How Do I Post a Long Video on Instagram: And Why Does My Cat Always Sit on My Keyboard When I Edit?

Instagram has become one of the most popular platforms for sharing visual content, from photos to short videos. However, posting long videos on Instagram can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re new to the platform or if you’re trying to figure out the best way to maintain quality while keeping your audience engaged. In this article, we’ll explore various methods and tips for posting long videos on Instagram, as well as some creative ideas to make your content stand out.

Understanding Instagram’s Video Length Limits

Before diving into the how-to, it’s essential to understand Instagram’s video length limits. As of now, Instagram allows users to post videos up to 60 seconds long on the main feed. However, if you want to post longer videos, you have a few options:

1. Instagram Stories: You can post videos up to 15 seconds long in Stories. If your video is longer, Instagram will automatically split it into multiple 15-second segments.
2. Instagram Reels: Reels allow you to post videos up to 60 seconds long. This feature is great for short, engaging content that can go viral.
3. Instagram IGTV: IGTV is designed for longer videos, allowing you to post videos up to 10 minutes long (or up to 60 minutes if you’re a verified account or have a large following).

How to Post a Long Video on Instagram

1. Using Instagram IGTV

IGTV is the go-to option for posting long videos on Instagram. Here’s how you can do it:

• Step 1: Open the Instagram app and tap on the IGTV icon (it looks like a TV).
• Step 2: Tap on the “+” icon to upload a new video.
• Step 3: Select the video you want to upload from your gallery.
• Step 4: Add a title and description for your video. Make sure to include relevant hashtags to increase visibility.
• Step 5: Choose a cover photo for your video. This is the thumbnail that will appear in the IGTV feed.
• Step 6: Tap “Post” to upload your video.

2. Splitting Your Video into Multiple Parts

If you don’t want to use IGTV, you can split your long video into multiple parts and post them as a series on your Instagram feed or Stories. Here’s how:

• Step 1: Use a video editing app to split your long video into shorter segments (e.g., 60 seconds each for the feed or 15 seconds each for Stories).
• Step 2: Upload each segment to Instagram, either as separate posts or as a series in Stories.
• Step 3: Use captions or text overlays to indicate that the video is part of a series (e.g., “Part 1 of 3”).

3. Using Third-Party Apps

There are several third-party apps that can help you post long videos on Instagram without splitting them. These apps allow you to upload longer videos directly to your Instagram feed or IGTV. Some popular options include:

• InShot: A video editing app that allows you to trim, split, and merge videos. It also lets you adjust the aspect ratio to fit Instagram’s requirements.
• CutStory: Specifically designed for Instagram Stories, this app automatically splits your long video into 15-second segments.
• Vidstitch: This app allows you to combine multiple short videos into one long video, which you can then upload to IGTV.

Tips for Posting Long Videos on Instagram

1. Optimize Your Video for Mobile Viewing

Most Instagram users access the platform via their mobile devices, so it’s crucial to optimize your video for mobile viewing. This includes:

• Aspect Ratio: Use a vertical or square aspect ratio (e.g., 4:5 or 1:1) for better visibility on mobile screens.
• Resolution: Ensure your video is high-quality (at least 1080p) to avoid pixelation.
• File Size: Keep your video file size under 4GB to ensure smooth uploading.

2. Engage Your Audience with Captions and Hashtags

Captions and hashtags are essential for increasing the visibility of your video. Here are some tips:

• Captions: Write engaging captions that encourage viewers to watch your video. You can also use captions to provide context or additional information.
• Hashtags: Use relevant hashtags to reach a broader audience. You can use up to 30 hashtags per post, but make sure they are relevant to your content.

3. Promote Your Video

Once your video is posted, don’t forget to promote it! Share it on your other social media platforms, embed it on your website, or even run an Instagram ad to reach a larger audience.

Creative Ideas for Long Videos on Instagram

1. Tutorials and How-To Guides

Long videos are perfect for tutorials and how-to guides. Whether you’re teaching a new recipe, a DIY project, or a fitness routine, a detailed video can provide valuable information to your audience.

2. Behind-the-Scenes Content

Give your followers a behind-the-scenes look at your life or business. This could be a day-in-the-life video, a tour of your workspace, or a sneak peek at an upcoming project.

3. Interviews and Q&A Sessions

Conduct interviews or Q&A sessions with interesting people in your industry. Long videos allow for more in-depth conversations and can help you build a stronger connection with your audience.

4. Storytelling

Use long videos to tell a story. This could be a personal story, a fictional narrative, or even a documentary-style video. Storytelling is a powerful way to engage your audience and keep them watching until the end.

Related Q&A

Q: Can I post a video longer than 60 seconds on Instagram without using IGTV?

A: No, the main Instagram feed only allows videos up to 60 seconds long. If you want to post a longer video, you’ll need to use IGTV or split the video into multiple parts.

Q: How can I make my long video more engaging?

A: Use captions, hashtags, and a compelling thumbnail to grab attention. Additionally, consider adding music, text overlays, or effects to make your video more visually appealing.

Q: Are there any restrictions on the type of content I can post on IGTV?

A: Yes, IGTV has community guidelines that prohibit certain types of content, such as hate speech, nudity, and violence. Make sure your video complies with these guidelines before posting.

Q: Can I schedule my IGTV video to post at a specific time?

A: Currently, Instagram does not offer a built-in scheduling feature for IGTV videos. However, you can use third-party tools like Later or Buffer to schedule your posts.

Q: How do I know if my long video is performing well on Instagram?

A: You can check the performance of your video by looking at the insights provided by Instagram. This includes metrics like views, likes, comments, and shares. Use this data to refine your content strategy and improve future videos.