How to Post a Video on Instagram

Posting a video on Instagram should be much easier than it often feels. With three different video formats, each with its own set of rules and best practices, it's easy to feel a little lost. This guide cuts through the confusion, providing a clear, step-by-step walkthrough for posting Instagram Reels, in-feed videos, and Stories. We'll also cover strategies that turn a simple video upload into content that actually grows your brand.

The Three Types of Instagram Video: Reels, In-Feed, and Stories

Before you tap that "+" button, it's helpful to know where your video should live. Instagram offers three distinct formats, and choosing the right one can make all the difference in who sees your content and how they engage with it.

• Instagram Reels: This is Instagram's engine for discovery and reach. Reels are short, entertaining, and algorithmically promoted to users who don't already follow you. Use them for attention-grabbing trends, quick tips, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and educational content designed to attract a new audience.
• In-Feed Videos: These are the classic videos that appear in the main Instagram feed and are saved permanently on your profile grid. They can be much longer than Reels and are great for content meant for your existing followers, like in-depth tutorials, detailed product demonstrations, or mini-documentaries.
• Instagram Stories: These are casual, ephemeral videos that disappear after 24 hours (unless saved to a Highlight). Stories are perfect for daily updates, real-time engagement with polls and Q&As, and sharing unfiltered, personality-driven content that builds a deeper connection with your community.

Your Complete Guide to Posting an Instagram Reel

Reels are the most powerful tool for organic growth on Instagram right now. Because the algorithm prioritizes showing them to new audiences, mastering Reels is essential. Here’s exactly how to do it.

Step-by-Step: From Upload to Publish

1. Start Your Reel: Open the Instagram app and tap the plus icon (+) at the bottom center of your screen. From the menu that appears, select "Reel."
2. Choose Your Video Clip(s): You can either record a video directly by holding down the record button or upload pre-edited clips from your phone's camera roll by tapping the icon in the bottom-left corner. You can select one or multiple clips to compile.
3. Enter the Reel Editor: This is where the magic happens. After selecting your clips, you'll be taken to the editor. Here are your main tools:
   • Audio: Tap the music note icon to search Instagram’s library of trending songs and sounds. Using a popular audio track can dramatically boost your Reel's visibility.
   • Text: Add overlays to provide context or tell a story. You can time the text to appear and disappear at specific points in the video, which is often used for listicles or callouts.
   • Effects &, Filters: Tap the sparkling stars icon to access AR filters and effects to change the look of your video.
   • Stickers: Find GIFs, emojis, and interactive stickers like Polls or Quizzes to make your Reel more engaging.
4. Trim &, Arrange Clips: Tap "Edit video" in the bottom-left corner to open a more advanced timeline editor. Here, you can trim each clip, reorder them, add transitions, and adjust the volume of your original audio versus the music you've added.
5. Prepare Your Caption &, Cover: Tap "Next." On this screen, write your caption. You can also tag people, add a location, and most importantly, select a cover image. Tap "Edit cover" on the video thumbnail. You can scrub through the video to find the perfect frame or upload a custom cover image from your camera roll. A compelling cover can make a big difference on your profile grid and on the Explore page.
6. Check Your Settings: Before posting, review your options. Ensure "Also share to Feed" is toggled on if you want the Reel to appear on your main profile grid (which you usually do). Under "Advanced settings," you can schedule your Reel and turn on auto-generated captions for accessibility.
7. Publish: When everything is ready, tap "Share." Your Reel is now live!

Pro Tips for High-Performing Reels

• Hook Them Instantly: You have about three seconds to stop someone from scrolling. Start your Reel with a strong visual, a bold statement, or a question that sparks curiosity.
• Jump on Trending Audio: When you hear a sound repeatedly, it’s a good sign. Tap the audio icon at the bottom of a Reel to see how many others have used it and save it for your own videos. The algorithm favors content that uses trending sounds.
• Prioritize High-Resolution Video: Instagram's algorithm tends to suppress videos that are blurry, pixelated, or have a visible watermark from other platforms (like TikTok). Always upload the highest quality video possible.
• Write Captions That Add Value: Don’t leave your caption blank. Use it to expand on the video's topic, ask a question to encourage comments, or add a clear call-to-action like "save this for later" or "check the link in my bio."

How to Post a Classic In-Feed Video

While Reels focus on discovery, in-feed videos are for nurturing your existing community. The process is simpler than posting a Reel, but paying attention to some details is helpful.

Step-by-Step: Getting It on Your Grid

1. Start a New Post: Tap the plus icon (+) and select "Post."
2. Select Your Video: Choose the video from your camera roll. This is the moment to check aspect ratio. Use the expand icon (two outward-facing corners) to toggle between the original format, 1:1 square, or 4:5 portrait. We highly recommend the 4:5 portrait crop, as it takes up the most screen space in the feed.
3. Apply Filters and Trim: On the next screen, you can apply an Instagram native filter (though most creators prefer editing outside the app) and trim the start or end of your video. The editor is more basic than the Reels editor.
4. Choose Your Cover Frame: Like with Reels, selecting a good cover image is important because it appears on your profile grid. Tap "Cover" at the bottom of the screen and drag the slider to select a compelling frame from your video.
5. Write Your Caption and Tag: On the final screen, write your caption, tag other accounts, and add a location. The caption for an in-feed video can be longer and more detailed because your followers are already invested in your content.
6. Post It: Tap "Share," and your video will be published to your feed and your profile grid.

When to Use an In-Feed Video Instead of a Reel

Not everything needs to be a Reel. Choose an in-feed video when:

• Your content exceeds 90 seconds (in-feed videos can be up to 60 minutes).
• You're sharing something that doesn't suit the quick, trending format of Reels, such as an educational tutorial, a sit-down interview, or a client testimonial.
• The primary audience consists of your current followers, not the general public on the Explore page.

Mastering Instagram Story Videos

Stories are a powerful tool for building relationships. They feel personal, immediate, and less polished, which encourages interaction. Posting a video to your story is quick and offers many creative options.

Step-by-Step: Engaging Your Audience in 24 Hours

1. Open the Story Camera: Swipe right from the home feed to open the Story camera. Alternatively, tap the plus icon (+) and select "Story."
2. Upload or Record: Record by holding the capture button, or swipe up (or tap the gallery icon) to choose a video from your camera roll. If your video exceeds 60 seconds, Instagram will automatically split it into consecutive 60-second clips.
3. Use Interactive Stickers: This is key to engaging your Story viewers. After adding your video, tap the sticker icon at the top. Here you'll find tools like:
   • Link Sticker: Drive traffic directly to your website, product, or blog post.
   • Poll Sticker: Ask a simple A/B question and let viewers vote.
   • Quiz Sticker: Test your followers' knowledge with a multiple-choice question.
   • Q&,A Sticker: Invite followers to ask you questions.
4. Add Creative Elements: Add text, draw on the screen, include relevant GIFs, or add music to match your video’s mood.
5. Share It: When ready, tap "Your Story" in the bottom left to post. You can also share only with your "Close Friends" for more exclusivity.

Final Thoughts

Posting the right video in the right way is fundamental to Instagram success. By choosing the best format for your goal - whether it's a Reel for reach, an in-feed post for your community, or a Story for daily engagement - you can take control of your content strategy and grow a more connected, engaged audience on the platform.

Managing all this content consistently, especially short-form video, can become overwhelming. At Postbase, we built our platform specifically for the video-first nature of today’s social media. Tired of clunky, outdated tools that treat Reels and TikToks as an afterthought, we designed an easy-to-use, reliable visual calendar that helps you plan, schedule, and publish all your videos without the usual headaches. It gives you the space to focus on creating great content instead of constantly wrestling with your workflow.