Yes, Instagram does support and accept 60 frames per second (60fps) videos. In 2015, Instagram rolled out an update that allowed users to upload videos in 60fps. This provides smoother, clearer motion for fast action videos compared to the standard 30fps.
What is 60fps?
FPS stands for frames per second. It refers to the number of individual frames or images that are displayed per second in a video. Most videos are filmed and played back at 24 or 30 frames per second (fps).
60fps provides double the frames compared to 30fps. The increased number of frames per second results in much smoother motions and transitions, especially for high motion videos like sports, action shots, or camera pans. It reduces motion blur and provides clarity for fast movement that may look choppy at lower frame rates.
Many modern smartphone cameras are capable of recording slow-motion videos at 60fps or even 240fps. On Instagram, 60fps videos play back at normal speed, but benefit from the enhanced visual quality.
Uploading 60fps Videos to Instagram
Uploading a 60fps video to Instagram is easy and works just like uploading a regular 30fps video. Here are the steps:
- Record a 60fps video on your smartphone camera. iPhone and high-end Android phones support 60fps recording.
- Open the Instagram app and tap the (+) icon to create a new post.
- Select the video from your camera roll to upload.
- Edit the video if desired by trimming length or adjusting the cover frame.
- Write a caption and post!
Instagram will automatically detect that it is a 60fps video and retain the high frame rate quality on upload. Videos longer than 60 seconds will be truncated when posted.
Viewing 60fps Videos on Instagram
To experience the smoother motion and clarity of 60fps videos, you need to view them on a compatible device and app version:
- iPhone 5S or later running iOS 10 or newer
- Recent high-end Android phones like Galaxy S7 and newer
- Updated to the latest version of the Instagram app from the app store
- Using an Instagram feed that supports 60fps video playback
If you are viewing 60fps videos on an older or unsupported device, you will still see the video but it will be played back at a standard 30fps resulting in some loss of quality.
60fps Video Requirements
To get the most out of 60fps video uploads, it’s important to follow Instagram’s recommended specifications:
- Video codec: H.264
- Video container: .MP4 or .MOV
- Maximum video size: 650MB
- Minimum video resolution: 600×750 pixels
- Aspect ratio: 4:5 up to 1.91:1 (vertical to horizontal)
Videos recorded on newer smartphones will typically match these settings by default. Avoid excessive compression or editing prior to upload, as that can degrade quality.
Benefits of 60fps on Instagram
Here are some of the main benefits and use cases for 60fps video on Instagram:
- Smoother motions – Reduces choppiness especially for camera pans, action shots, and subject movement
- Reduced motion blur – Keeps fast moving objects sharper and clearer
- Enhanced video quality – Provides more visual information and looks more true-to-life
- Ideal for sports videos – Captures high-speed action crisply
- Ideal for action videos – Conveys movement smoothly like dance videos
- Ideal for camera panning – Keeps landscape shots steady when panning the camera
The benefits are most noticeable in side-by-side comparisons with 30fps video. Instagram’s large mobile audience and auto-play feature make 60fps a worthwhile investment for creators focused on video content.
Limitations of 60fps on Instagram
While 60fps enhances motion for many types of videos, there are some limitations to consider as well:
- Requires a high-end smartphone to capture 60fps initially
- Not fully supported on all devices for viewing playback
- Larger file sizes than 30fps video
- Can expose flaws or jitter if camera motion isn’t stable
- Not necessarily better for videos focused on dialogue or scenery
Users with older phones that don’t support 60fps capture won’t benefit as much. And choppy camera work can look worse at higher frame rates. For simple video selfies or still scenery, the upgrade to 60fps may not add much value.
How to Tell if an Instagram Video is 60fps
Unlike photos, Instagram does not display the frame rate of videos on the app interface. But there are a few ways to identify if an Instagram video you are viewing or want to upload will be 60fps:
- It was recorded on an iPhone 5S or later, or a recent high-end Android phone like Galaxy S7 and up.
- The video plays back smoothly without choppiness on supported devices.
- There is high motion like sports, action shots, or camera panning.
- Viewing the video file properties external to Instagram shows 60fps.
Instagram’s compression can downgrade some videos slightly from the original frame rate. But checking the video source and motion level are the biggest indicators of 60fps video on the platform.
60fps Video Size and Compression
Due to the doubled frames, 60fps videos are significantly larger than 30fps videos of the same length. A 30 second 60fps video can be up to 130MB, compared to just 65MB for 30fps.
To handle these large file sizes, Instagram compresses 60fps videos on upload to a maximum of 650MB bitrate. This is higher than its 500MB bitrate limit for 30fps video. Videos larger than 650MB will see greater compression.
Minor compression is typically not noticeable, but excessive compression can degrade quality – introducing pixelation, artifacts, and other issues. Keeping source videos close to the 650MB limit prior to upload will ensure the best quality.
Steps for Best 60fps Video Quality
Follow these tips when creating 60fps videos for Instagram for optimal quality:
- Use a late model high-end smartphone like an iPhone 13 or Galaxy S22.
- Ensure the camera app is set to capture at 60fps resolution.
- Use a tripod or phone gimbal for stable camera motion.
- Keep video clips between 30 to 45 seconds long.
- Export from camera app directly, avoid re-compression in editing.
- Trim excess footage to keep file sizes around 650MB.
- Upload using a strong internet connection to avoid glitches.
With the right equipment and shooting technique, 60fps can take your Instagram videos to the next level for professional-grade results.
Creative Uses of 60fps on Instagram
Beyond just capturing motion smoothly, consider unique ways to leverage 60fps creatively:
- Build anticipation with ultra slow-motion clips at the start of a video.
- Use slow zoom-ins on detail shots to reveal scenes.
- Add dynamic motion timelapses of scenery using panning and perspective shifts.
- Capture artistic light trails using long exposure in night scenes.
- Film hyperlapse walks through venues to showcase layout and activities.
With 60fps, you have the flexibility to slow down, speed up, zoom, pan, reveal, transition, and composite multiple clips. Use motion intentionally to add production value to your Instagram video storytelling.
60fps on Instagram vs. YouTube
YouTube has supported 60fps video uploads since 2014. Playback is dependent on the viewer’s device and connection speed. On mobile, YouTube automatically adapts quality to match bandwidth.
Instagram has a more consistent playback on mobile feeds. But YouTube offers longer run times, 4K resolution, and more flexibility in aspect ratios. YouTube also provides valuable analytics on video performance.
Consider uploading videos in both places to take advantage of the strengths of each platform. Use Instagram for short-form 60fps content optimized for mobile. YouTube offers options for more cinematic 60fps productions and analytics.
Final Takeaways
Uploading 60fps video is one of the best ways to make eye-catching Instagram content. The smooth motions and clarity bring professional polish that grabs attention.
Focus on creative use of motion, optimal capture settings, and keeping file sizes in check. With 60fps support across iOS and Android devices, the possibilities are expanding for more immersive and dynamic Instagram videos that viewers love.