When creating and posting Reels on Instagram, maintaining high video quality is key to creating content that looks professional and engages your audience. The good news is there are several tips and tricks you can use to avoid losing video quality when producing Reels.
Use the Best Camera Available
The camera you use to record your Reels will have a big impact on quality. Recording Reels with your smartphone’s rear camera will yield better results than using the lower-quality selfie camera. If you have access to an external camera, like a DSLR or mirrorless camera, use it to get the highest video quality possible.
Record in 1080p or 4K Resolution
Recording Reels at the highest resolution available will maximize video quality. For most newer smartphone cameras, this means shooting in 1080p or 4K. Lower resolutions like 720p will result in reduced sharpness and detail. Just make sure your phone has enough storage space for the larger file sizes of high-res footage.
Use Optimal Camera Settings
Tweaking your camera’s settings can also help maintain quality in Reels. Shoot using your rear camera’s “high” quality mode instead of “low” or “medium.” You can also play with focus and exposure settings like locking focus on your subject or slightly overexposing footage to get a bright, vivid look.
Clean Your Camera Lens
A dirty smartphone or camera lens will make your Reels look hazy and blurry. Keep your lens clean and smudge-free by using a microfiber cloth and lens cleaner solution regularly. Make sure to also clean the front-facing selfie lens if shooting that way.
Use a Tripod or Gimbal
Shaky footage can ruin Reel quality. Using a tripod or smartphone gimbal stabilizer when filming will keep your shots steady. For moving or walking shots, a motorized gimbal helps smooth out the camera motion for fluid, cinematic-style video.
Optimize Lighting Conditions
Proper lighting is crucial for good-quality video. When filming Reels, ensure there is ample, diffused light. Shoot during the daytime or use artificial lighting. Avoid harsh shadows and overexposed shots. Add bounced light or reflectors to fill in dark shadows.
Pick Locations With Simple Backgrounds
Reels shot against busy, distracting backgrounds compete with the main subject visually. Choose uncluttered filming locations with plain backgrounds. A clean wall, greenery, or solid-colored backdrop draws full attention to you or your product.
Use a Lapel or External Microphone
A smartphone’s built-in mic often picks up ambient noise and echo, reducing sound quality. Use a clip-on lapel mic near your mouth or an external mic plugged into your phone for cleaner audio when speaking or performing.
Add Music and Sound Effects
Layering music and sounds over your original audio can mask lower-quality audio. Instagram offers a huge library of free-to-use music and effects. Pick an instrumental track and sound effects that complement your Reel concept.
Get the File Format Right
Instagram Reels must be MP4 video files at a 9:16 aspect ratio and a minimum of 600 x 1080 pixels. Converting MOV or other files to this MP4 format before uploading prevents quality loss from reformatting.
Use Instagram Reels Tools
The Reels creative tools within the Instagram app like timers, audio effects, AR filters, and text overlays help amplify your video without degrading quality. Use them to elevate amateur-looking footage.
Check Resolution Before Posting
Preview your final Reel closely before posting it. Watch full-screen on the device you’ll be uploading from to spot any pixelation or quality issues not visible when smaller. Re-record any sections that need improvement.
Upload Over Wi-Fi for Fast, Reliable Speed
Uploading large video files over a cellular connection can cause errors or quality loss. Always upload your final Reel using a stable, fast Wi-Fi network to ensure no issues during the transfer to Instagram’s servers.
Consider Paid Tools to Compress Files
If your Reel files are very large, use a paid compression tool like Handbrake to condense the file size before uploading. This shrinks the Reel while minimizing effects on visible quality. But take care not to over-compress.
Check Video After Processing
After uploading, check that Instagram’s processing didn’t affect quality. Preview it right from the app to see the version followers will view. If quality suffered, you may need to re-edit and upload a modified lower-resolution version.
Export Edited Reels Properly
If you edit Reels using software like Premiere Pro or iMovie, export using optimal settings for Instagram. Export in MP4 format with H.264 video codec and AAC audio codec to avoid re-encoding errors on upload.
Edit and Enhance Thoughtfully
Basic color corrections and enhancements can polish amateur video without degrading quality. But overdoing effects and filters usually results in degraded footage. Use subtle video edits judiciously for pro-level Reels.
Check Playback on Multiple Devices
Review your Reels across the devices your audience will view them on – phones, tablets, computers. Footage and quality can vary across screens, so optimize for the most common viewing method. Prioritize mobile playback.
Following best practices for recording, editing, exporting, and uploading Reels will help maintain the highest video quality possible on Instagram’s platform. Pay close attention to your camera, lighting, file processing, and editing choices. With some experimentation, you can master creating gorgeous high-quality Reels that wow viewers.