How to Post a Video on Instagram Without It Being a Reel (2025 Updated Guide)
Last Updated: July 2025
Instagram is a powerful platform for sharing visual content, particularly popular for video content that can drive high engagement and follower growth. But what if you want to post a video on Instagram without it being a reel?
Reels are Instagram's answer to the short-form video trend, popularized by TikTok. They're fun, engaging, and can be highly effective. But they're not always the right format for every piece of content. Perhaps you have a longer video to share, or maybe you prefer the traditional video format.
Whatever your reasons, it's important to know how to post a video on Instagram without it being a reel. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, share tips for optimizing your video content for better engagement, and explore the different video formats available on Instagram in 2025.
Whether you're a social media enthusiast, a content creator, a marketer, a small business owner, or just someone looking to enhance their personal brand, this updated guide is for you.
Understanding Instagram Video Options in 2025
Instagram offers several options for sharing video content, each with its own unique features and benefits. Understanding these options can help you choose the right format for your content.
Instagram Feed Videos vs. Reels
Instagram Feed Videos are the traditional videos that appear in your followers' feeds. However, there's been a significant change in 2025: standalone video posts are now primarily available through carousel posts, which can include up to 20 slides (updated from the previous 10-slide limit).
Reels, on the other hand, are short videos up to 90 seconds long. They're designed to be quick and engaging, with options to add music and special effects. While reels can be a fun and creative way to share content, they're not always the best choice for longer content or professional presentations.
It's worth noting that reels have their own separate tab on your profile and are heavily promoted by Instagram's algorithm. Regular video posts, however, will appear in your feed by default and maintain a more traditional, professional appearance.
IGTV and Instagram Stories
IGTV was originally designed for longer videos up to 60 minutes in length. However, as of 2025, IGTV as a standalone feature is being phased out and integrated into Reels and feed videos. While you may still see IGTV mentioned in some interfaces, the functionality is being absorbed into other video formats.
Instagram Stories remain popular for short, 15-second clips that disappear after 24 hours. They're perfect for sharing quick updates, behind-the-scenes content, or anything else you want to share without it staying on your profile permanently.
Each of these options has its own benefits and drawbacks. The key is to understand what each one offers and choose the one that best fits your content and your goals.
Preparing Your Video for Instagram
Before you post your video on Instagram, there are several things you need to consider to ensure optimal performance and quality.
Choosing the Right Format and Resolution
The format and resolution of your video can have a big impact on its quality. Instagram supports several video formats, but the most common and recommended are MP4 and MOV.
Technical Specifications for 2025:
Format: MP4 or MOV
Maximum file size: 4GB
Resolution: 720p minimum, 1080p recommended
Aspect ratios supported:
Square: 1:1 (1080 x 1080 pixels)
Portrait: 4:5 (1080 x 1350 pixels) - Most recommended
Landscape: 16:9 (1080 x 566 pixels)
For the best results, you should aim to upload your video in the highest resolution possible. However, keep in mind that Instagram compresses videos to save space, so enable "Upload at Highest Quality" in your Instagram settings to minimize compression impact.
Instagram's New Grid Format
Instagram has transitioned from the traditional 1:1 square format to a 3:4 taller grid preview in 2025. However, not all users have received this update yet, so it's important to optimize your content for both formats by centering important visual elements.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Post a Video on Instagram Without It Being a Reel
Method 1: Carousel Video Post (Primary Method for 2025)
This is now the main way to post videos to your Instagram feed without them being Reels:
Open the Instagram app and tap the "+" icon at the bottom of the screen
Select "Post" (not "Reel" or "Story") from the menu options
Tap the carousel icon (multiple squares) in the bottom right to enable multi-select
Choose your video from your camera roll or gallery
Add additional content if desired (photos or more videos) to create a proper carousel
Edit each slide as needed:
Apply filters and adjust settings
Crop or trim your video
Choose compelling cover frames for video slides
Arrange slides in your preferred order using the numbers that appear
Write your caption, add relevant hashtags, and tag people
Choose sharing options and add location if desired
Tap "Share" to post your video as a carousel post
Pro Tip: Even if you only want to share one video, you can create a carousel with just that video by duplicating it or adding a simple branded graphic as a second slide.
Method 2: Uploading from Your Gallery (Traditional Method)
While this method is more limited in 2025, you can still upload videos from your gallery:
Open Instagram and tap the '+' icon
Browse your gallery to find the video you want to post
Select your video - if it's a single video, it may default to Reel format
Look for "Post" option and select it instead of "Reel"
Edit your video with Instagram's built-in tools
Choose a cover image that represents your video well
Write a compelling caption and add hashtags
Tap 'Share' to post to your feed
Method 3: Recording Directly Through the App
You can also record video content directly through Instagram:
Open Instagram and tap the camera icon or swipe right
Select "Post" mode (not "Reel" or "Story")
Press and hold the circular button to record your video
Release when finished recording
Add filters, text, and effects as desired
Proceed with caption and hashtags
Share to your feed
Method 4: Instagram Stories for Temporary Content
For content that doesn't need to be permanent:
Swipe right from your feed or tap your profile picture
Record or select your video (up to 15 seconds per story)
Add text, stickers, or effects to enhance engagement
Tap "Your Story" to share
Optional: Save to Highlights for extended visibility
Writing Captions and Using Hashtags for Video Content
Once you've uploaded your video, crafting an effective caption and hashtag strategy is crucial for maximizing reach and engagement.
Crafting Compelling Captions
A good caption can make a significant difference in your Instagram video's success. The best captions for video content are:
Concise yet engaging - Capture attention quickly
Context-providing - Explain what viewers will see
Action-oriented - Include clear calls-to-action
Audience-focused - Use language that resonates with your followers
Caption Best Practices:
Hook viewers within the first line
Ask questions to encourage comments
Include calls-to-action like "double-tap if you agree"
Use line breaks for better readability
Proofread before posting
The Power of Hashtags for Video Posts
Hashtags remain a powerful tool for video discovery on Instagram. When you add hashtags to your video post, it becomes searchable and can reach users beyond your followers.
Hashtag Strategy for 2025:
Use 5-10 relevant hashtags (avoid the old 30-hashtag approach)
Mix popular and niche hashtags
Include location-based hashtags when relevant
Create branded hashtags for your content series
Research trending hashtags in your industry
Example hashtag combinations:
#instagramvideo #videomarketing #socialmediatips
#behindthescenes #smallbusiness #entrepreneur
#tutorial #howto #educational
Maximizing Engagement with Video Content
Posting your video is just the beginning. Here are strategies to boost engagement and reach:
Best Practices for Video Engagement
Post at optimal times - Use Instagram Insights to identify when your audience is most active
Respond to comments quickly - Engage with viewers to boost post performance
Create shareable content - Videos that provide value or entertainment get shared more
Use Instagram features - Polls, questions, and interactive stickers boost engagement
Cross-promote - Share your video to Stories for additional visibility
Analyzing Performance with Instagram Insights
Instagram Insights provides valuable data about your video performance:
Reach and Impressions - How many people saw your video
Engagement Rate - Likes, comments, shares, and saves
Video Views - Total and unique views
Audience Demographics - Who's watching your content
Use this data to refine your video content strategy and identify what resonates with your audience.
Advanced Tips and Creative Ideas for Instagram Videos
Creative Content Ideas Beyond Reels
While Reels dominate Instagram's algorithm, traditional video posts still have their place:
Tutorial and How-to Videos - Provide educational value in carousel format
Behind-the-Scenes Content - Show your process using multiple video angles
Product Showcases - Use carousel videos to show products from different perspectives
Customer Testimonials - Share longer-form testimonials as video posts
Time-lapse Content - Perfect for showing processes or transformations
Utilizing Instagram Features for Unique Video Experiences
Filters and Effects - Enhance your videos with Instagram's creative tools
Text Overlays - Add captions since many users watch without sound
Music Integration - Use Instagram's music library for background tracks
Location Tags - Increase local discoverability
User Tags - Collaborate and cross-promote with other accounts
Common Issues and Solutions
"My video automatically becomes a Reel"
Solution: Always select "Post" instead of "Reel" when uploading. If you only see Reel options, try the carousel method or add multiple pieces of content.
"Video quality is poor after upload"
Solution:
Upload at 1080p resolution minimum
Enable "Upload at Highest Quality" in settings
Keep file size under 4GB
Use supported formats (MP4 or MOV)
"Can't find regular video post option"
Solution: Use the carousel post method, which is now the primary way to post videos to your feed without them being Reels.
The Future of Instagram Video Content
As Instagram continues evolving in 2025, video content remains crucial for engagement and growth. While the platform heavily promotes Reels, traditional video posts still serve important purposes:
Professional content performs better as feed posts
Educational material works well in carousel video format
Brand storytelling benefits from the traditional video post format
Product demonstrations are effective in multi-slide carousel posts
Conclusion
Posting a video on Instagram without it being a Reel is not only possible but also offers valuable opportunities for creativity and engagement. By understanding the different video options on Instagram, preparing your video effectively, and leveraging the platform's features, you can create compelling content that resonates with your audience.
The key to successful video content on Instagram lies in authenticity, creativity, and consistent engagement with your audience. Remember that while Instagram's features continue evolving rapidly, the fundamentals of creating valuable, engaging content remain constant.
Whether you choose carousel videos, Stories, or eventually embrace Reels, focus on providing value to your audience and maintaining consistency in your content strategy. Keep experimenting, analyzing your performance with Instagram Insights, and refining your approach to make the most of your Instagram video content.