Have you ever invested hours in creating a reel or story, only to see it turn into a blurry, pixelated mess when you hit “upload”?
It is all too common and equally frustrating. If you have the best idea for the video, and it turns out to be of low quality, people will scroll right past it. This is about aesthetics and credibility. High-quality visuals reveal to your audience that you are serious about content creation. In fact, a study by Adobe discovered that 62% of consumers have positive opinions of a brand with high-quality video content.
Does Video Quality On Instagram Matter?
Let’s talk about why quality is the main element in order to get more reach. High quality doesn’t merely mean a better outlook, but it also gives better performance.
According to recent data from Social Insider, reels outperform still images by 0.45%, driving an engagement rate of 0.50%. Stories are also not that far behind. According to Amra & Elma, they reach 2-9% of your followers, but their poor quality can quickly slash that reach. Instagram’s algorithm favors content that keeps viewers hooked and watching, so blurry posts are scrolled past very quickly.
So, where is the problem in your Instagram posting? And how are you going to fix it? We can guide you through some surefire ways that can help you beat the Instagram compression algorithm and improve the quality of your videos.
How To Improve Video Quality for Instagram Reels?
Before you hit the “Post” button, you need to go through some essential settings.
Use Right Camera Settings
You do not need a fancy camera to shoot a reel or story; your phone is capable of it if you adjust the correct settings.
- Shoot in 4K: Most of the smartphones can record in 4K; sadly, Instagram does not support it. However, you must shoot in high resolution as this gives you more data and detail. It can help Instagram to compress the video without losing much clarity.
- Shoot at 30 FPS or 60 FPS: FPS stands for ‘Frames Per Second’. Many creators choose 24 FPS, which sometimes looks choppy on a mobile screen. For reels and stories, 30 FPS is the suitable standard, but if you are capturing fast-moving action, then choose 60 FPS.
- Clean Your Lens: This one is basic, but very crucial. Something as simple as a smudge from your finger can ruin the quality of the videos, it can look hazy and out of focus. Remember to use a microfiber cloth for the lens.
Light It Up!
Bad lighting is the leading cause of low-quality videos.
- Use Natural Light: Sun is the best light source for you. You just need to position yourself at the right angle facing the window, or just go outdoors. Avoid shooting with an intense light positioned behind you, as it will cast the subject into shadow.
- Invest in a Ring Light: If you are filming outdoors at night, a ring light is your best friend and a fantastic investment. It provides you with a softer and professional look.
The Most Important Step: Export and Upload Settings
This is something most people get wrong. They assume that only a beautiful video is enough, but the reality is that if you do not export it correctly, then your video is of little importance.
Recommended Export Settings
- Resolution: 1080p (1920×1080 pixels)
- File Type: MP4
- Codec: H.264
- Bitrate: 3.5 Mbps; you can go higher
- Avoid Airdrop: Airdropping compresses files, which lowers the quality of the video.
The Instagram Upload Trick
Enable the “High-Quality upload” when you are ready to upload to Instagram. Go to your Profile > Menu > Settings and Privacy > Media quality > and toggle on “ Upload at highest quality.”
This simple step tells you how to prevent your files from being compressed while preserving the quality of your videos.
Tools and Apps to Improve Your Video Content
You don’t need any fancy tools; just free apps like Adobe Express or InShot are sufficient for handling sharpening and upscaling. And TensorPix can help you upscale your Reels in seconds.
Why SwapSocials is Your Go-To for Instagram Success
Since you are putting in all the effort to create high-quality reels and stories, why start from scratch if you can just buy a pre-established account? SwapSocials is a trusted platform for buying and selling your Instagram accounts in popular niches.
We can make this journey easy and fun for you by giving you an account with pre-set followers, and you can focus on what you do best: creating content. Furthermore, we have an extensive vetting process in place before we hand over an account to you, ensuring there is no chance of scams or fraud.
Final Thoughts
To improve the quality of your Instagram reels and stories, it’s all about correct settings and thoughtful editing. You just need to implement the tips shared above, and you are good to go!
And if you want to skip the grind from starting from zero, head over to SwapSocials to buy a pre-built Instagram account and start creating your high-quality content.
