Have you ever found yourself with content that’s too good to squeeze into the standard 15-second Instagram Story? Many of us have. Whether it’s a great shot at a concert, a step-by-step tutorial or behind-the-scenes footage, some stories just need more time.
While Instagram puts a cap on Stories at 15 seconds, there are workarounds. This article is going to discuss the steps you can take to make sure you don’t have to trim down your content for Instagram story posts.
Segmentation
The easiest way to extend your Instagram story is by utilizing segmentation. Instagram will automatically divide videos longer than 15 seconds into multiple segments when you try to upload it. So, if you upload a 60-second video, it’ll be split into four 15-second parts.
This seamless transition will keep your narrative flowing, ensuring your audience stays engaged from start to finish. Keep in mind that clarity and continuity are key when your story is segmented, so make sure each segment transitions smoothly into the next. If you’re uploading one solid video, this should happen naturally.
Utilize Editing Apps
When it comes to storytelling, sometimes you need a little extra magic. That’s where third-party editing apps can come in handy. This works great if you have several clips you want to edit together to form a seamless narrative.
Apps such as Story Cutter for Instagram on Android and CutStory on iOS let you slice longer videos into 15-second segments to upload. Other apps can offer you even more editing control if you have the experience to use them.
Use Instagram Live
Instagram Live has the longest run time on the app. You can stream video for up to 4 hours, giving you ample time for an interactive experience with your audience. This is a great option for Q&As, events or general content sharing.
Once you’re done with your Live Stream, you can add it to your Story for up to 24 hours for others to see. This is by far the longest video content you can post on your Instagram Story.
Create a Story Series
For a narrative that may need more than one set of posts, you could also create an Instagram Story series. This is a great way to get users to return to your account and expand your reach. You can also extend your Story length as long as you want, as you’re posting it in segments on different days.
Start with an engaging introduction, develop the story across segments, and conclude with a compelling call-to-action. By breaking down your narrative into digestible pieces, you maintain engagement while effectively sharing longer content.
Final Insights
Instagram Stories are a great way to connect with your audience, but the 15-second cap can be limiting. Using these workarounds can help you create longer content, and recurring content that your audience will keep coming back for.
