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Want to know how to post videos on Instagram? Maybe you are starting a new Instagram account or maybe you’ve had Instagram for a while but are ready to add video into the mix. Either way, you are in the right place. Keep on reading to find out how to post videos on Instagram in 4 different ways
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Why you need to be posting videos on Instagram
On the 30th June 2020 Adam Mosseri (Head of Instagram) made an announcement on his Instagram profile that marked a major change for the platform. In his video (you can watch the full video here ) he said that “We’re [Instagram] no longer a photo sharing app”. He went on to about how they are looking to lean into the trend of entertainment and video.
Now it might not come as a shock – video had been playing an increasingly larger role on the platform in the past few years. However, to officially say that they are no longer a photo sharing app isn’t something to be ignored. For business owners, it is key to pay attention. Instagram has made it clear that video is its focus going forward and if you want to continue to perform well on Instagram then you’ll be wise to listen what they are saying and incorporate more video into your content.
So how can you create and post video content on Instagram? Here are 4 different ways.
4 DIFFERENT WAYS TO POST VIDEOS ON INSTAGRAM
1. IGTV
IGTV was added into Instagram in 2018 and was one of the first signs that Instagram wanted to become a place where people would sit and watch videos. IGTV allows you to upload a recorded video (max 60 minutes long). Now technically you can upload a vertical or horizontal video. However, as part of the “We’re no longer a photo-sharing app” Adam also mentioned “mobile-first video”. So if you are creating a video specifically for IGTV (rather than repurpose a YouTube video) then it is recommended to record in vertical mode.
2. IG Stories
The second way to post videos on Instagram is with Instagram Stories. Instagram Stories are recorded in a vertical position and can last a maximum of 15 seconds. Stories live for 24 hours and then will disappear. If you want them to live for longer then you can save them to your highlights.
Find out more about Instagram Stories here.
3. Reels
Reels are Instagram’s newest video feature. Introduced in summer 2020 Reels were rumoured to have been added to directly challenge TikTok.
Reels are recorded vertically and can last up to 60 seconds. You can record and edit in the app or you can upload a pre-edited video. Once posted they have their own section on your profile page and there is an option to post them to your main feed too.
Learn how to use Instagram Reels here.
4. IG Live
The final way you can post video on Instagram is via IG Live. (Now technically you don’t post a IG Live, but it is a valid fourth way of creating video content on Instagram so stick with me). Whereas IGTV is about recorded videos IG LIVE is about being live. You can go live by yourself or you can invite someone else into your IG LIVE and the two of you can talk together.
One of the advantages of going live is that when you go live Instagram will send a notification to let all of your followers who are online at the time know you’ve gone live. Whilst people are watching you live they have the ability to comment. For this reason, it can be a great option for running Q&As or anything where having some interaction is valuable.
Also, once you’ve recorded an IG Live you have the option to be able to save it to IGTV. So the video can live on.
There you have it! You’ve now know 4 different ways to post videos on Instagram.
As you can see even once you’ve decided to post videos on Instagram you have a number of options. As a business owner, you’ll need to make a decision about what format works best for your business. You might decide to just use one format or you might use all four. Hopefully getting to know the different ways you can post videos on Instagram will have given you some idea of what ways will work for your business.
In the comments, I would love to know what type of videos (Reels, Stories IGTV or IG Live) you plan on posting going forward.
NEED HELP WITH YOUR INSTAGRAM MARKETING STRATEGY?
As you can see even just choosing what type of videos to create can be a challenge and then you have to choose the focus of the content, and ensure it works alongside your other marketing.
Just because social media is free doesn’t mean you don’t need a strategy. In fact, it makes it even more important because most people would pull adverts if they aren’t working after a week, but will spend months organically posting content that isn’t converting.
Stop wasting your time and get an Instagram marketing strategy for your business! Book a strategy day and in just one day we’ll create a plan to sure you are marketing your business as efficiently as possible and that your content is directly leading to signing new clients.
To find out more, or book a Strategy Day, click here.
Want to work with more over a longer period of time? Drop me a message here to discuss other options.
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