Our Top Instagram Video Tips & Tricks
Now that you know what dimensions you’ll need for each video format, it’s time to start brainstorming ideas, storyboarding, and filming content!
Keep these tips in mind:
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Create High Quality Video Content
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Tell a Story
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Show Up on Camera
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Use Captions and/or Subtitles
Tip #1: Create High Quality Video Content
Whether it’s Instagram Stories or Reels, posting high quality content is easier for users to consume.
In other words: blurry, low-res videos are out. Luckily, you can film professional-looking videos right at home!
Take the team for example – we film tons of video content without the use of expensive equipment:
Here’s what you’ll need:
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A good camera – this can be your smartphone, webcam, or laptop camera. Don’t forget a tripod too!
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Bright lighting – sit somewhere that gets bright, natural light, or invest in a ring light.
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Clear audio – record in a quiet area or buy an external microphone.
For more tips on creating high quality content without breaking the bank, bookmark this post: How to Set Up a Home Video Studio
Tip #2: Tell a Story
The goal of every video on Instagram is to either: entertain, educate, or inspire your audience.
But with short attention spans, you have to hook viewers in right away and keep them interested.
You can hook them in by asking a question, like Sarah Louise:
Or you can answer FAQs, similar to Elena of @thishouse5000:
You can even create intrigue with a thought-provoking quote. StyleLikeU frequently does this with their series content:
Then, take viewers on a journey – even if it’s only 10 seconds long.
FYI: ’s scheduler lets you plan, schedule, and publish your Instagram videos for free. It’ll take you less than five minutes to sign up:
Tip #3: Show Up On Camera
We get it – showing up on camera can be nerve wracking.
But it can help to personalize your brand and build trust with viewers.
Start with Instagram Stories to grow your confidence. Stories can be informal and interactive, so think of yourself as having a conversation with a friend:
If you don’t want to do it solo, consider co-hosting an Instagram Live with another person to do a product demo, share industry news, or discuss a topic of interest:
TIP: Try storyboarding or drafting a loose script before you press record. You can also prep for your Instagram Lives with the new “Practice Mode” feature.
Tip #4: Use Captions and/or Subtitles
With many people watching videos without sound, using captions and subtitles are a no brainer.
And even better, they make your videos more accessible to those who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
While Instagram Stories has an auto-captioning sticker, it isn’t perfect. So remember to review and edit them before you post:
Alternatively, you can use a third-party app to generate captions for your videos or manually add on-screen text overlays that summarize your key points like James Jones:
TIP: Use clear font colors, or take it a step further and add a solid background color to your subtitles so they’re easier to read.
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