Instagram is built for quick, engaging content, but what if you have a longer video to share? Whether it’s a detailed tutorial, an interview, or a vlog, you don’t always have to chop it down to fit Instagram’s short time limits.
There are several ways to post a long video on Instagram while keeping it high-quality and engaging. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best methods, Instagram’s time restrictions, and how to make your content work within the platform’s format.
Understanding Instagram’s Video Length Limits
Before uploading, it’s important to know Instagram’s time restrictions for different video formats:
- Reels: Up to 90 seconds
- Stories: Each clip is 15 seconds, but you can post multiple back-to-back
- Feed Videos: Up to 60 minutes (used to be IGTV, now integrated into the main feed)
- Carousels: Up to 10 slides, each featuring a 60-second clip
With these limits in mind, let’s explore how to work around them when posting a long video on Instagram.
Option 1: Upload Your Long Video as a Feed Post
Instagram now allows you to upload videos up to 60 minutes directly to your feed. Here’s how to do it:
- Open Instagram and tap the + button at the bottom.
- Select Post and choose your video.
- If your video is longer than one minute, Instagram will give you an option to trim it or upload the full version.
- Select Cover Image to choose a thumbnail that will appear in your followers’ feeds.
- Write a caption, tag relevant accounts, and add hashtags.
- Tap Share, and your long video is live!
Option 2: Split Your Video for Instagram Stories
If you prefer using Stories, you can break a long video into 15-second segments. Instagram does this automatically when you upload a long video, but here’s how to do it manually for better control:
- Use a video editing tool like Podcastle to trim your video into 15-second clips.
- Open Instagram and tap Your Story.
- Upload the first clip and add text, stickers, or GIFs for engagement.
- Continue uploading each segment in order to maintain a smooth narrative.
- Post your Story, and it will play seamlessly for viewers.
Pro Tip: Save your Stories as a Highlight so they remain on your profile beyond the usual 24 hours.
Option 3: Use Instagram Carousels for Longer Videos
Carousels let you upload up to 10 slides, each with a 60-second clip. This is a great way to break up a long video into digestible chunks.
- Use Podcastle to split your video into 10 one-minute sections.
- Open Instagram and tap the + button.
- Select Post, then tap Select Multiple to upload your clips in order.
- Choose a thumbnail for each clip.
- Add a caption and relevant hashtags.
- Tap Share, and your carousel video post is live!
Carousels are particularly useful if you want viewers to swipe through different scenes or topics within a longer video.
Keeping Video Quality High on Instagram
One of the biggest frustrations with posting a long video on Instagram is losing quality during the upload process. Here’s how to prevent that:
- Use the right resolution: Instagram recommends 1080x1920 pixels for vertical videos.
- Keep file size under 100MB: Larger files may be compressed, reducing quality.
- Use MP4 format: This is the most Instagram-friendly video format.
- Check your WiFi: A poor connection can cause your video to upload in lower quality.
How to Edit Videos with Podcastle
If you're working with long videos and need to trim them down or enhance them for Instagram, Podcastle is a powerful tool that makes the process quick and seamless. Whether you need to cut a video to fit Instagram’s time limits, improve audio quality, or add a professional touch, Podcastle provides an all-in-one solution.
Here’s how to use it effectively.
Step 1: Upload Your Video
To get started, open Podcastle and upload your video file. The platform supports various formats, making it easy to import content from your computer. If your video was originally posted on YouTube, make sure to download it in high resolution before importing it into Podcastle. This will help maintain quality when posting a long video on Instagram.
Step 2: Trim, Split, or Resize Your Video
Since Instagram has strict video length limits, you’ll often need to cut down your footage or split it into multiple segments. Podcastle’s intuitive editor lets you:
- Trim unnecessary parts – Remove long intros, pauses, or redundant sections to keep your video concise and engaging.
- Split your video – If your content exceeds Instagram’s limits, divide it into smaller clips that can be uploaded as a carousel, multiple Stories, or separate Reels.
- Resize video—Typically, IG videos use a 9:16 ratio, as well as 16:9 or 1:1. You will see a 4:3 ratio more rarely, but for the best results for reels, 9:16 is recommended.
This step is crucial when deciding the ideal video length for social media. While long videos work well for IGTV, shorter, punchier content often performs better for engagement.
Step 3: Enhance Audio for Better Clarity
One of the most common frustrations with video content is poor audio quality. Podcastle offers AI-powered tools to help you:
- Reduce background noise – If your video was recorded in a noisy environment, you can clean up the audio for a more professional sound.
- Balance volume levels – Ensure that dialogue, background music, and sound effects are evenly mixed so that no part is too loud or too soft.
This step is especially helpful for creators repurposing long videos from other platforms. Whether you’re adapting YouTube content or recording new footage, clean audio makes a big difference in engagement.
Step 4: Add AI Voice-Overs for a Professional Touch
If you want to make your video more engaging but don’t have time to record a voice-over, Podcastle’s AI-generated narration can do it for you. This feature is great for:
- Adding commentary to highlight key points in your video.
- Improving accessibility by including spoken explanations for viewers who may not be watching with sound.
- Creating a professional feel without needing expensive recording equipment.
Short-form content on Instagram thrives when it’s clear, direct, and engaging, and a polished voice-over can help maintain audience interest.
Step 5: Export in High Quality
Before posting a long video on Instagram, make sure it meets Instagram’s recommended format and resolution. Podcastle allows you to export in high-definition quality while keeping the file size optimized for social media. Choose the best settings to ensure your video looks sharp, loads quickly, and plays smoothly.
By using Podcastle to refine your content, you can maximize the impact of both long and short videos on Instagram. Whether you’re trimming down long-form content or fine-tuning short-form clips, a well-edited video will always perform better.
The Ideal Video Length for Social Media
While Instagram allows longer videos, that doesn’t always mean viewers will stick around to watch the entire thing. Here’s a quick look at the ideal video lengths for different platforms:
- Instagram Feed Videos: 1-3 minutes for best engagement
- Instagram Reels: 30-60 seconds
- Stories: Keep each segment under 10 seconds to maintain viewer interest
- YouTube: 7-15 minutes for in-depth content
- TikTok: 15-60 seconds for viral potential
If your video is long, consider adding attention-grabbing elements like text overlays, fast cuts, and engaging captions to keep viewers hooked.
Tips for Posting Long Videos on Instagram
Instagram isn’t built for long-form content, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it work. Here are some smart strategies to keep your videos high-quality, engaging, and within Instagram’s guidelines.
Break It Up with Engaging Hooks
Since Instagram favors shorter videos, one way to keep viewers watching is by structuring your content with multiple hooks. Instead of a single long introduction, break up your video into sections, each starting with a compelling question, statement, or visual that grabs attention. This keeps people engaged, even if they’re watching a longer video in multiple parts.
Use Captions to Keep Viewers Hooked
A lot of Instagram users scroll with the sound off, so relying only on spoken content can hurt engagement. Adding captions ensures that your message gets across even if someone isn’t listening. Instagram offers auto-captioning, but for more accuracy, tools like Podcastle let you generate and edit captions for a polished look.
Optimize for Mobile Viewing
Most people watch Instagram videos on their phones, which means you need to make sure your content is easy to follow on a small screen. Use large, readable text overlays, avoid tiny details that might get lost, and frame your subject in the center to keep it visible, even in portrait mode.
Use Seamless Transitions for Multi-Part Videos
If you’re splitting a long video into multiple Stories, Reels, or carousel posts, make sure the transitions feel natural. Abrupt cuts can make your content feel disjointed. Instead, plan ahead—end each segment with a natural stopping point and start the next one with a smooth transition to keep the flow.
Leverage Instagram’s Carousel Format
While Stories and IGTV are common options for long videos, don’t overlook carousels. You can upload multiple video slides (up to 10) in a single post, allowing viewers to swipe through different segments without leaving the post. This keeps engagement high and makes it easier for your audience to consume longer content at their own pace.
Keep File Size and Format Optimized
Instagram compresses videos heavily, which can ruin quality if you’re not careful. To avoid blurry visuals, export your video in Instagram’s recommended settings: MP4 format, 1080 x 1350 pixels for feed posts, and 9:16 aspect ratio for Stories and Reels. Keeping the right format ensures your video looks crisp and professional.
Final Thoughts
Posting a long video on Instagram might take some extra effort, but with the right approach, you can make it seamless and engaging. Whether you're trimming clips, adding captions, or optimizing for Instagram’s formats, tools like Podcastle can help you refine your content with high-quality editing and AI-powered enhancements. Try it out to make your videos look and sound their best before sharing them with your audience!
