Instagram is one of the most powerful channels your retailers can use to reach local consumers — and video content leads the way. Video posts consistently earn more engagement and more comments than static images, and short-form formats like Reels and Stories are where audiences spend their time. This guide covers everything you need to create Instagram shares in Promoboxx, from feed videos and Reels to Stories.
Instagram Video Shares & Reels
When you upload a video share in Promoboxx, it will automatically be shared as a Reel on your retailers' business Instagram profiles. You don't need to do anything special to make it a Reel — though following the recommended format guidelines below will help your content look its best.
Reels appear in the "Reels" section of the retailer's profile as well as in feeds, making them ideal for spotlighting a product or sale, sharing testimonials, or highlighting real customer experiences.
Best Practices
- Grab attention with captions. Adding text to your videos increases engagement — just don't overdo it, since too much text can overwhelm viewers.
- Make the first seconds count. Users scroll quickly, so your video needs to compel them to stop within the first few seconds.
- Keep it fast-paced and interesting. Short-form video naturally draws viewers in and sparks engagement through comments, reactions, and shares.
Video Guidelines
- Minimum resolution (landscape): 600 x 315 pixels — aspect ratio 16:9
- Minimum resolution (square): 600 x 600 pixels — aspect ratio 1:1
- Minimum resolution (vertical): 600 x 750 pixels — aspect ratio 4:5
- Recommended formats: MP4 or MOV
- Maximum file size: 4GB
- Maximum video length: 60 seconds
- Maximum frame rate: 30fps
Character Limits
- Maximum caption length: 2,200 characters
- Recommended caption length: 125 characters
Instagram Stories
What are Instagram Stories?
Instagram Stories let users post images and video in a slideshow format that stays visible for 24 hours. Stories support text, drawings, and emoticons, making them a fun, casual way for businesses to connect with their audience. With hundreds of millions of daily Stories viewers — and a large share of the most-viewed Stories coming from business profiles — it's a channel your retailers shouldn't skip. The Promoboxx app makes it easy for retailers to post your content directly to their Stories.
Recommended Dimensions for Story Photos
- Recommended resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels
- Minimum resolution: 600 x 1067 pixels
- Aspect ratio: 9:16
- Formats: JPG or PNG
- Maximum file size: 30MB
Recommended Dimensions for Story Videos
- Recommended resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels
- Minimum resolution: 720p
- Aspect ratio: 9:16
- Formats: MP4 or MOV
- Maximum file size: 4GB
- Videos play for a maximum of 15 seconds
How to Upload Content for Instagram Stories in Promoboxx
- After you've created a new campaign in Promoboxx, drag and drop (or click to upload) your Instagram Story images or videos. Tip: make sure your assets are properly formatted first using the recommended dimensions above.
- Select "No Link" — organic Instagram Story photos and videos cannot include a link.
- Uncheck all channels except Instagram. You can also enable the Downloadables channel if you'd like.
- Add copy for the Link Description, Link Title, and Message fields. Note: only the "Message" field copy is included in the Story share — you can enter "N/A" in the other two fields.
- Click "Create Shares" and continue!
Pro tip: Customize the "Share Label" on your Story shares to make it clear the content is intended for Instagram Stories rather than the feed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I upload a Reel on Promoboxx for my retailers to share on their Instagram?
A: Any video share will automatically be shared as a Reel — no special steps required. Following the Reel format guidelines above is always recommended!
Q: Are Reels shared as Stories when my retailers share them through Promoboxx?
A: No. Video shares appear as Reels on the retailer's business Instagram page, in the "Reels" section of their profile. At this time, only Paid Ads can appear on Stories. To create organic Story content, follow the Stories upload steps above.
Q: Why should I use Reels over other social media formats?
A: Consumers today are looking for quick, fast-paced content that catches their attention, and Reels are the ideal format for it. Short-form video naturally draws in viewers and drives engagement through discussions, reactions, and shares — bringing more people to your retailers' pages, websites, and stores.
For general formatting guidance across all share types, see the Campaign Shares Format Guide.
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