Instagram is more than just a playground for well-filtered photos.
Today, it's the video that makes the show, that grabs attention and can turn your account into a magnet for followers and interactions. But let's be honest: posting a video on Instagram isn't just about clicking " Publish" and praying it works. Between formats, technical specs and tips on how to explode your engagement, there's a lot of work to be done!
Take a breath, we've got you covered. We've condensed everything you need to know to make your video a hit. From dimensions to best practices for buzzing, we've got you covered from A to Z. Ready to upgrade your video content and watch the likes pour in? Let's go, we're sharing all the keys to mastering the art of video on Insta.
Why publish videos on Instagram?
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Today, betting on video on Instagram means playing the winning card. The figures speak for themselves: on average, videos generate 30% more interactions than images. Yes, 30%! In other words, if you want to catch the eye, it's time to switch to video.
For brands and designers, video offers advantages that images alone cannot match. It's an immersive format, capable of telling a story in a matter of seconds. You can go behind the scenes of your business, show a product in action or share memorable moments that humanize your content. All with eye-catching animation, music and transitions.
And it's not just about likes: videos also boost the memorability of your message. According to a Forbes article, 95% of users retain information better from a video than from text. This storytelling power makes video a key tool for reinforcing your brand identity and evoking real emotions.
In short, video is content that leaves no one indifferent. On Instagram, it transforms your online presence and takes engagement to the next level.
The different video formats on Instagram
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To maximize the impact of your videos on Instagram, you first need to master the different formats on offer. Each one has its own particularities, so it's best to be familiar with them to get the most out of them.
Instagram Story: the ephemeral format that brings your brand to life
Stories are ephemeral content that disappear after 24 hours, ideal for sharing spontaneous moments and engaging your community.
⏱️ Duration: 1 to 15 seconds, several segments can be linked together.
📏 Dimensions: 1080 x 1920 pixels, 9:16 vertical format.
📁 Files supported: .mp4 or .mov format files of up to 4 GB.
🛠️ Features: interactive stickers, polls, questions and direct links.
🎯 Ideal for: fast, fun interactions with your audience.
Reel: the king of short content that captivates in a flash
Reels are short, dynamic and immersive videos that occupy the entire screen in vertical format. Since 2022, all videos published on Instagram are automatically converted into reels. It's the perfect format for reaching a wide audience, thanks to Instagram's algorithm.
⏱️ Duration: up to 15 minutes.
📏 Dimensions: 1080 x 1920 pixels, 9:16 vertical format.
📁 Files supported: .mp4 or .mov format files of up to 4 GB.
🎶 Creative tools: music, filters, transition effects and animated text.
🚀 Boosted engagement: the algorithm favors creative and engaging reels.
Instagram Live: engage in real time and create unique moments
The Instagram Live format allows you to broadcast in real time, a powerful way to interact with your audience, answer questions or organize live events.
⏱️ Duration: up to 4 hours of continuous broadcasting.
🔔 Notification: your subscribers are alerted as soon as you start a live stream.
💬 Engagement: live responses, reactions and the chance to invite co-hosts.
📽️ Replay: record the live event so that those who missed it can watch it later.
In short, each format offers unique opportunities to engage, inform or entertain. Choose according to your objective and the story you want to tell.
How do I publish a video on Instagram?
Is your video ready? Now it's time to publish. Here's a complete guide to posting like a pro, whether you're using a smartphone or a computer.
From a smartphone: the most intuitive option
For most creators, publishing from a smartphone remains the easiest and most convenient method. Instagram was designed with the mobile experience in mind, and everything is optimized for fast, fluid, headache-free sharing.
To access the creation options, open theInstagram app on your smartphone. Then press the "+" button at the bottom of the screen or swipe right from your News Feed to quickly access the different formats.
When it comes to stories and reels, you can either shoot directly from the app to capture the perfect moment, or import a video already recorded on your phone. That leaves plenty of room for spontaneity or meticulous preparation, depending on your mood. When it comes to live video, well... it has to be live! Check your connection, take a deep breath and go for it. It's time to be authentic and interact in real time with your community.
From a computer: better for planning
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Need to work more comfortably or plan your content in advance? Publishing from a computer gives you extra control.
You can post videos directly from the web version of Instagram, but functionality remains limited compared to the mobile app.
For professionals, the Meta Business Suite app is a gold mine. It lets you plan your posts, check insights and even manage multiple accounts. An essential tool for those who leave nothing to chance.
Platforms such as Hootsuite or Hubspot can also help you organize and schedule your videos. However, these are often paid tools.
Using Instagram's native tools
Why deprive yourself? Instagram has everything you need to make your videos shine. Filters ? Perfect for spicing things up and adjusting colors with style. Music ? It adds a mood just right for your message, engages your audience and boosts shares.
And for stories, it's all aboutinteractivity. Stickers, polls or even questions help capture attention and encourage your followers to react. Because yes, the more your content gets people to interact with you, the more it will be seen in feeds. In short, make every view count and make your video stand out!
Tips for optimizing upload quality
Before you post, take a moment to make sure your video packs a punch:
It all starts with resolution. Make sure you respect the recommended dimensions to prevent your content from losing its beauty. Pixelated video? No, thank you.
Avoid compressing your masterpiece. Use an original, uncompressed file and export in MP4 with the optimum bitrate from your editing software. Maximum quality, maximum impact.
And let's talk connectivity. There's nothing worse than an interrupted upload. A stable Wi-Fi connection is your best ally, especially for longer videos.
iOS or Android? Frankly, both do the job. But...Apple aficionados often report better compression quality. On Android, certain versions can sometimes play with the sharpness of your video. The ultimate tip: always check the final rendering once you've finished uploading.
As you can see, posting on Instagram is a clever mix of anticipation and fun with the platform's options.
Best practices for maximizing visibility and engagement
Posting a video on Instagram is great. But captivating and engaging your audience is even better. Here's how to turn your content into a magnet for interaction.
Use of relevant hashtags
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Hashtags aren't just accessories. They enhance the reach of your video by making it more discoverable.
Don't rush into anything. Study what your target audience is following and opt for a mix of popular and niche hashtags. Tools like Hashtagify or even the Instagram search bar help you spot the ones that work. For example, if you're posting a reel about a vegan recipe, hashtags like #RecetteVegan or #HealthyEats are interesting.
For a streamlined look, hide your hashtags at the end of the caption or in the first comment. But don't exceed 30 hashtags per post, as this can quickly look desperate.
Write engaging captions
The video attracts, but the caption builds loyalty. A good caption is like a good teaser: it makes you want to interact.
Attack hard with a surprising question or fact. Example: " Do you know why this tip can triple your productivity? " The goal is to pique curiosity.
Encourage your followers to get involved. Phrases like " Share your opinion in a comment! " or " Tag a friend who needs to see this! " encourage interaction. The simpler it is, the more it works.
Tell an anecdote or share a heartfelt thought. Instagram users love real content that speaks from the heart. Finish with an emoji to set the tone and make the caption warmer.
Choice of thumbnail (cover)
Your thumbnail is like a movie poster. If it doesn't pop, no one will click.
A good cover should capture the essence of your video. Opt for a clean, bright visual, with a touch of mystery that suggests " I've got to see this ".
Add text if necessary, but keep it minimalist. Let the image do the talking. If your video shows a product, a close-up of the product with a sincere smile from someone using it works very well.
Publication timing
The best video in the world won't have the desired impact if it's posted when everyone's asleep.
Focus on the times when your audience is most active. And don't stress about guessing: tools like Meta Business Suite, which we mentioned earlier, provide precise insights into your subscribers' habits.
Post at different times and analyze the results. Sometimes a little adjustment in timing can double engagement.
With these best practices, your video won't just exist in your audience's feed. It'll establish itself as must-have content, liked, commented on and, above all... shared!
Take action with videos that convert
At tydeo, video is our playground. We master directing, editing and everything else required to create compelling content, totally adapted to the codes of Instagram. Whether for reels or stories, our expertise guarantees a professional rendering that captures attention and generates interaction.
And if you already have rushes in stock? No problem. With our express editing service 48-hour express editing service, you send us your raw content and we take care of everything, delivering an optimized video ready to set your Insta audience on fire!
Start creating videos that attract, engage and convert.
Need a helping hand to take the next step? Contact us to discuss your project. We're here to bring your ideas to life and help you make the most of the power of video on Instagram.
