Instagram Stories have a maximum video length of 15 seconds. However, if you want to circumvent this limitation, there’s an easy method: link multiple 15-second clips to create a longer video sequence. IG Stories are brief clips that vanish after 24 hours and are visible only to your followers.
Compared to the average “story” format on other social media platforms, Instagram Stories are shorter:
- Facebook Stories: Up to 20 seconds.
- Snapchat Stories: Up to 60 seconds.
- WhatsApp Status: Up to 30 seconds.
Stories aren’t restricted to videos alone. You can alternate between images and videos to craft a richer Story experience for your audience. Like a carousel post, viewers can tap through a mix of visuals in your Story.
Comparing Instagram videos
- Instagram Story videos: Maximum of 15 seconds per video. Photos appear for 7 seconds.
- Instagram Reels: Instagram’s answer to TikTok, with videos lasting up to 60 seconds.
- Instagram Live videos: Livestreams can last up to 4 hours and can be shared to your Story or Feed afterward.
- Instagram video: As of October 2021, IGTV and Feed videos have merged into Instagram Video. Video previews on the feed are up to 60 seconds. Regular users can upload videos from 15 seconds to 10 minutes, while verified or popular accounts can upload up to 60-minute videos.
- Instagram video Ads: Story ads range from 5-15 seconds. Reels ads can be up to 30 seconds. Feed video ads can last up to 60 seconds.
Editing the length of Instagram Story videos
If your video exceeds 15 seconds and you want to share it in your Stories, you have two options:
Option 1
For videos from your camera roll exceeding 15 seconds, Instagram automatically divides the first minute into four 15-second story cards. As long as the video is under a minute, it retains continuity despite being split.
Video
Option 2
If your video is longer than a minute, Instagram will split the first minute into four 15-second cards, discarding content beyond the 60-second mark. To upload the entire video, trim it using Instagram’s editing feature or a third-party video editor before posting.
Is it better to use long videos or short videos?
Both long and short Stories can be effective. The key is to align the video length with your content goals and your ability to engage viewers.
Pro tip: Generally, the longer the story sequence, the more you need to entice viewers to keep watching. Read on for tips on how to achieve this.
First, let’s explore how to make each format work for you. You’ll also learn how to create an Instagram Story video that encourages engagement.
Longer Videos
Creating a series of Instagram Story videos gives you more room to convey your message. The challenge lies in capturing the viewer’s attention from the very first video. If it doesn’t engage them, they might skip to the next Story in their feed. That initial video must captivate. Here’s how this can be effectively done.
Example: Everlane.
Length: 90 seconds+ across multiple Story cards.
Everlane, known for its ethical activewear and quality denim, uses Instagram Stories to convey its theme of transparency. They educate followers about the realities of modern denim manufacturing through a sequence of Stories.
However, education alone isn’t enough to maintain interest. You need to incentivize viewers to watch.
Everlane achieves this by using interactive polls and quizzes to boost engagement and Watch Time, making it easier for viewers to follow through to the end of the Story sequence.
What you can do:
- Engage your audience by asking questions: Utilize yes-no poll stickers for easy engagement.
- Introduce micro commitments: Initiating small engagements at the start increases the likelihood that viewers will stay to the end.
- Combine education with interaction: Use multiple polls alongside facts and insights for more engagement opportunities.
Why it works
Everlane’s first Instagram Story card starts with a compelling question: “Denim is notoriously dirty… Do you know why?” This immediate hook is crucial in keeping a viewer interested in the rest of the Story.
They intersperse “question” cards with “education” cards, making the learning experience interactive and enjoyable, encouraging viewers to complete the entire Story sequence.
Shorter Videos
Once upon a time, there was an app called Vine, known for its 6-second videos that could convey entire stories with a beginning, middle, and end. Similarly, Instagram Story videos under 15 seconds, using a single Story card, can be highly effective and addictive. The trick is to stop users in their tracks as they scroll through Stories, capturing their attention just as effectively as longer videos do.
Example: CouchHaus.
Length: 14 seconds.
Let’s explore an example from a direct-to-consumer company, CouchHaus, that sells custom couches, and understand why it works:
- Design for sound-off: Most Instagram users watch videos without sound, including Stories and other IG video formats. Ensure your content is understandable without audio by using captions to highlight key points.
- Quick video cuts: In this single 15-second Story card, at least six different video clips are seamlessly connected to tell a clear, simple story. This approach adds motion and visual variety, keeping viewers engaged. In just 14 seconds, you understand how the product works and why it’s appealing.
A short video
Why it works
While not typical of most Stories content, which are often filmed spontaneously, this concise video is heavily edited for brevity and ease of consumption. In a single Story card, CouchHaus guides viewers through the entire process of ordering a custom couch online. Captions convey the value propositions, while visuals showcase the product and straightforward ordering process.
Stripping away the video leaves a clear testimonial that outlines the product and its benefits:
- Custom couches online: I designed a custom couch on CouchHaus.
- Easy process: The process was so easy.
- Wide selection: I picked the color, fabric, and size.
- Pet-friendly: I chose the performance fabric, perfect for pets.
- Easy to clean: It’s easy to keep clean and looks amazing in my home.
- Positive experience: I never knew it would be that easy.
Pro Tip
If you invest time and energy in creating a video like this, ensure you repurpose it across multiple platforms. This example, clearly a repurposed social ad, still functions effectively as an organic Story post. The principles that make this CouchHaus video successful apply to all social ads and social media platforms.
Crafting an Instagram Story video
Creating an Instagram Story video can be simple. Follow this easy guide.
Step 1
Log in to your Instagram account and tap the “Your Story” icon located at the top left corner of the app on any iPhone, iOS, or Android device. This will open your camera.
Step 2
Capture a video using the default “Normal” mode, or explore different modes by swiping through the side menu.
Create
Enhance your Story videos with text, music, stickers, and GIFs. Engage your audience with interactive features like:
- Shoutouts: Mention another account in your Story.
- Polls, questions, and quizzes: Encourage audience interaction.
- Donations: Inspire goodwill by promoting charitable causes.
- Countdown timers: Create urgency for launches and events.
- Gifs, stickers, templates: Use these to add visual interest.
Boomerang
Create videos that loop back and forth seamlessly.
Layout
Organize your video into various grid patterns.
Hands-free
Record without holding the button, or swipe up to select a video from your camera roll.
Multi-capture
Snap up to 8 photos in quick succession.
Dual
Record using both front and back camera lenses simultaneously.
Level
Utilize the on-screen level to perfectly align your shot.
Step 3
Once your video preview is looping, tap the arrow icon in the bottom right corner to upload it instantly to your Instagram Story. Tap “Your Story” to finalize the post.
Tips for Instagram Stories
Creating an Instagram Story video doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all approach, but these tips can set you on the right path.
Format Optimization
Instagram Stories are inherently vertical, tailored for viewing on phones. Ensure your content is vertically oriented, as Instagram will otherwise adapt it. Videos natively designed for this format usually achieve higher engagement.
Maintain a Casual Tone
High-end video equipment isn’t necessary. Smartphone footage often performs better than polished productions, as it appears more authentic and less like traditional marketing.
Leverage Instagram Add-ons
A girl creates an Instagram story
Enhance your Instagram Story videos with various tools. Add drawings, hashtags, emojis, polls, and text to make your content stand out and resonate with how users interact with Stories.
Create Highlights from Top Stories
Instagram Stories disappear after 24 hours, but you can save your best content as highlights on your profile, allowing it to remain accessible indefinitely.
Reshare Tagged Story Posts
When tagged in another user’s post, re-share it to your Story. This is an excellent opportunity to spotlight satisfied customers and share their enthusiasm with your audience.