Up until a few years ago, the only videos you could post to Instagram were the ones shot in vertical, AKA portrait mode.
But that changed in 2019 when Instagram announced that IGTV, their standalone video platform, would support the horizontal, AKA landscape format.
Today, there is no such thing as IGTV; it’s been replaced by Instagram Video, which is merely another feature in the Instagram app.
Thankfully, though, the support for horizontal video still remains! Instagram creators and filmmakers can now upload their landscape-oriented videos directly to their feed without having to worry that part of the screen will get cut off.
If you’re wondering how to post horizontal videos on Instagram, then you’re in the right place! We’re here to teach you everything you need to know about uploading horizontal videos to Instagram using your computer or your Instagram app.
But first, let’s take a look at Instagram’s video requirements so that you make sure your film is optimized for the platform before you post it.
What Are Instagram’s Video Requirements?
Instagram has certain requirements that your video must meet before you can upload it. This is to ensure that your post is optimized to be viewed on their platform.
Below are Instagram’s main video requirements:
- Aspect ratio: 1.91:1 (horizontal) and 9:16 (tall vertical).
- Minimum frame rate: 30 frames per second (FPS)
- Minimum resolution: 720 pixels.
- In-feed video: Maximum size of 3.6GB and not exceeding 60 minutes in length
- Instagram Reel: Not more than 4GB and a length of up to 60 seconds
In addition, Instagram recommends that you choose a cover photo with a resolution of 420×654 pixels or 1:1.55 aspect ratio for your video. The cover photo is the still image that shows Instagram users what your video is about before they start playing it.
How to Post Horizontal Videos on Instagram on Mobile? (8 Steps)
Prefer to use your phone to post videos to Instagram? Here are the steps to post a horizontal video using the Instagram mobile app on your iPhone or Android.
Step #1: Open the Instagram app and log into your account.
Step #2: Tap the + button at the bottom of the app.
Step #3: Select the horizontal video you want to upload from your phone gallery and then tap the blue arrow in the top right-hand corner of the screen. The app should automatically orient your video and display it in landscape mode (providing it fits their aspect ratio and resolution requirements).
Step #4: Use the Edit video tool or the icons at the top of the screen to trim, enhance, or add music or visual effects to your video.
Step #5: Tap Next.
Step #6: Tap Edit cover to select a screengrab from your video or upload a picture from your gallery to use as your video’s cover photo.
Step #7: Write a caption for your post, adjust the settings, tag people, and otherwise optimize your video.
Step #8: Tap Share, and the video will upload to your feed.
How To Post Horizontal Videos on Instagram on Desktop? (11 Steps)
Now, let’s get you ready to upload your horizontal Instagram video to Instagram using your computer.
Step #1: Open your preferred web browser and log into your Instagram account on instagram.com.
Step #3: Click Post.
Step #4: Click Select from computer.
Step #5: In the box that pops up, select the horizontal video you want to upload to Instagram.
Step #6: Click Next on the top right corner of the screen.
Step #7: Use the slider tool on the right-hand side of the screen beneath Cover photo to navigate your video until you find a screenshot you want to use as the cover photo. Alternatively, click Select from Computer and choose a cover photo from your computer files.
Step #8: Use the slider tool on the right-hand side of the screen beneath Trim to cut down your clip, if necessary.
Step #9: Click Next in the top right corner of the screen.
Step #10: Write a caption for your post, adjust the settings, tag people, and otherwise optimize your video.
Step #11: Click Share in the top right corner of the screen, and the video will upload to your feed.
Why Should I Post Horizontal Videos on Instagram?
With the increasing popularity of platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram Reels that display vertically oriented videos, people who use social media have gotten used to filming their videos in portrait mode. This makes sense since portrait mode helps the viewer home in on people, animals, or objects.
But there are advantages to filming your Instagram videos in landscape mode, as well. Here are three of them.
Videos filmed horizontally simply show more than those that are filmed vertically. The wide frame allows you to get more people and things in your shot, which can be ideal if you have a lot to show. It’s also better at covering the wider subject matter, such as landscapes, vehicles, or large animals.
All movies are filmed in a horizontal aspect ratio. Therefore, if you want your videos to look more cinematic, shooting them in landscape mode is the way to go.
Most trailers and commercials are shot and edited in the landscape. So, if you want to make a trailer or commercial for your brand, a product, or a longer video, horizontal is the orientation you will probably end up choosing.
Can I Upload a Pre-Recorded Horizontal Video on Instagram?
Yes, you can upload a pre-recorded horizontal video on Instagram. To do this, tap the plus sign on the home screen to create a new post. Select the video from your camera roll, and make sure the video is in landscape mode.
Once you have selected the video, you can add a caption, location, and tags before sharing your post with landscape videos on Instagram.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Upload a Pre-Recorded Horizontal Video on Instagram?
Yes, you can upload a pre-recorded horizontal video on Instagram. To do this, tap the plus sign on the home screen to create a new post. Select the video from your camera roll, and make sure the video is in landscape mode.
Once you have selected the video, you can add a caption, location, and tags before sharing your post with landscape videos on Instagram.
Conclusion
Just a few years ago, Instagram didn’t support horizontal videos. Now, you can upload a video you filmed in landscape mode using your computer or your mobile app in a few easy steps!
Once it’s posted to your account, consider buying Instagram views from Viralyft to boost your engagement and increase your video’s visibility on the app.
