What’s the best video format for Instagram?

With so many file formats to choose from, here’s how to pick the right video format to optimize your Instagram videos.

Ideal video specs for Instagram.

Although you can upload a few different types of video, the ideal Instagram video format is .mp4. That will give your videos the best resolution and playability for your viewers.

If you’d like to really optimize your content, here are the ideal technical specifications for Instagram videos:

• .mp4 format
• AAC audio
• 3500 kbps bitrate
• 30 fps (frames per second)
• Maximum of 60 seconds long
• 1080 pixels wide (max)
• 1920 pixels tall
• H.264 codec

Many of these settings are automatically applied when you record the video on your phone or camera. However, if you need to change some of the format settings, you’ll need to do it with video editing software.

Convert files with a video editor.

The best way to ensure your Instagram videos are in the proper format is to use video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro. After you finish editing your video to perfection, you can select the file format before exporting:

1. Click File > Export > Media to open the Export Settings Panel.
2. Change the format to MPEG4 at the top of the panel.
3. Click export.

The editor exports your video as a .mp4 that is correctly formatted and ready to upload to Instagram. Or if you already have a finished video that’s in the wrong format, you can upload the entire file to your video editor and re-export it to convert to the ideal Instagram video format.

Looking for tips and tricks to make your videos Instagram ready? Discover what more you can do with Premiere Pro to create engaging content for your social media followers.