Instagram Mixed Media Posts

Overview

Before: On Instagram posts, users could only upload a single video or up to 10 images.

After: Now users can upload up to 10 images, videos, or a mix of both.

Note: if included in a carousel, Instagram videos cannot be longer than 1 minute.

Verified Video Specifications & File Types

1. File Format & Codec:

   • Supported Format: Standard .mp4 format.

   • Encoding: H.264 video encoding with AAC audio.

2. File Size:

   • Max Video File Size: Up to 1 GB per video. 
     (Note: Carousel static images remain capped at 8 MB per image).

3. Video Duration:

   • Carousel Video Constraint: Videos included as part of an Instagram Mixed Media Carousel must be 1 minute (60 seconds) or less due to API limitations.

4. Aspect Ratio & Framing:

   • Standard Bounds: Typically 4:5 to 1.91:1 for feed carousels.

   • Cropping Behavior: All media items within a carousel are cropped to match the aspect ratio of the first file in the post (defaulting to a 1:1 square ratio).

5. Carousel Quantity & Media Mix:

   • Total Media Limit: Up to 10 items per carousel post (any combination of images and videos).

FAQ

Q: Why can I only add 10 images or videos to my carousel post when Instagram's native limit is 20?
A: This is currently a limitation of the Instagram Graph API that connects Sprout to Instagram. The API restricts carousels to a maximum of 10 items.

Q: Why are the images and videos in my carousel being cropped?
A: All media in a carousel will be cropped based on the aspect ratio of the first image uploaded. By default, this is a 1:1 square ratio.

Q: Why am I getting an error that a video in my carousel post is too long?
A: Videos within a carousel have stricter requirements. They can only be a maximum of 1 minute long, unlike Reels, which can be up to 15 minutes.