The ultimate guide to Instagram videos

With over 1 billion monthly global users and a huge demographic ranging from 13 – 65 years old, Instagram is one of the biggest social media platforms in the world. But Instagram isn’t just for sharing pictures anymore. The Meta app has turned into an essential video marketing tool for brands and creators, and a popular way of staying connected with friends, family, and even staying up to date with well-known celebrities. From ‘get ready with me’ videos to product demo videos and tutorials, video content has taken over Instagram.  

So, how can you create professional videos for Instagram with Clipchamp? Read on to learn everything you need to know about Instagram videos for creators and influencers, gamers, and businesses, as well as video specifications, SEO tips, video ideas, and more.  

Instagram’s video culture  

When it comes to videos on Instagram, the options are endless. Funny voiceover videos, product tutorials and reaction videos are forever trending, giving all creators and brands the opportunity to express their personality, aesthetic, and build a community. But unlike TikTok videos, Instagram’s video culture appears more professional, polished, and informative. As videos can appear on the profile grid along with image posts, creators and brands are inclined to make their videos aesthetic and match their existing branding, color scheme or theme. Sharing videos on Instagram is the perfect way to connect with your target audience, build trust and relationships, entertain your viewers, and increase your profile engagement.  

Types of Instagram videos with specifications  

There are four types of Instagram videos you can create and share: Instagram Reels, in-feed videos, Story videos, and Live videos. 

1. Instagram Reels

If you have never seen or heard of Instagram Reels before, they’re vertical Instagram videos made for entertainment and sharing longer videos. Unlike Instagram Stories, they will appear on your Instagram grid, on the Reels tab, and don’t disappear after 24hrs.  

Instagram Reels specifications:  

• Aspect ratio: 1:1, 4:5, or 9:16 aspect ratio. We recommend portrait 9:16. 

• Video length: 15 second to 90 seconds.

• Video format: MP4 or MOV.  

• Video resolution: we recommend 1080p video resolution. 

• Video size: 4GB. 

• Video thumbnail: minimum width of 500 pixels. 

• Video caption: up to 2200 characters. 

2. Instagram in-feed videos

An Instagram in-feed video is a regular Instagram post but video form instead of an image. These videos will appear in the feed, on your profile, and can be reshared to your Instagram Story. 

Instagram in-feed video specifications:  

• Aspect ratio: 1:1, 4:5, 9:16, or 16:9 aspect ratio. We recommend portrait 9:16.  

• Video length: 3 second to 60 seconds.

• Video format: MP4, MOV, or GIF.  

• Video resolution: we recommend 1080p video resolution. 

• Video size: 4GB. 

• Video thumbnail: minimum width of 500 pixels. 

• Video caption: up to 2200 characters. 

3. Instagram Story videos

Unlike Reels and in-feed videos, Instagram Stories delete automatically after 24hrs on the app, unless added to Story highlights. Stories are quick, vertical videos that feature on the Stories tab at the top of Instagram by clicking on a profile picture. A colorful ring will appear around an account’s profile picture if they have a Story shared. 

Instagram Story video specifications:  

• Aspect ratio: 9:16 aspect ratio. 

• Video length: 1 second to 60 seconds.

• Video format: MP4, MOV, or GIF. 

• Video resolution: we recommend 1080p video resolution. 

• Video size: 4GB. 

• Video caption: up to 125characters. 

4. Instagram Live videos

Instagram Live videos are real-time videos recorded directly inside the app. When a creator shares a live broadcast, their profile picture will appear with a colorful ring around it. Once a Live video has finished, you can replay the video within the Live archive.  

Instagram Live video specifications:  

• Aspect ratio: 9:16 aspect ratio. 

• Video length: 1 second to 4 hours. 

• Video format: MP4 or MOV.  

Types of Instagram video ads with specifications 

There are five different styles of Instagram video ads: Instagram in-feed video ads, Story video ads, sponsored Reels, carousel video ads, and sponsored user-generated videos. Businesses can select a personalized budget to suit their requirements, customize a target audience or location, and set a video ad duration time. Each Instagram video ad type has different formats and specifications that you can find in how to make video ads for Instagram.  

Video ads are engaging, look like organic content, and are very informative. But without the right call-to-action (CTA) buttons, viewers won’t know how to buy, book, or download. Make sure to include CTA’s where possible to make it easy for your viewers to take action. Remember to make your video ads recognizable and keep a consistent visual scheme with logos, brand colors, fonts, and your brand’s aesthetic.  

Instagram storytelling tips  

Whether you’re a brand or content creator, Instagram videos are all about telling your story, connecting with your audience, and being your true authentic self. Creating videos that follow the latest Instagram trends can be key to increasing engagement rates. Make sure to stay professional, plan your content, record using your smartphone or camera, batch create content to keep up consistency, and export good quality videos. 

Instagram SEO tips  

It’s important to create quality videos for Instagram, but it’s equally important to write SEO driven video captions. Make sure to use keywords that relate to your video genre and target audience, optimize the character limits, and always use hashtags. If you’re trying to drive traffic to your website, always include a CTA in your video description so your viewers know where to find you.  

Instagram also allows you to include up to five links per profile bio. 

1. Tap edit profile. 

2. Tap links. 

3. Tap add internal link.  

4. Type in your URL and add in a title name. 

5. Tap done when you’re finished. 

Instagram video ideas  

If you’re looking for inspiration, look at these beginner-friendly Instagram video ideas for creators and businesses.  

Video ideas for creators:  

• ‘Get ready with me’ videos 

• Review videos 

• First impressions  

• ‘Day in the life’ video 

• Epic fails  

• Gaming videos  

• Reaction videos  

• Haul videos  

• Inspirational quote videos  

• Holiday recap videos  

• Birthday shoutout video 

Video ideas for brands:  

• Teaster videos  

• Time-lapse videos  

• Explainer videos  

• Demo videos  

• Customer testimonial videos  

• Behind the scenes videos  

• ‘Pack an order with me’ videos  

• Restocking videos  

• Business story video 

• Get to know employee's video 

• User-generated videos  

• Before and after videos 

How to make an Instagram video with Clipchamp  

Easily create a video for Instagram with a professionally designed, ready-to-use video template. Just swap in your personal video footage, customize the text, add your brand colors, and save your video with Clipchamp.  

Step 1. Select an Instagram video template 

Inside the editor, click on the templates tab then click on the Instagram folder and scroll through the curated list of eligible templates. When you have chosen your Instagram video template, click on the + button to add the template to your timeline.  

Step 2. Customize your Instagram video template  

Next, you can personalize your template with your own video footage or edit the existing stock with different stock. Just upload your footage, then drag and drop your video onto the existing video in the timeline. Your video will replace the existing stock from the stock video tab.  

You can add as many videos to the timeline as you like.  

Edit the text on your video by clicking on the text box on the timeline, then editing the text in the text tab on the property panel. You can also change the color and font of your text in the property panel. 

Step 3. Save your Instagram video 

When you’re ready to save your new Instagram video, click on the export button. Select a video quality to start exporting. We recommend saving Instagram videos in 1080p video resolution for the best quality.  

Click on the save to your computer button to export your video directly to your computer. You can also save your Instagram video using one of our saving integrations like Google Drive and OneDrive.  

Grow followers, generate more views, and drive traffic on your Instagram profile or website with engaging videos made with Clipchamp. Looking for more Instagram video hacks? Check out how to get sponsored on Instagram.