How to Post a Video on Instagram Without It Being a Reel: Why Cats Might Prefer Vertical Videos

blog 2025-01-22 0Browse 0
How to Post a Video on Instagram Without It Being a Reel: Why Cats Might Prefer Vertical Videos

Instagram has become one of the most popular platforms for sharing videos, but with the rise of Reels, many users find themselves wondering how to post a video without it automatically turning into a Reel. While Reels are great for short, engaging content, sometimes you just want to share a regular video post. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to do just that, along with some quirky thoughts on why cats might prefer vertical videos.

Understanding Instagram Video Formats

Before diving into the steps, it’s essential to understand the different video formats Instagram supports:

  1. Regular Video Posts: These are standard videos that appear in your feed. They can be up to 60 seconds long (or longer if posted from a computer).
  2. Reels: Short, engaging videos up to 90 seconds long, designed to be discovered through the Explore page.
  3. IGTV: Longer videos, up to 60 minutes, which are displayed in a separate section of your profile.
  4. Stories: Short, ephemeral videos that disappear after 24 hours.

Steps to Post a Video Without It Being a Reel

1. Ensure the Video Length is Appropriate

  • Regular Video Posts: Keep your video under 60 seconds if posting from a mobile device. If your video is longer, Instagram will prompt you to post it as a Reel or IGTV.
  • Reels: Videos longer than 15 seconds but under 90 seconds will default to Reels.

2. Adjust the Aspect Ratio

  • Regular Video Posts: Use a 4:5 aspect ratio (portrait) or 1.91:1 (landscape). Instagram tends to favor vertical videos for Reels, so sticking to a more square or landscape format can help avoid the Reels prompt.
  • Reels: Typically, Reels are in a 9:16 aspect ratio (full vertical).

3. Upload from a Computer

  • If you’re posting from a computer, Instagram allows you to upload videos longer than 60 seconds directly as regular video posts. This method bypasses the Reels format entirely.

4. Edit the Video Before Uploading

  • Use video editing software to trim or adjust the video to fit the desired format. This can help you avoid the automatic Reels conversion.

5. Use Third-Party Apps

  • Some third-party apps allow you to format your video specifically for Instagram, ensuring it doesn’t get converted into a Reel.

Why Cats Might Prefer Vertical Videos

Now, onto the whimsical part of our discussion. Cats, with their curious nature and love for high places, might have a preference for vertical videos. Here’s why:

  1. Vertical Perspective: Cats often climb to high vantage points to survey their territory. A vertical video mimics this perspective, making it more engaging for our feline friends.
  2. Screen Real Estate: Cats are known for their love of screens. A vertical video takes up more screen space, providing a larger canvas for their paw swipes and curious taps.
  3. Attention Span: Cats have short attention spans. Vertical videos, often shorter and more dynamic, might hold their interest better than longer, horizontal ones.

Additional Tips for Posting Videos on Instagram

  • Engage with Your Audience: Use captions, hashtags, and tags to increase visibility and engagement.
  • Quality Matters: Ensure your video is high-quality, with good lighting and clear audio.
  • Consistency: Post regularly to keep your audience engaged and coming back for more.

Q: Can I post a video longer than 60 seconds without it being a Reel? A: Yes, but only if you post it from a computer. Instagram allows longer videos to be posted directly to your feed when uploaded from a desktop.

Q: Why does Instagram automatically convert some videos to Reels? A: Instagram encourages the use of Reels for short, engaging content. Videos that fit the Reels criteria (length, aspect ratio) are automatically converted to promote this format.

Q: Can I disable the automatic Reels conversion? A: Currently, there’s no way to disable this feature. However, by following the steps above, you can avoid triggering the automatic conversion.

Q: Are there any benefits to posting a regular video instead of a Reel? A: Regular videos appear directly in your feed, making them more accessible to your followers. Reels, on the other hand, are designed for discovery and can reach a broader audience through the Explore page.

By following these guidelines, you can successfully post a video on Instagram without it being converted into a Reel. And who knows? Maybe your cat will appreciate the vertical format more than you think!

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