Instagram Video Duration: How To Post A Long Video On Instagram

| Updated on October 24, 2024 |
Fact checked by Manpreet Kaur Sandhu

Do you enjoy creating long-format videos and want an audience that can appreciate your work, Instagram should be on your hit list. The best bet to choose this platform is that it has introduced a new length that ranges from 3 seconds to 60 minutes. 

Sounds Exciting!

So hold your curiosity and get ready, as this article will walk you through the different methods of how to post a long video on Instagram conveniently using different methods. 

Understanding Lengths of Instagram Video Posts

As observed, IG was a photo-sharing app when introduced, but now, due to the drastic changes, the maximal focus has shifted to video content trends. But before delving into how to post longer videos on Instagram, you should look at its different limited duration.

  • IG Feed: Instagram Feed’s video length ranges from 3 seconds to 60 minutes and covers the top spot in the duration bracket. A preview of more than 60 seconds of video will reflect in your post section next to your images until you wish to hide it using default settings. 
  • IG Stories: Instagram Stories is a feature that allows you to post video content that ranges from 1 second to 60 seconds. It is worth noting that the content shared on your stories automatically disappears after 24 hours. 
  • IG Live: Instagram Live allows you to interact with the audience in real-time to build trust and credibility. And for that, the duration of a live video is up to 4 hours. If it lasts longer than 15 minutes, you are eligible to share it and can find it in your live archives.
  • IG Reels: Instagram Reels is the most trending feature and requires no introduction. The video content has a 15-second to 90-second limit. Moreover, this feature has a separate tab that reflects on your profile page beside posts. 

Now that you know how long can a video clip be on Instagram, let’s proceed to the next section to learn the different ways for how to post a long video on Instagram.

5 Different Methods on How To Post Long Videos On Instagram

There are multiple ways through which you can learn how to post longer videos on Instagram using stories, live, carousel, feed, and more. 

 

Notes

One of the most prominent ways to post long-format videos is IGTV. But sadly, this feature was discontinued in 2021 and got merged with feed posts. 

Without any further delays, let’s get straight to the captivating methods.

Upload a Long Video On Instagram Feed

As mentioned above, an Instagram feed allows you to post a video with a maximum length of 60 minutes. The good part about posting a video on the feed is that the video remains anchored in the posts section until you wish to delete it.

Follow the instructions for how to post longer videos on Instagram via feed. 

  1. Launch Instagram and log in to your account.
  1. Head over to the + icon, in the middle bottom of your screen.
    Head over to the plus icon
  1. Search for a video that you want to post from your gallery, then tap on Next located at the upper right. 
    Tap on Next option
  1. To edit your video using the built-in editor, tap on the tools located at the top. 
    Tap on the tools
  1. After completing, tap on Next.
    Tap on Next options
  1. Now add more details to your photo including caption, tags, location, and more. 
    Add more details to your post
  1. Lastly, tap on Share
    Tap on Share btn

Upload a Long Video on Instagram Story 

Now as you are pretty much aware the Instagram story can allow you to post a video maximum of 60 seconds

But to post a long format video that ranges more than 1 minute in your story, you need to first split it into different segments. For that, you need notable skills and captivating tools. 

We have listed a few trusted third-party video editing tools.

  • Inshot: Inshot is a powerful editing tool with more creative features. The best part is, that it is compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
  • VN: VN is a video editing tool with simple yet exciting features. The user interface is easy and friendly and is suitable for beginners.
  • KineMaster: KineMaster is a suitable mobile app for creators and vloggers, as the editing tools are pretty straightforward to use. 

Apart from these, you can consider using your phone’s built-in editor to split the videos and change the background of the story. After completing, you can upload segments in the correct order. 

To add a story on Instagram:

Open Instagram>> + icon on your profile>> Select the video>> Your story>> Repeat the process until you complete it. 

Posting too many stories consecutively will not be able to engage the users, rather, it will end up irritating them and also result in Instagram stories not working sometimes. So it is advised to upload it as a feed post if the video duration lasts more than 2–3 minutes. 

Upload a Long Video via IG Live

Instagram allows users to go live for up to 4 hours. Thus, a live video can be shared if it lasts more than 15 minutes. Besides this, there are two options to choose from before going live, the first is to go live in real time and the second is to make your pre-recorded video stream live. 

The first option will be handled easily by following the on-screen prompts. 

But if you want to make one of your pre-recorded makeup tutorials live. Then you need to figure out the third-party apps like LiveReacting, and Onestream.live and manage your streaming setup with proper settings beforehand to post long video on Instagram.

Instagram carousel is a combination of photos and videos that helps users narrate their story with a series of 10 slides. So for those asking how long can an IG video be after splitting, the answer is 10 minutes, as each slide has a maximum duration of 60 seconds

So with the help of a carousel, you can upload a video of 10 minutes, parting them into different slides. But before that, consider splitting your videos with the built-in editor or third-party apps.

With all the knowledge, let us explain how to post long video on Instagram via IG Carousel. 

  1. Open Instagram.
  1. Click the + icon.
    Head over to the plus icon
  1. Then, tap on the two overlapping square-like icon to post multiple videos. 
    Tap on the two overlapping square icon
  1. From the camera roll, select the 10 videos in the correct sequence. 
  1. Tap on Next, located in the top right corner. 
    Tap on Next opt
  1. Make basic edits in every post and after completing, tap on Next.
    Tap on Next btns
  1. Add your captions, hashtags, and other important information.
    Add captions hashtags and more
  1. When completed, tap Share
    Tap on Share btns

The prominent alternative to bypass the Instagram video length limit is to post a video and share a YouTube video on your Instagram story or post. 

For better clarity, try posting a thumbnail video on your Instagram feed and embed a link, or for maximum engagement pin a link in your bio and caption. 

To embed a link in your IG story:

Select a Thumbnail in your story>> Media Icon>> Search LINK>> Type or Paste the URL of the video>> Tap Done to Embed. 

In addition, if you have a follower base of 10,000 or more, then your followers can swipe up to open the link. 

Expert Tips For Creating Captivating Instagram Videos

Video content is considered the best approach to driving better engagement and metrics. 

With that in mind, take a look at the tips you should keep in mind while crafting an idea for your video.

  • Create Short Videos: Crisp and short videos are considered best for grabbing the audience’s attention. For Instagram, reels are considered effective for better engagement. 
  • Add Call to Action

    CTA never fails to convert passive viewers into active ones. Moreover, CTA helps to build brand value and, is essential for business engagement and sales.

  • User Generated Content

    User-generated and real-life examples are what the audience enjoys viewing in today’s world. GRWM, tutorials, travel blogs, food recipes, and more are the ones your niche should resemble. 

  • Monitor and Measure Results

    This should be your top priority, but you end up taking it for granted. Remember to measure and analyze the insights, reaches, and comments of your audience, as these serve as feedback. 

Giving a personal touch to your content can do wonders for you. So next time, plan a captivating video that generates real-time desired results. 

Conclusion

For the time being, Instagram is not limited to photos but has gained more popularity for video content. As per the demand, avid users end up searching for how to post longer video on Instagram. 

With that in mind, the aforementioned 5 methods will help you to sort out your query. Once you understand the platform’s structure, you are all set to boost your engagement with long-format videos too. 

FAQ

Does IGTV still exist?

No, the platform has discontinued the IGTV tab from the platform in March, replacing it with an Instagram Feed video instead.

How do you post a long horizontal video on Instagram?

To post a long horizontal video, open IG>> + icon>> Select video>> Add details and filters>> Share.

Can I post a reel longer than 90 seconds?

An IG reel lasts a limited duration of 90 seconds. After that, it will be shared as a feed post.

How long of a video can you post on IG?

Instagram allows you to post a video that ranges between 3 seconds to a maximum limit of 60 minutes.


Muskan Saini

Social Media and Tech Expert


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