Are you having trouble uploading pictures to Instagram? You can do everything else, like editing and writing captions, but for some reason, the uploading piece just won’t work? You’re not alone. This unfortunately common issue has been experienced by many Instagram users, and there are a few things you can do to try and fix it. In this article, we will explore some of the possible causes of this issue and provide some useful advice on how to resolve it.
1. Overview of Instagram Upload Limitations
Instagram provides several limitations on how much you can post and how often you can upload. Every account is limited in the maximum number of posts per day, the types of media you can upload, and the size and resolution of your content.
Time Limit: Instagram limits the number of posts you can make in a day, so you can’t just keep adding posts all day long. The maximum number of posts for any single day is 30.
Type of Content:
- Images
- Videos
- Carousel posts
More than one type of content can be included in a post. For example, you can include a photo, video, and GIF all in the same post.
Size and Resolution: All images must be under 8MB; videos, up to 4GBs; and Story images must be under 30MBs. Allowed resolutions are 1080 x 1080 (1:1) for images; Center-Cropped, at least 600 x 600 pixels for profile pictures; and 600 x 750 pixels for Carousel Posts.
2. Troubleshooting Common Causes of Instagram Upload Limitations
Technical Issues
If your video or photo isn’t uploading onto Instagram, the first thing to consider is technical issues. Instagram has certain upload requirements, and attempting to upload content that violates those specifications can lead to upload limitations. Check that your content adheres to:
- Videos must be up to 60 seconds in length
- Photo file size cannot exceed 15 MB
- Videos must be in MP4 format with H.264 codec
- The caption cannot exceed 2200 characters
If any of the above requirements are not followed, you run the risk of receiving an upload limit. If this is the case, you will have to re-edit your content to meet the requirements.
Slow or Unstable Internet Connection
Another factor to consider is your internet connection. An unstable or slow connection can be the cause of various upload issues. Make sure your internet connection is stable and fast enough for an Instagram upload. If you’re using cellular data, switch to mobile tethering or Wi-Fi for better performance.
Network Limitations
Geographical restrictions can also lead to Instagram upload limits. If you’re trying to upload content from a restricted country, you won’t be able to do so. To solve this issue, you’ll need to either connect to a virtual private network or move to a country where Instagram uploads are allowed. This will help you bypass any network limitations and achieve successful uploads.
3. Optimizing Internet Connection Settings to Increase Upload Speeds
If you are experiencing slow upload speeds, it is likely due to the configuration of your internet connection. To maximize speeds, these settings should be optimized. Here are 3 steps to follow:
- Adjust Download and Upload Caps: Open your router settings or try using the software provided by your ISP. Look for settings that specify the download and upload caps for your connection. You can usually adjust both of these up to see improved speeds.
- Optimize DNS Settings: DNS is the system that translates a website address into the internet IP address that a device can access. Make sure you are using the fastest DNS available. This typically means switching to a third-party provider such as Google Public DNS.
- Disable Bandwidth Throttling: Bandwidth throttling is when your internet service provider limits the speed available on your connection. Look through your router settings or contact your ISP for advice on how to disable bandwidth throttling.
These are just a few simple steps that could have a big impact on your internet speeds. It’s worth spending the time to configure your internet connection properly and make sure you’re getting the speed you’re paying for.
4. Using an Alternative File Format to Help Resolve Upload Issues
Having difficulty uploading files? An alternative option might be to use a different file format. Changing the format of your file can sometimes go a long way in resolving upload issues.
Here are some popular file formats to consider using:
- JPEG: the most common format for photos, this file format compresses files for smaller file sizes.
- PNG: similar to JPEG, this format is better for images with text or illustrations that contain color blocks.
- GIF: this format is well suited for small graphics and animations.
- PDF: a popular choice for sharing documents, PDFs also help maintain the integrity of the file.
For large files, archive formats such as 7z and Zip can reduce the file size, helping to resolve any upload issues. Once uploaded, many sites will let you convert archives back to their original file formats. It is important to ensure that the correct file format selection is made, so that there are no further issues during the upload process.
5. Conclusion: Troubleshooting Upload Limitations on Instagram
- Check Instagram’s file specifications
Before troubleshooting upload limitations on Instagram, it is best to check the website’s file specifications to ensure the files uploaded meet the prescribed size and length. Maximum files sizes allowed for a single post is 4GB with the length being up to 60 minutes long. For videos, 15 minute limits apply.
- Optimize files
If the files meet the specifications yet still cannot be uploaded to Instagram, then it is best to consider video or photo optimization techniques. This helps reduce file sizes yet retaining quality. Software and apps dedicated to video or image optimization can be used for this purpose.
- Reach out to Instagram Support Team
After trying the above steps and still having trouble uploading, users can contact the Instagram Support Team for assistance. This team is available through the ‘Help’ section within Instagram, and will help diagnose the issue and put in necessary measures to troubleshoot it. If you have been experiencing trouble uploading on Instagram, be sure to check your internet connection, ensure that you have enough space on your device, and check if you’re using the latest version of the app. If these steps fail to resolve the issue, contact your provider or the Instagram support team; they should be able to help you resolve the issue. Thank you for reading this article.
