How to Upload a Video on Instagram from Mobile

Getting your video content onto Instagram from your phone should be simple, but with different formats like Reels, Stories, and in-feed posts, it can sometimes feel like you’re trying to hit a moving target. This guide will walk you through exactly how to upload each type of video from your mobile device, step by step. We’ll also cover a few smart tips to make sure your content not only looks great but actually gets seen.

Understanding Instagram's Video Formats: Reels vs. Stories vs. In-Feed

Before you hit upload, it’s good to know where your video should go. Each format on Instagram serves a different purpose, and choosing the right one can make a huge difference in your reach and engagement.

• Instagram Reels: This is Instagram's home for short, entertaining, and discoverable video. Think of them as the modern-day television commercial - fast, catchy, and designed to grab attention from people who don’t yet follow you. Reels are best for trending audio clips, tutorials, comedy bits, and anything with high "shareability" potential. They live on a dedicated tab on your profile and get pushed out algorithmically to a wide audience.
• Instagram Stories: Stories are the perfect place for casual, behind-the-scenes content that feels immediate and personal. Because they disappear after 24 hours (unless you save them to a Highlight), there’s less pressure for them to be perfect. Use Stories for quick updates, polls, Q&As, sharing a day-in-the-life glimpse, or promoting a new Reel or in-feed post. The interactive stickers are their secret weapon.
• In-Feed Video Posts: These are the classic videos that live permanently on your main profile grid. They are ideal for more polished, evergreen content that has a longer shelf life. In-feed videos are great for deeper storytelling, testimonials, product demonstrations, or mini-documentaries that you want your followers to find for months to come.

Preparing Your Video for a Flawless Upload

A few minutes of prep work can save you from a lot of frustration with weird cropping, low quality, or a video that just doesn't look right. Here’s what to check before you upload.

1. Get the Dimensions Right

Instagram is a vertical platform, so formatting your video to fit the screen is one of the most important steps. Videos that fill the entire screen feel more immersive and professional.

• For Reels and Stories: The ideal aspect ratio is 9:16, which translates to a pixel size of 1080 x 1920. This is the standard vertical format that your phone probably records in when held upright.
• For In-Feed Video Posts: You have a bit more flexibility, but a vertical format still performs best. A 4:5 aspect ratio (1080 x 1350 pixels) is the sweet spot. It takes up more of the screen than a square (1:1) or landscape (16:9) video, helping you capture more attention as people scroll.

Pro Tip: Most video editing apps on your phone (like CapCut or InShot) have presets for Instagram Reels, Stories, and Posts that will automatically format your video for you.

2. Check the File Format and Length Requirements

Instagram is pretty accommodating, but it has its limits. Make sure your video meets the technical specs to avoid any upload errors.

• File Type: The most common and reliable formats are MP4 and MOV.
• Video Length:
  • Reels: Up to 90 seconds.
  • Stories: Up to 60 seconds per Story segment. If you upload a longer video, Instagram will automatically chop it into 60-second clips.
  • In-Feed Posts: Between 3 seconds and 60 minutes.

3. Create a Captivating Thumbnail (Cover Image)

The cover of your Reel or in-feed video is like the cover of a book - it’s what convinces someone to press play. A blurry, awkward, or confusing still frame can stop a great video from ever being watched. You can either select the best-looking frame from your video or upload a completely custom image from your camera roll. A striking visual with a simple text overlay stating the video's topic can work wonders for your view count.

How to Post an Instagram Reel From Your Mobile Phone: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to upload your viral masterpiece? Reels have the biggest potential for organic reach right now, so let’s walk through the process of getting one live.

1. Open the Reel creator: Open the Instagram app and tap the plus icon (+) at the bottom center of the screen. From the menu, select "Reel".
2. Select or record your video: You can record clips directly in the app using the record button, but most creators will tap the blue plus icon in the bottom left corner to access their camera roll and select a pre-edited video.
3. Edit your clips and add audio: Once your video is loaded, you’ll be in the Reel editor. Tap "Edit Video" at the bottom. Here, you can trim clips, reorder them, add more clips, or adjust the speed. Tap the music note icon to search for trending audio or your own saved sounds. Using trending audio is a great tactic to help your Reel get discovered.
4. Add text, stickers, and effects: This is where you bring your Reel to life. Use the icons at the top right to:
   • Add text overlays that appear and disappear at specific times.
   • Use stickers like GIFs or captions (which autogenerate subtitles).
   • Apply AR filters to change the aesthetic of your video.
5. Write your caption and choose a cover: Tap "Next" to move to the final screen. Write a compelling caption that complements your video. Use relevant hashtags to help people find your content. Next, tap on "Edit Cover" over the video preview. You can slide through the video to find the best frame or tap "Add from camera roll" to upload a custom graphic.
6. Adjust your settings and share: Before you post, you can also tag people, add a location, and assign "Topics" to help Instagram categorize your content. Be sure the "Also share to Feed" option is toggled on to give it the best initial visibility. When you're all set, tap "Share."

How to Upload a Video to Instagram Stories

Sharing a video to your Story is quick and easy, which is why it’s perfect for more casual, in-the-moment updates.

1. Open the Story camera: From the Instagram home feed, you can either swipe right or tap the "+" on your profile picture in the top left corner.
2. Pick your video: Swipe up or tap the gallery icon in the bottom left corner to open your camera roll. Select the video you want to upload. As mentioned earlier, if it's longer than 60 seconds, Instagram will automatically split it into multiple consecutive Stories.
3. Add interactive stickers and text: Stories aren't just for viewing - they're for interacting. Tap the sticker icon at the top to add polls, quizzes, question boxes, sliders, or the ever-important link sticker. Use the text tool to add context or call out important moments in your video.
4. Share it with your audience: Once you've decorated your Story, tap the "Your story" button on the bottom left to share it with all of your followers. You can also choose to share it only with your "Close Friends" list if it's more personal content.

How to Post an In-Feed Video

Posting an in-feed video is a similar process to posting a photo - it's meant to be a permanent part of your beautiful grid.

1. Start a new post: Tap the plus icon (+) at the bottom of the screen and select "Post" from the menu.
2. Select your video and frame it: Choose the video you want to upload from your camera roll. Immediately tap the small expand icon (it looks like two corners) on the bottom left of the preview to toggle between the original crop, a square (1:1), and a vertical format (4:5). Always pick the vertical option if possible.
3. Trim, filter, and add a cover: Tap "Next." On this screen, you can apply a filter (though most users skip this), trim the video to your desired length using the sliders at the bottom, and select your cover image. Tap "Cover" at the bottom of the video to choose your thumbnail.
4. Write your final caption and details: On the final screen, write a thoughtful caption, tag relevant people or brands, add a location, and include hashtags.
5. Tap "Share": When you’re ready, hit the blue "Share" button to send it live to your grid.

Beyond Uploading: Pro Tips for Making Your Instagram Videos Stand Out

Just uploading a video isn't enough. To truly connect with an audience, you need to think like a creator. Here are a few simple strategies to improve your video performance.

• Hook them in the first 3 seconds. Attention spans are short. Start your video with your most intriguing clip, a surprising statement, or a question to stop people from scrolling past.
• Design for sound-off viewing. A large percentage of users watch videos with their phone on silent. Use text overlays or burn-in captions to tell your story visually so nobody misses the message.
• Use the power of interactive stickers. For Stories, never miss an opportunity to engage. Polls, ratings, and question boxes aren’t just fun - they are signals to the algorithm that people are actively engaging with your content.
• Consistency always wins. Creating a regular posting rhythm is far more effective than posting one perfect video per month. Building a presence on social media is about being reliable and showing up for your audience consistently.

Final Thoughts

Uploading video to Instagram is pretty simple once you understand the small but important differences between Reels, Stories, and in-feed posts. By formatting your videos correctly, picking a great cover image, and using the platform’s creative tools, you’ll be able to grab attention and connect with your audience more effectively.

Creating and posting video consistently across different formats can be a real time-drain, especially when you're managing multiple social profiles. That’s why we built Postbase with video at its core. You can plan your entire video strategy on a visual calendar, upload your content once, and schedule it as a Reel, Short, or TikTok without wrestling with formatting issues. Our goal is to handle the reliable scheduling so you can focus on making great videos, not on wondering if your posts will actually go live when they're supposed to. Check out Postbase to see how much time you can get back.