Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms for sharing photos and videos. With over 1 billion monthly active users, it’s a great way to reach a large audience.
However, Instagram has some limitations when it comes to video uploads. The platform used to only allow square 1:1 format videos and images and would automatically crop landscape or portrait videos to fit.
Recently, Instagram updated its video formats to support more aspect ratios like 16:9 and 4:5. But if you upload a tall 9:16 vertical video, it will still get cropped to fit the 4:5 portrait format.
Fortunately, there are a few workarounds that allow you to upload longer, uncropped vertical videos to your Instagram feed.
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Methods to Post Full Vertical Videos on Instagram
Here are four methods you can use:
1. Resize the Video to 4:5 Aspect Ratio
The easiest way is to resize your original video to meet Instagram’s 4:5 aspect ratio requirement before uploading.
You can use free online tools like Kapwing or Clideo to add letterbox or pillarbox borders to fit your video into the 4:5 dimensions without cropping.
This allows you to share the full frame while fitting Instagram’s specifications.
2. Split the Long Video into 15-60 Second Clips
Another option is to split your long vertical video into shorter 15-60 second segments and upload them to your Instagram Stories.
You can use the Inshot app to trim longer videos into shorter clips. Then upload them to your Stories where vertical 9:16 videos are fully supported.
Your followers can then swipe through the multiple parts of your video on your Instagram Stories.
3. Post Small Preview to Feed and Full Video to IGTV
Upload a short 15-second preview or trailer of your vertical video to your regular Instagram feed. Then post the full, uncropped vertical video to your IGTV channel.
Add a link to your IGTV video in the caption of your Instagram feed video preview so your followers can watch the full video.
IGTV supports 9:16 vertical videos up to 10 minutes long without cropping, so you can share your full video there.
4. Use Instagram Reels
Instagram Reels now supports vertical 9:16 videos up to 60 seconds long without cropping.
Simply upload your vertical video as a new Reel. Add music, effects and creative edits if you want. Then post the Reel to your profile grid or share it to the Explore page.
Tips for Creating Vertical Videos for Instagram
Here are some tips to help you create great vertical videos for Instagram:
- Film vertically – Record your videos holding your phone portrait style to capture vertical 9:16 footage. This avoids having to crop horizontal video later.
- Use optimal resolutions – For best quality, film HD video at 1080 x 1920 pixels resolution if your camera allows it. This matches Instagram’s maximum dimensions.
- Mind the length – For Reels and Stories, keep videos between 15-60 seconds long. For IGTV, you can go up to 10 minutes. Longer videos may get truncated.
- Try different aspect ratios – Experiment with 4:5 and 9:16 formats to see which one suits your content better and provides the viewing experience you want.
- Use borders creatively – When resizing to 4:5, use letterbox or pillarbox borders purposefully as part of your video style, not just empty black space.
- Enhance with effects – Use Instagram Creative Tools, Reels Effects or video editing apps to make polished, high-quality vertical videos that stand out.
Why Vertical Video Works Well on Instagram
Vertical 9:16 video is popular on Instagram because:
- Over 500 million Instagram users watch Stories daily where vertical video thrives. There is huge viewership potential.
- 80% of Instagram video views happen on mobile devices which are held vertically. Vertical footage takes up the entire phone screen.
- Tall videos stand out in the Instagram feed and garner more attention than square 1:1 format videos.
- More brands and influencers are embracing vertical formats leading to greater mainstream acceptance.
So don’t shy away from vertical video on Instagram. Use the right strategies and tools to share your awesome tall videos without cropping!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best video format for Instagram?
The recommended format is MP4 with H.264 video codec and AAC audio codec, up to 4GB file size. Resolution should be 1080 x 1920 pixels for best quality vertical video.
What apps allow full vertical Instagram videos?
Apps like Kapwing, Clideo, Inshot and the built-in Instagram Creative Tools allow you to resize, split or add borders to vertical videos to upload them without cropping.
Can I post an hour-long video on Instagram?
No, the maximum length for an Instagram video is 60 minutes. Only some verified accounts can post 60-minute videos from a computer. Regular users are limited to 60 seconds for Reels and Stories, and 10 minutes for IGTV.
Why do my vertical videos get cropped to horizontal on Instagram?
Instagram feed and carousels still require either a 1:1 square or 4:5 portrait aspect ratio. So if you upload a taller 9:16 vertical video, Instagram will automatically crop it to fit the 4:5 portrait dimensions.
How do Instagram influencers post vertical videos?
Influencers post vertical videos uncropped using Instagram Reels or IGTV. They may also resize or add borders to fit the 4:5 ratio, split a long video into shorter clips, or post a video preview to feed and full vertical video to IGTV.
