Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, with over 1 billion active users. It’s a great way to share photos and videos with your friends, family, and followers. However, posting horizontal videos on Instagram can be tricky. In this article, we will show you how to post horizontal videos on Instagram, and we will also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about horizontal videos on Instagram.
Why are My Reels Sideways on Instagram?
If you are wondering why your horizontal videos are displaying sideways on Instagram, the answer is simple. Instagram was designed for vertical videos, which is why they are the default option for Stories, IGTV, and Reels. When you upload a horizontal video, Instagram tries to fit it into a vertical frame, which causes the video to appear sideways.
How to Make a Horizontal Video Fit on Instagram
There are several ways to make a horizontal video fit on Instagram. Here are a few options:
1. Use Editing Apps to Crop the Video
The easiest way to make a horizontal video fit on Instagram is to crop the video using a video editing app. There are several editing apps available for both Android and iOS devices, such as InShot, Adobe Premiere Rush, and iMovie. These apps allow you to crop the video to fit the vertical frame of Instagram.
2. Add Borders to the Video
Another option is to add borders to the video. By adding borders, you can create a vertical frame around the horizontal video, which will make it fit perfectly on Instagram. There are several apps that can help you add borders to your video, such as Squaready, Video Editor & Video Maker, and Canva.
3. Upload the Video to IGTV
If you don’t want to crop your video or add borders to it, you can upload it to IGTV. IGTV is a separate app from Instagram that allows you to upload longer videos, up to 60 minutes in length. When you upload a horizontal video to IGTV, it will display in full-screen mode, which means that your viewers will be able to see the video in its original format.
Best Practices for Posting Horizontal Videos on Instagram
Now that you know how to make a horizontal video fit on Instagram, here are some best practices for posting horizontal videos on Instagram:
- Keep the video short and engaging. Attention spans are short on social media, so it’s important to keep your video short and to the point.
- Use high-quality video. Make sure your video is clear and in focus, with good lighting and sound quality.
- Add captions or subtitles. Not everyone can listen to your video, so it’s important to add captions or subtitles to make it accessible for everyone.
- Use relevant hashtags. Hashtags can help your video reach a wider audience, so make sure to use relevant hashtags when posting your video.
- Engage with your audience. Respond to comments and messages, and ask your viewers to like, comment, and share your video.
FAQs
Yes, you can add borders to your video or upload it to IGTV to make it fit on Instagram without cropping it.
Instagram was designed for vertical videos because they are more easily viewed on mobile devices, which is where the majority of Instagram users access the platform.
Reels can be up to 60 seconds in length, while IGTV videos can be up to 60 minutes in length.
Yes, using relevant hashtags can help your video reach a wider audience.
Yes, you can post a horizontal video on Instagram Stories, but it will be displayed with black bars on the top and bottom of the video.
Conclusion
Posting horizontal videos on Instagram can be challenging, but with the right tools and techniques, it’s possible to make it work. By using editing apps to crop your video, adding borders, or uploading to IGTV, you can make sure your horizontal video fits perfectly on Instagram. Remember to follow best practices for posting horizontal videos, such as keeping the video short, using high-quality video, adding captions or subtitles, and engaging with your audience.