This a how-to guide for adding edited videos to Instagram, using your video editing software, before using your smartphone or DropBox to upload.

I make my films in Final Cut Pro X.

How to make a video with a square aspect ratio

To begin with, you will need to make a new project with a custom aspect ratio of 1024 x 1024 pixels. Whichever editing software you use, go into the project settings to make a square aspect ratio. There should be a dialogue box when you open a new project asking for HD and different resolutions, click and look for the custom option. Then import the footage onto the timeline to edit (make sure it looks square in the editing window). Export the edited film as an MP4. I use Compressor – in the settings, change the output aspect ratio to 1024 x 1024 pixels.

The best video settings for Instagram

MP4
H. 264 Codec.
AAC Audio.
3 500 kbps bitrate for video.
The frame rate of 30 fps (frames per second)
Maximum file size of 15 mb.
The video must be a maximum of 60 seconds.
Maximum video width is 1080 px (pixels) wide.

How to get an edited video file onto your smartphone

I send myself the file, in a saved message, on the messaging service Telegram. Then I save the file to my phone. You can send the file to someone else using WhatsApp but don’t just spam your friends with things you just want to upload, ask them first. Once the film is in a message, you can click on it and download it to your phone library. From there on it’s easy to upload to Instagram, in the same way, you would upload a photo from your photo library.

Advertise Your Video Using Hashtags

To gain the maximum exposure for your video, try using hashtags. Read my blog on how to use hashtags.

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I’m on most social media platforms as Emma Plunkett Art. I also write an art newsletter – you get a free downloadable watercolour flamenco dancer when you subscribe!