Is Instagram 30 or 60 fps? A Content Creator‘s Guide
As a passionate gamer and content creator, I often get asked what is the best frame rate and resolution to use for Instagram videos. The short answer is 30 fps (frames per second). But there‘s more to the story, so let‘s dive into the details!
Why 30 FPS is Instagram‘s Standard
When Instagram first launched video, they opted for 30fps rather than 60fps which was already supported on some phones. The main reason is consistency and compatibility across the millions of devices people use to access Instagram.
30fps provides a smooth enough playback experience while allowing lower-end phones to view videos without having to heavily compress 60fps footage. It‘s a good middle ground that works for most people.
Here are some key statistics on Instagram video:
- Over 500 million people use Instagram Stories every day
- The average user spends 28 minutes per day watching video
- 75% of content people watch on their phone is vertical video
So supporting 30fps allows more of Instagram‘s user base to upload and view videos properly. And that wide compatibility is key for any social media platform.
The Technical Specs
Let‘s outline the recommended technical specifications for video on Instagram in 2024:
- Resolution: 1080px x 1920px (9:16 aspect ratio)
- Frame Rate: 30fps
- Max Length: 60 seconds (feed), 90 seconds (Reels)
- File Type: MP4 or MOV
If your video meets the above standards, Instagram‘s compression algorithms will have an easier time fitting it into their system without losing quality or introducing artifacts.
Does 60fps or Higher Give Any Benefits?
You may be wondering…if my phone can shoot 60fps or 120fps, wouldn‘t that higher frame rate give better quality on Instagram?
The short answer is no.
Instagram‘s compression will process the footage down to 30fps anyway. And often higher frame rate clips will face a heavier quality reduction during that standardization process!
So starting with 60fps or greater tends to do more harm than good for Instagram vids. You‘re better off shooting natively at 30fps so no alteration is required.
Best Practices for Shooting Instagram Video
Here are a few pro tips to maximize quality from your 30fps Instagram videos:
- Use plenty of light. Low light footage leads to high noise and artifacts in final output.
- Keep your smartphone or camera steady. Shakiness also introduces unwanted compression. Consider using a tripod or stabilizer.
- Stick to 30fps shooting. Going above that will not improve quality after Instagram‘s pass.
- Check playback on multiple devices. Footage can vary across screens.
If you follow those guidelines and Instagram‘s technical specifications listed earlier, you will get clean, smooth 30fps video results!
What About TikTok and YouTube?
For reference, other top video platforms have slightly different frame rate standards:
- YouTube – 30fps or 60fps
- TikTok – 23fps to 60fps
So if cross-posting your clips, shoot 30fps to have ideal quality everywhere. Or use mobile apps to easily edit separate versions tailored for each platform.
The Gameplan for Awesome Video
To recap, here is the gameplan:
- Record natively at 30fps
- Match Instagram‘s resolution of 1080px x 1920px
- Use proper lighting and stabilization
- Export as MP4 or MOV
- Keep length under 60 seconds
Following that checklist will ensure your gameplay clips, product reviews, unboxings and other videos shine on Instagram!
I hope this guide gives you confidence to become a pro Instagram video creator. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions. Let‘s connect @gamercontentcreator on IG!
