When creating content for Instagram, it’s important to understand the platform’s video limitations and how to make the most of its features. Many users find themselves frustrated when Instagram forces them to cut down videos for Reels, which can be no longer than 90 seconds. However, there is a way to work around these restrictions, allowing you to share longer videos while still benefiting from the reach of Instagram Reels.
How Long Can Instagram Reels Be?
Instagram Reels are typically capped at 90 seconds, which can be limiting for content creators. If you have a video that exceeds this length, Instagram will prompt you to trim it down. But did you know you can still post videos longer than 90 seconds and have them appear in your Reels tab? The key is to upload your video as a regular post instead of as a Reel.
By doing so, you can bypass the 90-second limit while still benefiting from many of the features available to Reels, such as editing tools, audio options, and text overlays. After uploading, the video will appear both in your main feed and in the Reels tab, where it will look and behave like any other Reel—despite its longer runtime.
How to Make a Reel on Instagram Without Trimming Your Video
To keep the entire length of your video without cutting it, follow these steps:
- Open Instagram and tap the plus button to start a new post.
- Choose your video, even if it’s longer than 90 seconds.
- Select the “Post” option instead of “Reels.”
- Edit the video as you would a Reel, using Instagram’s built-in features like trimming, adding stickers, music, or voiceovers.
- Set the video to appear on both your main grid and Reels tab.
- Choose an appropriate cover image and share your post.
This method allows you to retain the length of your video while keeping it integrated into the Reels format, solving the issue of having to shorten your content.
How Long Can Instagram Videos Be?
Instagram allows you to upload videos longer than Reels, but the platform’s limits vary depending on the type of post. For standard posts, videos can be up to 60 minutes long, making it a great option if you need to share more in-depth content. On the other hand, Instagram Stories are limited to 15-second clips per segment, but you can string multiple clips together to create a longer narrative.
Understanding these different formats is crucial for maximizing engagement. If you need to share a short, punchy video, Reels and Stories are ideal. For longer, more detailed content, a standard post might be the better option.
Instagram Video Size: Optimizing Your Content
When uploading videos to Instagram, size matters. The recommended Instagram video size for Reels, posts, and Stories is 1080×1920 pixels, with an aspect ratio of 9:16. This ensures that your video fills the entire screen on mobile devices, providing a more immersive experience for your viewers.
For standard feed posts, you can use an aspect ratio of 1:1 (square) or 4:5 (vertical). These dimensions are optimized for mobile scrolling, ensuring that your content appears professional and fits seamlessly within Instagram’s interface.
Conclusion
Whether you’re wondering “how long can Instagram stories be” or looking for guidance on “how long can Instagram videos be,” knowing the limitations and best practices for each format will help you better navigate the platform. This allows you to tailor your content to maximize its impact.
For anyone involved in e-commerce, these video tips can also improve the way you showcase products on platforms like Instagram. Mastering video uploads, from knowing the ideal Instagram reel size to avoiding the 90-second cap, is key to successful marketing. Beyond social media, enhancing your product imagery with e-commerce photography tips and perfecting your Amazon product photos can drive customer engagement and sales across platforms.
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