Instagram is the top social media platform for using video content. But this platform keeps coming up with extra features. It needs to be clearer to distinguish between the different video options. When trying to get video content on Instagram, you can share the content in different formats. These formats are Reels, a Story, an Instagram Feed, or going Live on Instagram and meeting your audience live. So, which one would you decide on? 

Every option you wish to share on Instagram is unique, so we will let you go through four options. These four options are how to pick the best one for your video. 



First, we will go through a few simple different definitions. A feed video is a simple one that you can share on your IG profile and will appear on your followers' feeds page. Instagram merged their IGTV and their Feed videos into one format. People call it Instagram Video. It is so that the users can differentiate it between the IG Reels. It is a relatively 'standard' option and the only way you can get the shared video content on Instagram. Videos on this platform can reach up to 60 minutes for special accounts. 

IG story is a short video clip viewable on your profile or your IC followers' main feed. It shows up with little circles sitting at the top of the screen. These little clips are only about 15 seconds long, but you can post as many clips as you wish, but it has to be in sequence. It only shows up on the IG page for two days; after that, it will disappear. The only other exception is that you get to save the content in the Story Highlight. After that, you get to pin your clips right on the top of the IG profile. 

A Reel is also an Instagram video feature created to compete with TikTok. It lets the video go up to 90 seconds and is made out of one video clip. It could also be edited together. Like TikTok, you can put some music, some text to video and other visual effects to the video clips in the app. 

Instagram Live also lets users broadcast real live videos to their fans. It is an excellent option for people trying to market their products. It also lets them connect with their audience in a personal manner. Moreover, it gives them what their business looks like behind the scenes. IG Live can also promote different products and events. It also answers different questions from fans. Now we have covered the different distinctions, let us go deeper. Let's look at where you want to use these different placements. 

When Is the Right Time to Use A Feed Video?   

This feature, the Feed video, is a classic video option and plays a crucial role in the IG video system. The option is also great for content where you want to be on your page forever. The video is there if someone goes through your profile and uses your content. It is there for them to see and build engagement with. Feed videos also work well when you wish to talk to your current audience. Most IG users want to talk to their current audience rather than get a new audience. 

Different types of content work well when trying to create promotional videos. However, other content has a good feel but appeals to your other followers.

When To Use A Story   

Stories are fantastic when the content is casual and not overproduced. Story content is meant to give your followers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the brand. It also means it is alright if the Story needs to look more polished. The more authentic it looks, the better it is. 

The Story is also an excellent place to post different videos. You can get other engagement with your current fans. Moreover, you can also take advantage of the different features of the Story in emojis and polls. It will give you a better environment and a lot of other options. 

Another good case for the Story is that the videos are time-sensitive. The Story is like a video that announces the product giveaway or counts down to when you launch a new product. The content might seem outdated if someone comes to the IG page after you launch the product. So the way the stories disappear right after 24 hours is a great feature. 

You can also use the Stories to break up different videos in different formats. It also gives people a preview of the video. By cutting the video into 15-second clips, you can also post videos that are longer than a minute. You can let fans tap through the video pieces in sequence. It works well for videos that are about several minutes. It then becomes tedious for people to use the strategy if videos are 3 minutes maximum. 

When To Use Reels  

Like the Instagram competitor TikTok, this feature is excellent for producing content live. Reels that perform well can get you more fans and bring new customers if you post as a business profile. 

If you want to post some Reels, the content has to grab a lot of attention, and it has to be engaging as well. Reel viewers are searching for content that is entertaining and educational. The videos are also a combination of both. These videos should be authentic and look better than formal content. Reels are an excellent option if a video fits all these criteria. 

When You Should Use Instagram Live?  

Instagram Live is another good option for promoting products or services. The content is engaging, making the audience feel part of the video content. It lets viewers ask different questions and comment on the video live. It can create a better personal experience for them. Moreover, Instagram Live videos can be saved to the account. Viewers can watch these videos later if they have missed out in real-time. 

The fact that these IG live videos last for a short time encourages viewers to start tuning in as soon as possible. In case they miss out on ongoing things. Creating a timeframe is the key to engage on your target audience. After that, they have to make the right choice 

to buy the product after viewing the IG reel. 

How To Post Your Video

You finally decide where the video should go live. Let us talk about how you can post your video using the method you have chosen. 

When sharing videos on Instagram, you can switch between the different options. To start, click on the "+" in the upper right of your IG profile to share your content. If you wish to pick Story, tap on the square at the bottom left to access the camera roll. Pick the video where you double-tap "Your Story" at the bottom left part of the post. If you want to use Reels, tap on the "+" and access the video functions, and click "Share To" to post. 

It also depends on the choice that you have made with the criteria that you have selected above. Pick either Reels, Story or Post and click "Next" to finish the posting process. 

To share the content on IG Live, the process is different. Once you have gained access to the main IG feed, scroll right when reaching the top of the profile and search for the "Live" option. Tap on it and create a short, concise description of what the video is all about. Once you have finished the description, double-tap on "Go Live". You can begin broadcasting to your fans. 

There ya go: four different video features that are so simple. 

Let us know if you have anything you want to ask about today's guide or have any video you don't understand! We will give you advice you need to increase your videos’ chances of success.