Instagram reels can sometimes have lower video quality compared to the original due to compression. This happens so that reels can be quickly uploaded and streamed on the platform. But there are ways to improve reel quality by optimizing settings on your phone camera and using editing tools.
Instagram Compresses Reels for Faster Uploading and Streaming
The main reason behind degraded reel quality is that Instagram compresses reels significantly before uploading. This compression reduces the video file size so that reels can be uploaded quickly even on slower connections. It also enables smooth streaming of reels within the app without buffering issues.
Instagram reels are limited to 30 seconds and up to 1 GB in size. To enable fast sharing at this scale for millions of users, some loss of quality via compression is inevitable. The compression techniques aim to reduce file size while trying to retain as much visible quality as possible.
However, excessive compression can lead to artifacts, blurriness, and poor audio quality. The impact is more visible in reels captured in high resolution or having complex visuals and audio.
Phone Camera Settings Affect Reel Quality
The camera settings on your phone have a big impact on reel quality. Using optimal settings can improve the visual quality of reels before compression.
Firstly, record reels at the highest resolution and frame rate possible on your phone. Higher resolution like 4K gives more visual detail that can survive compression. Higher FPS like 60 makes motion smoother.
Also use the main rear camera instead of selfie camera. Rear cameras have better sensors and lenses resulting in higher quality footage.
When recording, pay attention to focus, exposure, lighting, and stabilization. Blurry or shaky footage will get even worse after Instagram compression.
Try to shoot in well lit conditions. Low light footage will have more noise which gets aggravated by compression. Use lenses with optical image stabilization if available.
Editing Reels Can Improve Quality Before Posting
Using editing apps to process your reel before uploading to Instagram can also help improve quality. Here are some tips:
- Trim clips to remove any blurry or shaky sections.
- Adjust colors if needed to make visuals vivid.
- Enhance brightness and contrast moderately for more dynamic range.
- Apply light stabilization if footage has minor shakes or jerks.
- Reduce noise and grain to improve clarity.
- Enhance audio quality by normalizing volume, reducing background noise etc.
Avoid overediting reels as it can cause quality loss too. Subtle improvements make a bigger difference than aggressive changes.
Choosing the Right Export Settings
When saving your edited reel, use export settings optimized for social media instead of higher quality exports meant for YouTube or archival.
Here are some recommended settings in editing apps like Premiere Rush, Kinemaster, etc:
- Resolution: 1080p (Maximum for Instagram)
- Bitrate: 8 to 10 Mbps
- Frame rate: Match with original (24, 25, 30 or 60 FPS)
- Audio: Stereo, 192 kbps
- Format: mp4 with H264 video codec and AAC audio codec
Higher resolutions beyond 1080p will get compressed by Instagram anyway. Better to export at 1080p withoptimized codec settings as mentioned above.
Uploading Reels from Desktop Gives More Control
When uploading a reel from your phone directly, Instagram applies compression automatically. But when uploading from a desktop using Instagram’s Create mode, you get more control.
Instagram allows uploading videos up to 60 minutes and 3.6 GB from desktop. This allows uploading videos with less compression. Shorter reels can be uploaded in their original quality or light compression.
You can also preview how your reel will look after upload compression in the desktop preview and tweak your export settings accordingly.
Consider Third-Party Apps for Sharing Better Quality Reels
Some third party apps allow sharing reels to Instagram with higher visual quality than the native app. For example, Inshot, CapCut, Vivavideo, etc. They minimize quality loss during upload by utilizing efficient codecs.
However, there are tradeoffs to consider. Third party reels may have lower engagement on Instagram compared to natively uploaded reels. Some features like audio browser may not be available.
These apps are worth trying though for certain high quality reels where visual impact matters more than engagement. Make sure to test reach before relying completely on third party sharing.
Accept Some Quality Loss as the Tradeoff for Convenience
Despite best efforts, there will always be some quality loss when sharing videos on Instagram Reels. The platform prioritizes convenience and quick sharing over perfect visuals.
But the quality is still good enough for small screens of phones where Reels are primarily watched. With the right shooting and editing techniques, you can minimize the visible degrdation in quality.
For viewers, lower quality is not as big an issue as long as the content itself is engaging. Good visuals surely help, but creativity and entertainment value matter more.
So focus on creating fun reels with original content. Don’t obsess too much over getting the highest visual quality. The little imperfections are the price to pay for the ease and speed of Instagram Reels!
How Much Compression Does Instagram Apply to Reels?
It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly how much compression Instagram applies as it likely varies based on multiple factors. But as per unofficial estimates, Instagram reels are compressed to around 30-40% of their original file size during upload.
For a 1080p 30 sec reel originally around 30MB, the size after Instagram compression would be around 10-15MB. The actual visual quality decline depends on the reel content.
In their tests, creators have found the bitrate of reels drops to 3-5Mbps after Instagram compression from 10-15Mbps originally. Resolution remains 1080p, but more compressed encoding results in loss of detail.
The compression techniques used seem to be optimized to retain detail in regions of focus while sacrificing peripheral regions more. This minimizes perceived loss in visual quality.
Audio quality suffers more with sampling rate dropping to 32-48kHz from 192kHz and more audible compression artifacts. But for short reels, audio imperfections are less noticeable.
Does Video Quality Affect Performance of Reels?
Higher visual quality in reels does positively impact viewer experience. But quality alone doesn’t determine the performance or reach of reels on Instagram.
Engaging and interesting content, use of trending music, leverage of hashtags etc ultimately matter more for a reel’s success. Low production quality reels can still go viral.
However, improving quality where possible does enhance the viewer experience. It subconsciously signals higher effort making the content more appealing. Higher quality reels see relatively better retention.
But spending too much time over optimizing quality without focusing on content and promotion can be counterproductive. A decent but not stellar quality balanced with great content is the optimal approach.
Tips to Improve Quality of Future Reels
Once you’ve posted a reel, you can’t retroactively improve its quality. But you can surely enhance the visual appeal of your future reels by following these tips:
- Invest in a good smartphone with optimized camera hardware and software.
- Use a gimbal for stabilization when recording handheld.
- Employ basic cinematography techniques – rule of thirds, camera angles etc.
- Shoot in optimal light. Use reflectors/diffusers to manipulate lighting.
- Try shooting at 50-60 FPS for smoother motion.
- Clean lens before shooting – smudges ruin clarity.
- Prefer back camera for selfie reels. Use a clip-on wide angle lens.
- Touch up clips in editor before sharing – color correct, stabilize etc.
- Download and re-upload old lower quality reels in better versions.
With experience, you learn what works best for creating visually appealing reels. Upgrade your gear where needed, but focus more on mastering what you have available.
Why Are Some Users’ Reels Higher Quality?
You may notice that reels from certain users or brands consistently look better than yours or others’ on Instagram. Here are some reasons why some accounts are able to post better quality reels:
- They use professional equipment – high-end cameras, microphones, lighting etc.
- They have skills and resources for properly editing reels before posting.
- They export reels from editing apps with optimal codecs and settings.
- They upload reels from desktop to have more control over compression.
- They use third party reel apps that preserve quality during upload.
- They have original high quality source material – RAW photos/videos.
For individual creators without access to professional gear, the playing field can feel uneven. But it’s possible to post good quality reels with just your smartphone if you learn to use it skillfully.
Optimize camera settings, use editing tricks, export wisely, reshoot poor sections etc. Focus on quality of content and uniqueness of your perspective rather than just technical quality.
Should You Ever Sacrifice Quality for Quantity on Reels?
Posting more reels can help reach more users and improve chances of going viral. But compromising too much on quality for quantity can backfire.
Poorly shot and edited reels reflect badly on your skills and creativity. Over time, they accumulate to form a negative perception about your profile.
However, you need not obsess over making every reel perfect either. It’s about finding the right balance for your needs.
For example, you can maintain quality for your main content reels, while having slightly lower production values for trend based reels capitalizing on current memes or music.
The optimal cadence depends on your niche and audience expectations. Observe engagement and unfollow rates to gauge if you need to recalibrate quality and quantity.
Why Does Instagram Compress Photos Less Than Reels?
Instagram photos undergo lower amounts of compression compared to reels. There are a few reasons for this difference:
- Size limit for images (30MB) is higher than reels (1GB).
- Images have smaller resolution than video so need less compression.
- Maintaining photo quality helps Instagram sell prints and merch.
- Quick video streaming needs more compression for smooth playback.
- More aspects affect video quality like motion, frame rate, audio etc.
Instagram still compresses images to save space and data. But photos are compressed to about 60-80% of their original size vs 30-40% for reels.
Lower resolution static images also lend themselves better to retaining perceptual quality even with high compression. Hence the impact is not as noticeable.
Will Reel Quality Improve in the Future?
Instagram will likely keep improving reel quality over time as technology progresses. Some possible improvements we might see:
- Higher resolution support beyond 1080p
- Better optimized compression algorithms
- Options to tweak quality vs size during upload
- Support for uploading reels in RAW format
- Availability of original quality when viewed on certain devices
However increased quality will require users to have devices capable of recording, editing, uploading and viewing higher resolution media quickly.
The improvements may be gradual to ensure widespread compatibility. But with phones and bandwidths getting better each year, Instagram has incentive to keep improving reel quality.
How to Check Instagram Reel Quality After Uploading?
To check the final compressed quality of your reel after uploading on Instagram, follow these steps:
- Open the reel post from your profile.
- Tap on the three dots at the bottom and select “Save Video” to download it.
- Open the saved reel in your device gallery app.
- Check resolution, bitrate, size, frames etc details of saved video.
- Compare with your originally uploaded reel to notice the reduction in quality from compression.
You can also screen record a reel before and after uploading and analyze both versions side by side in an editing app for clearer understanding of changes.
Evaluating multiple reels this way will reveal the typical extent of compression being applied by Instagram on your content.
In Conclusion
Lower reel quality due to Instagram compression is often unavoidable. But you can minimize visible degradation using optimal camera settings, editing carefully, and exporting with efficient codec options. Focus more on creating engaging content. Judicious compromises on quality to increase quantity can work well depending on your needs and audience. While improvements may come, don’t get obsessed over chasing the highest quality at the cost of productivity and originality.