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Want to share a sale announcement or new product launch? Instagram is the one-stop-shop for marketing your business. From in-feed posts with delicious new menu items to informative product demo videos, Instagram’s one of the best platforms to educate your viewers, generate new customers and increase sales through creative video ads.
Explore everything you need to know about how to make video ads for Instagram with Clipchamp, including specifications, video ideas, and more.
Types of Instagram video ads with specifications and templates
Look at our Instagram video ad breakdown below if you’re not sure which Instagram video ad suits your marketing needs. There are four types of Instagram video ads your brand can create and share: in-feed video ads, Story ads, sponsored Reels, and carousel video ads. Businesses can turn user-generated videos into branded video ads as well.
1. Instagram in-feed video ads
An Instagram in-feed video ad looks like an organic video post when scrolling through the feed, but it’s a paid promotion by a brand. You will see a small ‘sponsored’ tag under the Instagram handle on a sponsored post.
Instagram in-feed video ad specifications:
Aspect ratio: 4:5, 9:16, 16:9, or 1:1 video aspect ratio (we recommend portrait 9:16).
Video format: MP4, MOV, or GIF.
Video resolution: at least 1080 x 1080 pixels (we recommend saving in 1080p video resolution).
Video length: 1 second to 60 seconds.
Video size: maximum 250MB.
Video thumbnail: minimum width of 500 pixels.
Video caption: optional with 125 characters and 30 hashtags.
2. Instagram Story video ads
Instagram Story ads also look like organic Story content in the Story swipe, but a sponsored tag will be under the brand’s Instagram handle, as well as a direct call to action (CTA) on the bottom of the story.
Instagram Story ad specifications:
Aspect ratio: 9:16 video aspect ratio.
Video format: MP4 or MOV.
Video length: 1 second to 60 seconds.
Video size: maximum 250MB.
Video sound: optional but recommended.
Video text: 125 characters.
3. Instagram sponsored Reels
Just like organic Reels, Instagram sponsored Reels can be featured in the Reels tab amongst other fellow creators. Reels that are sponsored can be identified with the ‘sponsored’ tag under the Instagram handle, as well as a CTA at the bottom of the screen.
Instagram sponsored Reel specifications:
Aspect ratio: 9:16 video aspect ratio.
Video format: MP4 or MOV.
Video resolution: at least 500 x 888 pixels.
Video length: 1 second to 50 seconds.
Video size: maximum 4GB.
Video caption: optional with 72 characters.
Video sound: optional but recommended.
4. Instagram carousel video ads
Instagram carousel video ads are the most unique looking sponsored content as the layout is completely different to in-feed, Reel, and Story videos. Carousel video ads can have images and videos, which are in a square 1:1 aspect ratio, giving viewers the opportunity to shop directly from the ad.
Instagram carousel video ad specifications:
Aspect ratio: 1:1 video aspect ratio.
Video format: MP4, MOV or GIF.
Number of carousel cards: 2 to 10.
Video length: 1 second to 2 minutes.
Video size: maximum 4GB.
Video sound: optional but recommended.
Video text: 125 characters and 30 hashtags.
URL: landing page URL needed.
5. Instagram sponsored user-generated videos
User-generated content (UGC) are typically tutorials, reviews, and unboxing videos made by everyday creators sharing their personal opinions and experiences about a product or service. Brands can repurpose UGC to their Instagram profiles and share the video on their Instagram Story. Just be sure to credit the original creator by tagging them.
User-generated in-feed video specifications:
Aspect ratio: 4:5, 9:16, 16:9, or 1:1 video aspect ratio (we recommend portrait 9:16).
Video format: MP4, MOV, or GIF.
Video resolution: at least 1080 x 1080 pixels (we recommend saving in 1080p video resolution).
Video length: 1 second to 60 seconds.
Video size: maximum 250MB.
Video thumbnail: minimum width of 500 pixels.
Video caption: optional with 125 characters and 30 hashtags.
14 Instagram video ad ideas
If you’re stuck for video ad ideas, here are easy Instagram ad ideas you can create using Clipchamp’s free online video editor:
Exclusive discounts and sale video ads.
Product launch video ads.
Demo video ads.
Before and after video ads.
Reaction video ads.
Look book and new season video ads.
Sale countdown video ads.
Customer review video ads.
Hashtag challenge video ads.
New website releases video ads.
Customer testimonial video ads.
Day in my life Story video ads
Behind the scenes video ads.
User-generated content ads.
How to make free Instagram video ads with Clipchamp
Is your business new to Instagram, or has never made an Instagram video ad before? Create unlimited professional video ads for Instagram with Clipchamp’s free online video editor. Just start off with a ready-to-use ad template, personalize with your text and branding, then save directly to your smartphone or computer.
Step 1. Select an Instagram video ad template
On the toolbar, click on the templates tab, then click on the Instagram folder.
Scroll through the curated Instagram video templates and find the perfect fit for your brand and Instagram aesthetic. To use the Instagram video ad template, click on the + button or click on the template to add it to your timeline.
Step 2. Customize your Instagram video ad
Personalize the text
Personalize your Instagram video and template by editing the text. Click on the text box on the timeline, then click on the text tab on the property panel. Replace the existing template text with your own brand name, website, or other text. Edit the size of your text using the transform tab.
Add your brand colors, font, and logo
Customize your Instagram video ad template with your brand colors, fonts, and logo to keep a consistent look and feel across all platforms using the brand kit. You can also edit colors for free using the color pallet on the property panel. Click on the background or text on the timeline, then click on the color tab and select a new color.
To add your logo to your Instagram video ad, just upload your logo to the brand kit. Click on the brand kit tab, then drag and drop your logo onto the timeline above your media assets. Make sure your logo is a PNG image with a transparent background. Freely move the logo around the video preview by dragging and dropping to find the perfect location.
Replace stock footage
Upload your personal media to the editor, then drag and drop your video onto the timeline to replace the existing stock footage. You can also edit the existing stock footage by replacing it with stock video.
Step 3. Export and share your video ad
When your Instagram video ad is ready to export, click on the export button then choose your video quality. We recommend selecting 1080p video resolution for the best quality on social media.
Once your video ad has finished exporting, save your new video to your computer. Click on the save to computer button. You can also save and share your video ad with any of our integrations like Google Drive and OneDrive.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Instagram video ads cost?
There is no specific cost for an Instagram video ad as each business can select their own budget. On average, brands spend $0.50 to $1.00 per click, per day.
Can I add captions to Instagram video ads?
Yes. Effortlessly add captions to any video ad and download a transcript for free with Clipchamp’s auto-captioning feature.
How do I resize my Instagram video ad?
Choose from 9:16, 1:1, 16:9, 4:5 2:3, and 21:9 to easily resize any video with Clipchamp’s aspect ratio presets.
Ready to share a powerful and engaging Instagram video ad? Boost your sales and generate more leads by creating scroll-stopping video ads with Clipchamp. If you’re looking for ways to collaborate with creators on Instagram, head over to our remix Instagram Reels blog.
