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Convert Video for Instagram

Optimize and format videos for Instagram posting, ensuring compatibility with Instagram's video requirements for feed, stories, and IGTV.

VideoAlchemy Compose File

version: 1  # Schema version of viddo-compose

generate_path: "./generated"  # Directory of log and command files

tasks:
  - name: Convert Video for Instagram
    command: ffmpeg
    inputs:
      - id: input_9
        source: 'input.mp4'
    outputs:
      - id: output_9
        overwrite: true
        source: 'output.mp4'
    codecs:
      - video_filters:
          - name: scale
            value: 1080:1920
          - name: setsar
            value: 1:1
        codec_name:
          video: libx264
          audio: aac
        crf: 23
        audio_bitrate: 128k
        preset: veryfast
        shortest: true

Command for Feed and Stories

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf "scale=1080:1920,setsar=1:1" -c:v libx264 -preset veryfast -crf 23 -c:a aac -b:a 128k -shortest output.mp4

Command for IGTV

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf "scale=720:1280,setsar=1:1" -c:v libx264 -preset veryfast -crf 23 -c:a aac -b:a 128k -shortest output.mp4

Parameters

  • -i input.mp4: Specifies the input video file. Replace input.mp4 with the path to your source video file.
  • -vf "scale=1080:1920,setsar=1:1" (for Feed and Stories) / -vf "scale=720:1280,setsar=1:1" (for IGTV): Sets the video filter for scaling the video to Instagram's preferred dimensions for feed and stories (1080x1920) or IGTV (720x1280) and sets the sample aspect ratio to 1:1 for square pixels.
  • -c:v libx264: Uses the H.264 codec for video encoding, providing broad compatibility.
  • -preset veryfast: Balances encoding speed and quality. Other presets can be used depending on CPU capability and desired output quality.
  • -crf 23: Sets the Constant Rate Factor to 23, offering a balance between quality and file size. Adjust as necessary for higher or lower quality.
  • -c:a aac: Sets the audio codec to AAC, ensuring broad compatibility.
  • -b:a 128k: Sets the audio bit rate to 128 kbps, offering good audio quality for most purposes.
  • -shortest: Ensures the output file's duration matches the shortest stream (usually the video), which is helpful when adding a static image or adjusting audio length.

Possible Errors

  • File not found: Occurs if FFmpeg cannot locate the input file. Ensure the path to the file is correct.
  • Invalid scale dimensions: Happens if the specified scaling dimensions are not supported by Instagram or the input file. Ensure the aspect ratio and resolution fit Instagram's guidelines.
  • Permission denied: Arises if FFmpeg does not have the necessary permissions to read the input file or write to the output file. Check that the files and directories have the correct permissions.

Additional Information

  • Aspect Ratios and Dimensions: Instagram supports various aspect ratios and resolutions depending on the content type (feed, stories, IGTV). Check Instagram's current specifications as they may update over time.
  • Quality and Compression: Adjusting the -crf value can help manage file size and quality. Lower values increase quality and file size, while higher values decrease them.
  • Audio Sync: Pay attention to audio synchronization, especially if altering video length or combining clips. Test the output file to ensure audio remains in sync.
  • Testing: Before posting, test the output video for playback on different devices if possible, to ensure compatibility and satisfactory visual quality.