photos or texts. you can use it to share its history, values, and what sets it apart from the competition.
• Sharing interviews and behind-the-scenes: Interviews with employees, manufacturers, or customers help humanize your brand and build stronger connections with your audience.
• Showcasing your company culture: Use videos to display your workplace environment, team activities, or any unique aspects of your company culture that set you apart.

Instagram offers various in-built features like GIFs, filters, and stickers to make your feed videos even more eye-catching and engaging.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with these tools to create content that stands out.

How to post a video to your Instagram feed

Posting a feed video is as easy as sharing a photo. Simply tap the “+” icon at the bottom of your Instagram app and select the video you want to upload.

From there, Instagram guides you through the process of adding a filter, writing a caption, and including relevant hashtags to help your video reach a wider audience.

Once you’re happy with the post, hit share and watch your content get posted to your feed.

2. Instagram Reels

Instagram Reels are the platform’s answer to the fast-paced, bite-sized video content that TikTok is known for.

These 90-second videos allow users to create fun, quick videos made up of multiple clips, all while adding trending music, effects, and creative tools to enhance the content.

Reels have their own dedicated space on your Instagram profile, but they can also be shared directly to your feed, which increases their visibility even more.

Whether you’re showcasing your products, sharing tips, or simply having fun, Reels are a great way to keep your audience engaged.

Instagram Reels specs

• Length: Up to 90 seconds
• Dimensions: Portrait
• Aspect Ratio: 9:16

How to use reels on Instagram

Reels are incredibly versatile, and you’ll see them being used for everything from entertaining pranks to informative product demos. Their short, dynamic nature makes them perfect for several creative purposes:

• Educating viewers on your brand: Use Reels to break down your product’s features, benefits, or brand story in a quick, digestible format.
• Showcasing products in a fun way: Instead of just showing a product image, you can use Reels to show how it works in action. This makes it more engaging for your audience.
• Creating shoppable content: Reels are a fantastic way to promote products with the added benefit of Instagram’s shopping features, allowing users to purchase directly from the video.
• Tapping into trends: Reels thrive on trends. Jumping on the latest social media craze or challenge is a great way to connect with your audience and increase engagement.
• Sharing behind-the-scenes: Take your followers behind the scenes of your brand or business. People love seeing the process behind your products or how your team works, and Reels make it easy to capture those moments in a fun way.

 

How to post an Instagram reel

Posting a Reel is simple. Just click the “+” icon at the bottom of the app, then scroll to the “Reels” section.

From there, you can add clips, music, and effects down the bottom part of the screen. You can also record directly into the app.

Once you’re satisfied with your Reel, you can publish it directly to the Reels section of your profile, as well as your feed and the Explore page, if you want to reach an even larger audience.

3. Instagram Stories

Instagram Stories are one of the most powerful tools for connecting with your audience in real-time. These 60-second video snippets appear at the top of your followers’ feeds and disappear after 24 hours. This makes them a perfect way to share behind-the-scenes moments, flash sales, or quick updates without cluttering your main feed.

You can also track who has viewed your Stories and engage your audience directly with interactive features like polls, questions, and quizzes.

For example, Nutritionstripped often uses Stories to share quick and engaging content like recipes, giving their followers an easy way to get involved.

Whether it’s a sneak peek of a new product, a day in the life of your brand, or a Q&A session, Stories are a great way to make your content feel personal and in-the-moment.

Instagram stories specs

• Length: Up to 60 seconds
• Dimensions: Square, portrait, and landscape
• Aspect Ratio: 1.91:1 (minimum) and 9:16 (maximum)

How to use Instagram Stories

Instagram Stories don’t have to be throwaway content. Thanks to the Story Highlights feature, you can save your best Stories and pin them to the top of your profile for long-term visibility.

However, for maximum engagement, it’s best to keep your Stories authentic, relevant, and timely. Here are some ways to make the most of your Instagram Stories:

• Share behind-the-scenes content: Show your audience what goes on behind the curtain. This could be a look into your creative process or a peek at your workspace. This makes your brand feel more personal and relatable.
• Show real-time footage: Whether you’re at an event, launching a product, or celebrating a milestone, Stories allow you to capture the excitement as it happens.
• Create shoppable content: Instagram’s shopping features make it easy to tag products in your Stories, allowing followers to purchase directly from your video.
• Direct traffic to your Website: The Swipe Up feature (available to accounts with over 10K followers) makes it easier than ever to drive traffic to your website, blog, or landing page.
• Educate your followers: Use Stories to highlight key information about your products or services. Break it down into bite-sized pieces that are easy to consume.
• Tell a story across multiple slides: You can tell a larger story by breaking it down across several slides.
• Encourage engagement with polls and Q&As

For example, The Villij frequently uses the poll and question sticker to gather feedback or learn more about their community.

 

How to post Instagram Stories

To post Story on Instagram, tap on the “+” icon at the bottom of the app and choose ‘Story’ from the options.

You can either upload a photo or video from your camera roll or capture new content in the app. Once your content is ready, you can customize it with filters, GIFs, stickers, hand-drawn elements, and interactive features like polls, Q&As, and location tags.

4. Instagram Live

Instagram Live is your direct line to your audience. It allows you to broadcast in real-time to your followers. Unlike other video formats, Live videos bring a sense of immediacy and authenticity that can’t be replicated.

It’s an excellent way to interact with your followers in the moment, whether you’re answering questions, showcasing products, or simply sharing an experience live. Plus, Instagram Live can last up to 4 hours, giving you plenty of time to engage with your community.

Instagram Live videos can also be saved. That means your followers can watch them later if they missed the live broadcast.

Cocokind’s founder, Priscilla Tsai, frequently goes Live to talk about their products, answer questions, and promote their sales.

Instagram Live specs

• Length: Up to 4 hours
• Dimensions: Vertical
• Aspect Ratio: 9:16

How to use Instagram Live

Instagram Live is perfect for interacting with your followers during key moments for your brand. Here are some ways you can leverage Instagram Live to engage with your audience:

• Interact with followers in real-time
• Document events as they happen
• Give a live product showcase
• Answer questions from followers

 

How to post a Live Video on Instagram

1. Open the Instagram Stories camera.
2. Swipe to the “Live” option.
3. Check how many of your followers are online to determine how many will receive a notification about your Live.
4. Hit the play button to start your broadcast.
5. During the Live, interact with your viewers by answering questions, using filters, or even adding backgrounds from your camera roll.

Instagram Live is no doubt one of the most powerful tools for fostering real-time engagement with your audience.

 

Best Practices for Making the Most Out of Instagram Videos

Instagram is a visual platform, and video content is one of the most engaging ways to capture attention and build connections with your audience.

But to help you make the most of your Instagram videos, here are some best practices that can elevate your content and boost engagement.

Keep It Short and Sweet

While Instagram allows for longer video formats, especially with Reels and Instagram Live, shorter videos generally perform better in terms of engagement.

Aim for videos that are concise and deliver value right away. For Reels, try to keep your videos under 30 seconds to take advantage of their snappy, fast-paced nature. If you’re posting to your feed, keep it around 60 seconds or less to maintain viewer interest.

Hook Your Audience Early

The first few seconds of your video are crucial. If you don’t grab the viewer’s attention immediately, they may scroll right past your content.

Start your video with a hook. This could be a question, an interesting visual, or a compelling statement. Make it something that entices the viewer to keep watching. The quicker you can engage them, the more likely they’ll watch the entire video and interact with it.

Use Captions and Subtitles

A large portion of Instagram users watch videos with the sound off, especially when scrolling through their feed in public or in a quiet environment.

To ensure your video is accessible and understandable, always include captions or subtitles. This ensures your message gets across even without sound.

Focus on Quality Over Quantity

While consistency is key, quality should always come first. Invest in good lighting and audio, and make sure your videos are well-edited before posting.

Videos that are visually appealing and easy to watch are far more likely to attract likes and comments. Even if you’re creating simple, behind-the-scenes content, make sure it’s clear, well-lit, and visually engaging.

Experiment with Different Video Formats

We have shown you the different types of videos you can post on Instagram. Don’t be afraid to experiment with each of these to see which one resonates best with your audience.

Include a Call-to-Action (CTA)

Every video you post should encourage some form of engagement. Whether it’s asking followers to comment their thoughts, share your video, or visit your website, a clear call-to-action helps guide your audience’s next steps.

For example, you might say, “Let us know what you think in the comments” or “Tag a friend who needs to see this.” A CTA can increase interaction and help your content gain more visibility.

Optimize for Mobile Viewing

Most Instagram users access the app on their mobile devices, so it’s essential to optimize your videos for small screens. Ensure that any text or important visual elements are centered and visible even on the smallest mobile screens.

Leverage Trending Audio and Effects

Instagram has an extensive library of music and audio effects that can enhance your videos. Reels, in particular, thrive on trending audio. Using popular songs or sounds can increase your chances of getting discovered by a wider audience.

Analyze and Adjust

Instagram provides a wealth of insights into how your videos are performing, including metrics like views, likes, shares, and comments. Regularly check your video analytics to see what’s working and what’s not.

If certain types of videos or content resonate with your audience, create more of that. If something isn’t getting the engagement you hoped for, learn from it and adjust your strategy.

 

How OnlySocial Can Help Maximize Instagram Video Marketing

If you have not been considering Instagram videos in your strategy, now it’s the time to start considering that. It is a rapidly growing medium that offers a bunch of opportunities when looking to grow your profile and connect better with your audience on Instagram.

Moreover, a social media tool like OnlySocial can make video marketing much easier for you. It simplifies the entire process, from creation to publication, and all. Let’s look at some unique ways OnlySocial can support your video marketing efforts.

Publish videos when your audience is most active

One of the keys to a successful Instagram video strategy is timing. Posting when your audience is most active increases the likelihood of engagement, which signals to Instagram’s algorithm that your content is valuable.

OnlySocial allows you to schedule your videos to be posted at the optimal times, based on when your followers are online. No more guessing when to hit “post”. OnlySocial takes the guesswork out of scheduling, ensuring your videos get maximum exposure.

Schedule and post to multiple Instagram profiles

Managing multiple Instagram accounts can be a headache, especially when it comes to posting video content consistently. OnlySocial makes it easy to schedule and post to several Instagram profiles at once. This not only saves you time but also ensures that all your accounts stay active and engaged.

Generate captions and hashtags

OnlySocial helps with generating engaging captions and suggesting hashtags tailored to your content. By using the right hashtags, you’ll boost your content’s discoverability, and a well-crafted caption will help connect with your audience on a deeper level.

Schedule the first comment

The first comment can be crucial for engagement, whether you’re adding additional hashtags, promoting a product, or driving a call-to-action. OnlySocial allows you to schedule your first comment along with your video post, ensuring that everything goes live simultaneously.

Generate images with AI

Visuals play a huge role in Instagram videos, especially when you’re looking to grab attention quickly. OnlySocial’s AI-powered image generation can help you create eye-catching visuals to complement your videos.

Whether you need thumbnails, custom graphics, or images to share alongside your video, the AI tool can generate images that match your branding and message. This gives you more time to focus on creating content and engaging with your audience.

 

FAQs

When is the Best Time to Post Reels on Instagram?

This will largely depend on when your audience is most active. Generally, posting during peak times such as early mornings (7-9 AM) and evenings (6-9 PM) on weekdays tends to yield the best results.

However, the optimal time for you may vary, so check your Instagram Insights to analyze your specific audience’s activity patterns.

How Often Should I Post on Instagram?

Consistency is key on Instagram, but the frequency of your posts depends on your goals and available content. Posting 3-5 times a week is a good starting point for most accounts, while posting daily can help you stay visible and engaged with your followers.

However, quality should always come before quantity. Make sure you’re posting content that resonates with your audience.

What is an Instagram Carousel?

An Instagram carousel is a post that allows you to upload multiple images or videos within a single post, which your followers can swipe through. This format is perfect for sharing more detailed content, such as product showcases, step-by-step guides, or story-driven posts.

Carousels are a great way to keep your followers engaged and provide more value without overwhelming them with multiple separate posts.

What Are Stickers on Reels?

Stickers on Reels are interactive elements that you can add to your video to make it more engaging. They include features like polls, questions, countdowns, hashtags, and even music lyrics.

Stickers can help boost interaction with your content, encourage followers to engage, and make your Reels more fun and visually appealing. You can also add location tags or mention other users, making it easier to connect with a wider audience.

How Long Can Instagram Stories Be?

Instagram Stories can be up to 60 seconds long. But if your video is longer, Instagram will automatically break it into multiple segments. You can post several Stories in a row to create a longer narrative.