Instagram Updates Video Feature

#ThrowbackThursday just got a whole lot better with yesterday’s introduction of Instagram 4.1. Since the release of Instagram video capabilities just over a month ago, users have been begging for the option to upload pre-existing videos rather than having to shoot video on the spot. And lucky for all us complainers (yes, I’m guilty), Instagram heard our whines and answered them with the new feature they launched in an application update yesterday.

The great news: You can now upload video to Instagram regardless of when it was captured. Already in Lolla withdrawl and want to share a #tbt video (debatably too soon) from your favorite show? With the update, it’s now totally possible!

Once I heard the news, I immediately downloaded (would you expect anything else?) the new version and began testing the waters. With a little playing around and a little reading of the Instagram help center, I was able to figure out this exciting new feature.

Here’s my step-by-step guide:

1. Download the Instagram update in your app store.

2. Open Instagram and tap the camera button at bottom center.

3. Tap the video button at bottom right.

4. Tap the video thumbnail at bottom right.

5. Select the video you want to upload from the thumbnails at bottom.

6. Once you have chosen the video, tap ‘Next’ at top right.

Now, you can select the 15 seconds of video to upload.

7. To choose where to begin the 15 seconds, place your fingers on the strip at the bottom and slide left until you’ve reached your desired starting place.

8. Drag the blue slider above the video strip to select where to end your clip.

9. From here, you have two options.

Option 1:

• If your selected video is 15 seconds, tap ‘Next’ at top right.

• Select a filter, then tap ‘Next’ again at top right. 

Option 2:

• If your selected video is under 15 seconds, you have a couple options. You can choose to 1) add a separate clip from either that same video file or different video file, 2) add video that you wish to shoot now, or 3) simply upload the clip as long as it’s over 3 seconds long. 

1. To add a clip from the same or different existing video file, tap ‘Add’ at top right. Then repeat steps 4 through 8. When you are finished selecting the video, tap ‘Next’. Add a filter, then tap ‘Next’. 
2. To add video that you want to shoot now, tap ‘Add’ at top right. Instead of tapping the video thumbnail button, tap the red video button at bottom center. Shoot the remainder of the video as you normally would, then tap ‘Next’ at top right. Add a filter, then tap ‘Next’. 
3. To simply upload the clip that’s under 15 seconds, tap ‘Add’ at top right. You will be back at the video uploading screen, but simply tap ‘Next’ to proceed. Add a filter, then tap ‘Next’. 

10. Once you have selected a filter, you can choose a cover frame by sliding the blue square on the slider at bottom. Select a frame and tap ‘Next.

11. Add a caption and sharing information as usual, and then upload!

Still having trouble? I found the Instagram Help Center to be useful.

Oh, and I can’t forget the other new feature that comes with the update. You can now straighten a photo when uploading. Once you have cropped the photo, tap the button at far left that looks like a crooked square with a line through it. Tap the slider at the bottom and move left or right to straighten your photo as desired. Tap ‘Done’ when you are satisfied.

It may take a bit of practice to feel comfortable with these new features, so don’t be discouraged. And you can always ask a question in the comments below or tweet us at @MonikaDixonPR. We’re here to help!

Now that Instagram posts just got a lot more interesting thanks these video capabilities, we want to see them! Tag us on Instagram or Twitter at @MonikaDixonPR for the chance for your video to be featured on #MDPRInsider next week. Let the video #tbt-ing begin! 

By Emily Cleary, MDPR Social Media Director