Ever uploaded a video to Instagram and noticed it looks a bit… off? Like it’s been snipped around the edges?
If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Why did Instagram trim my video like this?!” you’re not alone. But worry not! I’m here to unravel this mystery for you.
So, keep reading to become a pro on why Instagram crops your videos—and how you might avoid it in the future. Let’s get started!
Why Does Instagram Crop My Video?
Ever wondered why your awesome video gets snipped when you post it on Instagram? It’s like Instagram has its own rules for how your video should look. It’s much like a tailor in a fancy suit shop ensuring everything fits just right.
Instagram uses something called an aspect ratio. It’s the width-to-height ratio of your video. If your video doesn’t match one of Instagram’s preferred sizes, it gets trimmed to fit.
Here’s how it works:
- Portrait videos should have an aspect ratio up to 4:5 (think of a rectangle taller than it is wide).
- Square videos are best at 1:1, a perfect square.
- Landscape videos should aim for a 1.91:1 ratio, similar to a wide sunset view.
For Instagram Reels, usually, your video stays as is. But for regular posts, Instagram might “measure” and trim. As for IGTV, it was the platform’s “big mannequin,” handling any video size until it got phased out in late 2021.
Remember, most smartphones record in sizes like 3:2 or 16:9, which often don’t align with Instagram’s sizes. So, if your video gets cropped, it’s not personal—Instagram is just keeping your feed looking sharp!
How To Check The Aspect Ratio Of Videos
Here’s how to check the aspect ratio of your video, ensuring it’s a perfect fit for your Instagram feed:
- Find the Dimensions: Start by checking the width and height of your video. Picture these numbers like a fraction: width over height.
- Simplify the Ratio: If the fraction seems complex, simplify it to see the true ratio. You can do this by finding the Greatest Common Factor (GCF). It’s like reducing a fraction in math class to its simplest form.
- Use an Online Tool: If math isn’t your thing, no worries! There are plenty of online aspect ratio calculators. Just input your video’s width and height, and the calculator will tell you the aspect ratio. This lets you know if Instagram will trim your video.
- Preview on Instagram: Before you resize your video with third-party apps, check out Instagram’s preview feature. It shows how your video will look if Instagram crops it. Think of it as trying on clothes in a fitting room—you get to see the fit before the final show!
Aspect Ratios and Dimensions on Instagram
| Type of Post | Aspect Ratio | Accepted Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Feed | 4:5 |
|
| IGTV | 9:16 |
|
| Stories | 9:16 |
|
| Reels | 9:16 |
|
| Carousel | 4:5 |
|
How to Fit Whole Video on Instagram Without Cropping?
Even if you use Instagram a lot, you might not know its accepted aspect ratios.
Instagram supports videos with aspect ratios ranging from 4:5 to 1.91:1 and a maximum file size of 4GB.
Typically, your videos will appear as square (1:1), portrait (4:5), or landscape (1.91:1) in your feed.
1. Choose A Video Crop App
One great app for cropping videos to the correct format is Vita.
How to Make a Video Fit on Instagram with Vita:
- Vita has an easy-to-use Ratio feature.
- Provides templates to crop your video to 1:1, 4:5, 16:9, 9.16, and more.
- Export videos in 1080p without a watermark.
2. Add White Borders to Videos
Adding borders to your videos can make your feed more vivid and solve cropping issues. You can add any aspect ratio with white borders. If cropping still occurs, just increase the border size.
No Crop Video on Instagram with Canva:
- Canva is available on all platforms.
- You can drag the frame to create borders, choose the background color, animate the frame, and more.
3. Post a Video From Your Profile
Some users have found this Reddit-suggested method helpful:
- Open Instagram and click the profile icon at the bottom right.
- Click the + sign at the top right and select “Post” from the pop-up menu.
- Post your video in landscape mode easily.
4. Post From Your Gallery
Another straightforward method is posting directly from your phone’s gallery:
1. Open your phone’s gallery, tap and hold the video to select it.
2. Select Instagram from the share menu pop-up and click on “Post.”
3. Use the expand icon on the left side of the preview post to tweak the aspect ratio.
5. Selecting Multiple Videos
If previous methods didn’t work, try this:
- Upload a video that’s automatically being cropped to a 1:1 ratio.
- Select multiple videos (including the one you wish to publish at the end).
- Use the native expansion tool (two arrows) to make the video landscape.
- Select other clips you do not want to post.
Conclusion
So, what’s the verdict? You might guess everyone would just use Instagram Reels. It keeps videos from getting the big chop. But there’s a catch—Reels only lets you have 30 seconds of fame. That’s not a lot of time if you’ve got more to share!
We’ve gone on a journey in this article. We uncovered the reasons for Instagram’s sneaky cropping habits. Now you know it’s all about aspect ratios. You must make sure your video fits just right on Instagram’s virtual runway.
Remember, whether you’re a Reels rockstar or a post pro, it’s all about making your video look its best.
With the tricks you’ve learned today, you’re all set to take the Instagram world by storm. Go ahead and post with confidence—no unwanted cropping surprises for you!
