How to Post a Video on Instagram Without It Being a Reel?

Instagram is a popular social media platform known for its visual content, including photos and videos.

We will explore the different ways you can post a video on Instagram, focusing on posting videos that are not reels.

We will discuss the limitations of posting videos on Instagram, as well as how to post a video to Instagram without it being a reel.

If you want more control over your video’s appearance or are looking to utilize different features of Instagram, this article will guide you through the process.

What Is Instagram?

Instagram is a popular social media platform owned by Facebook, allowing users to share photos and videos with their followers.

Besides sharing photos and videos, Instagram offers a range of interactive features like Feed videos, Stories, Instagram Live, and Reels, making it a versatile platform for content sharing and audience engagement. Users can post short videos on their Feed, share temporary updates through Stories lasting 24 hours, interact with followers in real-time through Instagram Live, and create engaging short-form videos on Reels.

What Are Instagram Reels?

Instagram Reels are short, entertaining videos that users can create within the Instagram app, offering a way to showcase creativity and engage with followers.

These Reels are designed to capture the attention of viewers with their fun and engaging content, providing users with a platform to express their unique perspectives and talents.

As a powerful content creation tool, Reels enable users to experiment with diverse formats, filters, music, and effects to produce visually stunning and interactive videos, fostering a sense of authenticity that resonates with audiences.

This feature plays a crucial role in boosting user engagement by encouraging user-generated content and fostering meaningful connections between creators and their followers.

How To Post A Video On Instagram?

Posting a video on Instagram involves several methods, including uploading directly from your phone’s camera roll, using Instagram’s camera feature, or utilizing third-party editing apps.

When uploading directly from your phone’s camera roll, simply open the Instagram app, tap the plus icon to create a new post, select ‘Library,’ and choose the video from your device. Learn how to turn a video into a reel on Instagram.

With the Youtube to Instagram Reels feature, access it through the app, swipe to the left, and start recording your video or take a photo.

For those who prefer third-party editing apps, edit your video outside the app using tools like InShot, Adobe Premiere Rush, or VSCO, then upload the finalized video onto Instagram.

From Your Phone’s Camera Roll

Uploading a video from your phone’s camera roll to Instagram is a convenient way to share pre-recorded content with your audience.

Open your Instagram app on your phone and tap on the ‘plus’ icon located at the bottom center of the screen. This action will prompt you to select the media type you want to upload. After selecting ‘Video’, you will be directed to your camera roll where you can choose the video you wish to share.

Once you have selected the video, you can apply filters, add captions, and edit it further within the Instagram app. This allows you to customize the video before posting it. After editing, hit the ‘Next’ button, which takes you to the sharing screen. Learn how to turn Instagram story into reel for more tips.

On the sharing screen, you can add a caption, tag people, add location, and choose other sharing options before finally tapping on the ‘Share’ button. Your video from the camera roll is now successfully uploaded to Instagram for your followers to enjoy.

From Instagram’s Camera

Recording and uploading a video directly from Instagram’s in-app camera allows for real-time sharing and spontaneous content creation.

With the camera feature, users can capture moments instantly and enhance them with various filters, effects, and editing tools provided by Instagram. Once the video is ready, a simple click on the upload button enables users to instantly share their content with followers, fostering immediate engagement. This direct sharing method eliminates the need to save and upload videos separately, streamlining the process and maintaining the authentic, instantaneous essence of the post.

From A Third-Party App

Utilizing third-party editing apps like InShot, Adobe Premiere Rush, or iMovie enables users to enhance their videos before posting them on Instagram.

These editing apps provide a multitude of creative possibilities, allowing users to add filters, effects, text overlays, music, and transitions to their videos with ease.

Once the editing process is complete, users can seamlessly upload their enhanced videos to Instagram directly from these third-party apps, streamlining the sharing process.

The use of third-party apps opens up a world of enhanced editing features that may not be available within Instagram’s built-in editing tools, give the power toing users to explore their creativity and produce high-quality content.

What Are The Limitations Of Posting Videos On Instagram?

Although Instagram offers various video posting options, there are limitations such as video length, file size, and aspect ratio that users need to consider.

Understanding these constraints can greatly impact your video sharing experience on Instagram. The platform imposes a maximum video length of 60 seconds for feed videos and up to 15 seconds for Stories, ensuring content is concise and engaging. Additionally, file size restrictions can be challenging, with a limit of 4GB for video uploads. Meeting these technical requirements is crucial to avoid upload failures and to maintain video quality. Sticking to the recommended aspect ratio of 16:9 or 4:5 ensures that your videos display correctly across devices, optimizing viewer engagement.

Video Length

Instagram imposes restrictions on video length, requiring users to adhere to specified duration limits when posting content.

For regular feed videos, Instagram allows a maximum length of 60 seconds, compelling users to craft concise and captivating content. In the case of Instagram Stories, the time limit is further reduced to just 15 seconds per individual segment. This restriction challenges creators to deliver engaging and impactful messages within a brief timeframe. IGTV videos have a longer permitted duration, with a maximum length of 10 minutes for most accounts, or up to 60 minutes for verified or larger accounts. Balancing creativity and brevity is essential to effectively communicate through video content on Instagram.

File Size

Users uploading videos to Instagram must consider the file size limitations to ensure smooth uploading and optimal viewing quality.

Instagram has specific requirements for video file sizes to maintain platform efficiency. Optimizing video files before uploading is crucial to prevent issues during the process. By reducing the file size, users can speed up the uploading time and enhance playback experience for viewers. High-resolution videos often come with larger file sizes, so users need to balance quality with size constraints. Compressing videos without compromising quality can help meet Instagram’s file size limits while preserving the viewing experience.

Aspect Ratio

Maintaining the correct aspect ratio is crucial when posting videos on Instagram to ensure that content appears correctly on users’ feeds and stories.

When you adhere to the recommended aspect ratio for Instagram, it enhances the visual appeal and ensures that your videos display optimally, capturing viewers’ attention effectively.

Instagram’s recommended aspect ratio of 1:1 for feed posts and 9:16 for stories is carefully designed to prevent cropping or distortion, providing a seamless viewing experience for your audience. By respecting these guidelines, you align your content with the platform’s standards, making it more engaging and professional.

How To Post A Video On Instagram Without It Being A Reel?

Users can share videos on Instagram without creating Reels by using alternative features such as IGTV, Stories, or built-in editing tools.

IGTV allows users to post longer, more high-quality videos that viewers can access easily from your profile. On the other hand, Stories provide a more ephemeral way to share video content, visible for 24 hours before disappearing. With in-app editing tools, users can enhance their videos with filters, effects, and captions before sharing them with their followers. By utilizing these various options, Instagram offers a versatile platform for video sharing, catering to different preferences and creative styles.

Use Instagram’s In-App Editing Tools

Instagram provides users with built-in editing tools that allow for basic modifications and enhancements to videos before posting them on the platform.

Within the platform, users can access a variety of editing features to fine-tune their videos. These include options for trimming, cropping, adding filters, adjusting brightness, contrast, and saturation. Users can also incorporate text overlays, stickers, and drawings to add a personal touch to their content.

Instagram’s in-app editing tools offer music options, allowing users to enhance the mood of their videos with a soundtrack. The platform also provides functionalities for adjusting video speed and applying special effects to create captivating visual content.

With these convenient features, users can effortlessly customize their videos to suit their preferences and make them more engaging for their audience.

Use A Third-Party App To Edit The Video

Leveraging third-party editing apps for video modifications provides users with advanced editing capabilities and creative flexibility for their Instagram posts.

One significant benefit of using external editing apps is the ability to access a wide range of filters, effects, and editing tools that may not be available within the native Instagram app itself. With these third-party apps, users can take their editing skills to the next level, adding text overlays, transitions, and customized graphics to make their videos stand out.

External editing apps often offer more precise control over aspects like color correction, audio adjustments, and frame by frame editing, allowing users to fine-tune their videos with professional-level precision. This level of detail can truly elevate the overall quality of Instagram posts, making them more engaging and visually appealing to followers.

Use Instagram’s IGTV Feature

Utilizing Instagram’s IGTV feature allows users to share longer videos in a traditional format, catering to audiences interested in extended video content.

With IGTV, users can upload videos up to 15 minutes long, or even up to 60 minutes for verified accounts, providing ample opportunities for creators to engage with their followers in a more immersive way. This feature is particularly beneficial for businesses looking to showcase product demonstrations, behind-the-scenes footage, or in-depth tutorials to their target audience. By taking advantage of IGTV’s dedicated platform, users can stand out among the clutter of shorter videos on Instagram and capture the attention of viewers scrolling through their feed.

Use Instagram’s Story Feature

Posting videos on Instagram Stories offers a real-time and interactive way to engage with followers through behind-the-scenes content and interactive elements.

This feature allows users to share unpolished, candid moments that disappear after 24 hours, creating a sense of urgency and exclusivity. Viewers can also engage with Stories by reacting with emojis, sending direct messages, or even participating in polls and quizzes, fostering a deeper connection with followers. Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes Stories, increasing visibility and engagement compared to regular posts, making it a valuable tool for staying relevant and maintaining an active online presence.

What Are The Benefits Of Posting A Video On Instagram Without It Being A Reel?

Posting videos on Instagram without creating Reels offers users more control over their content’s appearance, the ability to edit videos before posting, and the opportunity to explore different features of the platform.

When users opt for traditional video posts on Instagram instead of using Reels, they ensure that the content retains its intended control without being constrained by the specific Reels format. This allows for greater customization and personalization of the video content to suit their unique preferences and styles.

The editing flexibility provided by direct video uploads enables users to fine-tune their videos, add captions, or apply filters before sharing with their audience, ensuring a polished and professional look.

By exploring the various features available for regular video posts, such as IGTV or standard feed posts, users can tap into a range of creative tools and possibilities to enhance their content and engage with their followers in novel and captivating ways.

More Control Over The Video’s Appearance

By posting videos on Instagram without creating Reels, users can exercise greater control over the visual aesthetics and presentation of their content.

When users opt to avoid using Reels, they have the flexibility to personalize the appearance of their videos to perfectly align with their brand or personal style. This customization allows for a distinctive touch that sets their content apart from the crowd. By directly uploading videos, users can fine-tune aspects such as filters, captions, and editing techniques to maintain a consistent visual narrative throughout their feed.

Ability To Edit The Video Before Posting

Editing videos before posting them on Instagram provides users with the flexibility to refine their content, enhance visual appeal, and tailor the video to their audience’s preferences.

By editing videos before sharing them on Instagram, individuals can bring their creativity to life by adding filters, music, texts, and transitions, elevating the overall viewing experience. This pre-publication process allows creators to fix any imperfections, maintain a consistent aesthetic, and ensure that their message is conveyed clearly. Editing videos before posting can lead to increased audience engagement as polished content tends to attract more views, likes, and shares, ultimately widening one’s reach within the platform’s community.

Utilizing Different Features Of Instagram

Posting videos on Instagram without being Reels enables users to explore and utilize various features of the platform, such as IGTV, Stories, and tagging options.

IGTV is ideal for longer-form content that provides a deeper dive into your brand or products, allowing you to connect with your audience on a more personal level.

On the other hand, Stories offer a creative and ephemeral way to showcase quick updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or engage followers with polls and quizzes.

By leveraging these diverse features, you can maintain a dynamic presence on Instagram, keeping your audience intrigued and connected through different forms of content.

What Are The Drawbacks Of Posting A Video On Instagram Without It Being A Reel?

While posting videos on Instagram without creating Reels offers certain benefits, there are drawbacks such as limited reach compared to Reels, potentially lower engagement levels, and the challenge of staying trendy.

When a user opts for traditional video uploads instead of leveraging the Reels feature, they risk their content reaching a smaller audience due to the algorithm prioritizing new features. This can lead to fewer likes, comments, and shares, affecting the overall engagement metrics. In a platform where staying relevant is crucial, not engaging with emerging trends like Reels can make one’s content seem outdated. Hence, while skipping Reels may have its conveniences, it often comes with the compromise of reach and engagement.

Limited Reach Compared To Reels

Posting videos on Instagram without Reels may result in a narrower audience reach compared to the broader visibility offered by Reels’ discoverability features.

When content creators opt for Reels on Instagram, they open the doors to increased exposure and engagement. Reels are strategically placed on the Explore page, reaching a wider and more diverse audience. These short, catchy videos have the potential to go viral, attracting users who may not have previously interacted with the creator’s content. In contrast, non-Reel videos are not prioritized in the same way, leading to limited discoverability and reduced chance of organic reach. This difference in audience reach directly impacts the visibility and growth of a creator’s channel.

May Not Be As Engaging As Reels

Non-Reel videos on Instagram might not achieve the same level of engagement and interaction as Reels due to differences in format, audience preferences, and platform algorithms.

One of the key factors that contribute to the challenges faced by non-Reel videos is the fast-paced nature of social media consumption. In today’s digital age, users often have limited attention spans and are more likely to engage with short, visually stimulating content like Reels.

The interactive features offered by Reels, such as music, effects, and filters, make them highly engaging and shareable, creating a sense of connection and entertainment that traditional videos may struggle to match.

May Not Be As Trendy As Reels

Choosing not to use Reels for video posts on Instagram may result in content that is perceived as less trendy or current, impacting audience perception and engagement levels.

Reels are a popular and dynamic feature on Instagram that keeps users engaged with short, eye-catching videos that are in line with current trends. By not utilizing Reels, content creators risk missing out on the instantaneous appeal and virality of trendy videos, which can ultimately affect their reach and visibility on the platform. Ensuring that your video content aligns with what is trendy and popular on Reels can significantly enhance your audience’s response and improve the relevance of your content in the ever-evolving landscape of social media platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I post a video on Instagram without it being a Reel?

To post a video on Instagram without it being a Reel, follow these steps:

• Tap on the plus icon at the bottom of your screen to create a new post
• Choose the video you want to post from your camera roll
• Crop the video if necessary and tap ‘Next’
• Add a caption, location, and tags as desired
• Instead of tapping ‘Share to Reels’, tap ‘Share’ to post the video on your feed
• Your video will now be posted on your Instagram feed, rather than as a reel

Can I still use filters and effects when posting a video on Instagram without it being a Reel?

Yes, you can still use filters and effects when posting a video on Instagram without it being a Reel. After selecting your video, tap on the ‘Edit’ button at the bottom of the screen. Here, you can add filters, adjust brightness and contrast, and even add music to your video before posting it to your feed.

What is the benefit of posting a video on Instagram without it being a Reel?

Posting a video on Instagram without it being a Reel allows you to share longer videos (up to 60 seconds) with your followers. Reels only allow for videos up to 30 seconds, so if you have a longer video that you want to share, posting it on your feed instead of as a Reel is the way to go.

Will my video show up in the Explore page if I post it on my feed instead of as a Reel?

No, your video will not show up in the Explore page if you post it on your feed instead of as a Reel. Reels are specifically designed to be featured on the Explore page, so if you want your video to have a chance of being seen by a wider audience, it’s best to post it as a Reel.

Can I still use hashtags when posting a video on Instagram without it being a Reel?

Yes, you can still use hashtags when posting a video on Instagram without it being a Reel. In fact, using relevant hashtags can help your video reach a larger audience on your feed. Just make sure to add them in the caption or in the comments section after posting your video.

Do videos posted on Instagram without being a Reel have the same engagement as Reels?

It depends on your audience and the content of your video. Some users prefer scrolling through the Reels section, while others prefer looking at Instagram feeds. It’s important to know your audience and experiment with different types of content to see what gets the most engagement. Ultimately, both Reels and feed videos have the potential to garner high engagement if the content is engaging and relevant.