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Tips on Crafting Perfect Instagram Story Videos

Instagram, an exclusive mobile social media platform, lets its users share snippets of their lives through images and videos, boasting over 800 million active users per month. Among its latest features is the "Instagram Stories", akin to Snapchat stories but available for a full day before they disappear into oblivion.

Deciphering the Intent

Given that Instagram Stories serve to capture fleeting moments of life, their videos are designed to be brief, riding on the wave of the "mobile-first" trend. Initially, filming vertical videos was a foreign concept, primarily because we were accustomed to the landscape ratio. Over time, however, we have become comfortable with vertical formats, with artists even releasing vertical variations of music videos.

Another key advantage of Instagram stories lies in their business value. Your messages reach 100% of your followers without the need for advertising (though whether they engage with your content depends on the relationship you've cultivated with your customers). While the content disappears after a day, it does reach your entire follower base, creating opportunities for active customer participation. The Facebook business page is full of such success stories.

Optimizing the Size for Instagram Stories

The perfect Instagram story video takes on a 9:16 dimension. In terms of pixels, an optimal size would be 1080x1920 - essentially a vertical FHD quality video, something most smartphones today are equipped for.

The time limit for Instagram Stories Videos

Videos for Instagram Stories should not exceed 15 seconds. Anything longer, and it belongs to the IGTV realm. Plus, thanks to Instagram Reels, short-form videos akin to those on TikTok can find a home. While the array of formats might seem overwhelming, finding the right one for your business objective makes things easier. Just remember, 15-second vertical videos go to Instagram Stories, while longer ones head to IGTV.

Producing Your Instagram Stories Video

While Instagram Stories videos are vertically formatted, creation is just like any other video. All you need to do is set your canvas to a 9:16 size and start crafting.

Web-based video maker tools, specifically those designed for Instagram Stories, have been a game-changer, making the process far more efficient.

Template-based Video Makers

For personalized one-off videos, tools like Premiere or After Effects are a dream to work with. But for those keen to save time and effort, online video makers, like Video Maker by Placeit, come with pre-prepared templates, all you need to do is just replace the content.

Another useful tool, Promo, lets you create dynamic templates with ease. Bear in mind, though, there could be some constraints in content modification or image substitution. If a template doesn't perfectly match your message, a little compromise could be necessary.

Animated GIF Style Video Makers

For producing Instagram stories videos in the Animated GIF quality, services like Canva and Crello fit the bill perfectly. These platforms are best suited for promotion or time sale content rather than message delivery.

The Optimal Two-in-One Solution.

If you're armed with a clear video sales letter script, VideoStew could be your ideal solution. Its unique proposition is that it doesn't use pre-made templates. Instead, whatever you create through its web editor can be used as a template, saving you the effort of searching for the perfect fit. All you have to do is type in your message.

Its PowerPoint-like feel and unrestricted creative space make creating your own templates a breeze. This unique video-making experience is definitely something worth trying.