🚀 7 Instagram Video Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

Instagram is a powerhouse for video marketing, but posting any video isn’t enough. The wrong approach can make followers scroll past faster than a cat dodging a bath 🐱💨.

The good news? These slip-ups are easy to spot—and fix. Here are the 7 most common Instagram video mistakes and the simple tweaks that will make your content stand out and rank. 📈🎥

1️⃣ Ignoring the First 3 Seconds

Why it hurts: Attention spans on social media are tiny. If you don’t hook viewers immediately, they’re gone.

How to fix it:🎯 Start with bold movement, a surprising question, or an eye-catching text overlay.Think of the first three seconds like a blockbuster trailer—make it impossible to look away.

2️⃣ Using the Wrong Video Size

Why it hurts: Cropped captions or awkward black bars scream low-quality and lower engagement.

How to fix it:

• Reels: Vertical 9:16

• Feed videos: Square 1:1 or Vertical 4:5

Always preview before posting to avoid cut-offs.

3️⃣ Forgetting About Sound (or Overloading It)

Why it hurts: Some people scroll with sound off; others want crisp audio. A video that depends solely on sound—or blasts chaotic noise—loses both groups.

How to fix it:

• Add captions or subtitles (Instagram’s auto-caption tool is a lifesaver).

• Use clear voiceovers and balanced music.

• Keep background noise minimal.

  
  

4️⃣ Filming With Bad Lighting 🌑

Why it hurts: Dim or overexposed clips look amateurish and make viewers bail.

How to fix it:💡 Shoot in natural light whenever possible.💡 No sunlight? Grab a ring light or softbox for even, professional lighting.

5️⃣ Moving Too Fast—or Too Slow 🏃‍♀️🐢

Why it hurts: A caffeine-rush of quick cuts confuses; a slow, meandering video bores.

How to fix it:

• Aim for steady pacing with snappy edits.

• Pro tip: Watch your video at 2× speed. If it still drags, trim it.

  
  

6️⃣ Skipping the Call to Action (CTA)

Why it hurts: Without a CTA, viewers don’t know what to do next—meaning fewer likes, shares, and conversions.

How to fix it:“Double-tap if you agree!”“Comment with your thoughts.”“Click the link in our bio for more tips.”A strong CTA is your GPS to engagement.

7️⃣ Posting Inconsistently 📅

Why it hurts: Uploading five videos in one week then disappearing for a month kills momentum—and the Instagram algorithm rewards consistency.

How to fix it:📌 Build a content calendar. Even two videos a week posted regularly is better than random bursts.

🎬 Level Up Your Instagram Video Strategy

Avoid these mistakes and your Instagram videos will go from “meh” to must-watch.

Need a professional touch? The Video Crafters create scroll-stopping animated explainer videos and whiteboard animations that boost engagement and conversions.

📩 Let’s talk about your next video: TheVideoCrafters.com 🎥✨