If you want to upload videos to your Instagram account, you sometimes get an error message saying your video isn’t sent.
Here, I’ve compiled a list of possible causes that might help you find a solution. I’ve listed them in the order of what I usually find is the most common culprit. So I recommend you check them in this order.
Table of Contents
Problems with Your Network Connection
The first thing to do is check for any poor internet connection issues. There are four things to check:
| Problem | Explanation | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Bandwith problems | Are many others in your household/school/workplace using the same network? | Change to another network (fx mobile data if you’re on WiFi or Wi-Fi if you’re on mobile data). |
| ISP problems | Your Internet Service Provider might have made changes or are experiencing issues. | Check their support section for any reported issues using another network. Restart your router or modem. |
| Mobile data throttling | Have you used all your data, so your ISP has down-throttled your internet speed? | Connect to a Wi-Fi network instead (or purchase more data if possible.) |
| Power-saving scheme activated | Are you low on battery, so your device has disabled wireless or mobile data? | Recharge your device and/or disable power-saving mode. |
| Flight safety mode activated | Did you accidentally activate flight safety mode? | Disable it again. |
Check if Instagram is Down
You won’t be able to upload or use Instagram properly if the Instagram servers are down. The app could be down for maintenance, or there might be problems with the servers.
Go to Downdetector to check to see if Instagram is experiencing any outages. If the site and app are down, you’ll have to wait patiently for things to return to normal.
Update the Instagram App
Sometimes Instagram might not work correctly if it isn’t updated. You might want to check to see if you have the latest version of Instagram before proceeding.
You can do this simply by going to the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple Store (iOS) and checking to see if an update is available.
If so, update Instagram ASAP. Then check to see if you’re still unable to upload videos.
Clear the Instagram Cache
Try to clear data from the Instagram app cache. The cache files hold information about all your activity and might take up a lot of memory on your phone.
How to clear the Instagram cache:
- Open Instagram
- Tap ‘Settings’
- Tap ‘Security’
- Tap ‘Account’
- Tap ‘Browser Settings’
- Tap ‘Clear’ next to Browsing Data to clear the cache.
Check Video File, Size, or Format Issues
Another common problem is using the wrong file format. You could be trying to upload a video file that Instagram doesn’t support.
Instagram supports several file types, such as MP4, MOV, and GIF. If you’re using an older or more obscure file format, that might be the reason the videos don’t appear in the Instagram feed.
Fx, if you plan to use the HEVC container, you’ll need a reliable HEVC to Instagram converter. And, naturally, if your video is shot in RAW 10-bit or 12-bit HDR, you need to convert it first.
MP4 and MOV files (encoded with the H.264 codec) can be directly uploaded to the platform without issues. Instagram doesn’t support H.265 yet.
Video Format Issues
Related to the file format, you should also pay attention to the video format itself. Things like the wrong file size, aspect ratio, and frame rate are also common reasons why Instagram won’t accept videos.
Also, be mindful that there is a difference between IGTV videos and Instagram Story videos. While IGTV allows videos of up to 60 minutes, Instagram Story only allows videos of up to 60 seconds.
- IGTV videos up to 10 minutes long must have a maximum file size of 650MB.
- IGTV videos between 10 and 60 minutes long must have a maximum file size of 3.6GB.
- Instagram Story videos need to be less than 4GB in size.
Also, Instagram likes videos with a minimum frame rate of 30 frames per second (fps).
Try to get everything right so you don’t encounter problems while uploading videos to Instagram.
You might like How to share a YouTube video on Instagram Story.
Best video specs for Instagram video
So, with the above out of the way, here are the best Instagram specifications for video:
- .mp4 or .MOV format
- AAC audio at 128kbps
- 30 fps (frames per second) minimum framerate
- Between 1,91:1 and 9:16 aspect ratio. 4:5 is also good
- Minimum 720 pixels wide and tall
- H.264 codec
Check out How To Export High-Quality Video With Low File Size In Adobe Premiere Pro
The person you’re trying to contact has blocked you
Instagram offers the opportunity to send photos and videos to other Instagram users as direct messages.
However, you can’t send a video directly to someone if they blocked you. If you cannot communicate with someone on Instagram, they might have blocked you.
If this is the case, you should leave them alone!
You’re Trying to Upload Inappropriate Content
Trying to upload inappropriate content is not a good idea. This goes for both photo and video content. Fx explicit nudity is always a no-go. So are female nipples.
If you post photos or your video contains things that are against the terms of service, you’ll be banned. If the video or photo does upload at all, it might not stay up for long before you get in trouble.
Understand that Instagram has strict community standards. You must adhere to the standards if you wish to use Instagram. Otherwise, you’d be better off finding a more accepting video platform.
Sometimes, the algorithm can false-flag your content, though (it might see a cupcake with a cherry on top as a female breast and nipple).
In that case, you should contact the Instagram Help Center.
Your Account is Banned or Disabled
Of course, you won’t be able to upload photos if your account is banned. You also won’t be able to upload videos or Instagram stories if your account has been disabled recently.
Instagram might ban your account if you violate its terms of service (this is why I don’t use third-party tools).
Sometimes, people will get banned for arguing with others or posting hurtful things. Be sure to read the terms of service to understand what is and isn’t allowed on the platform.
Summary
Figuring out what went wrong while uploading videos to Instagram might take some time, but hopefully, you’ll have resolved the issue by checking each point.
It could be as simple as a poor network connection, you’ve used all your cellular data, or you might be trying to upload a file type that isn’t supported. You also might want to try to clear app data or update Instagram to a new version.
Take the time to ensure that your files are the right size and format before proceeding. If that holds you back, you can make changes and upload your videos.
Up Next: Video Editing Online Courses: Master The Basics
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