Instagram Reels Not Uploading – Troubleshooting Guide
Instagram Reels are a powerful way to reach new audiences and grow your presence, but nothing is more frustrating than when your Reel refuses to upload or gets stuck on “preparing.” If you’re seeing error messages, endless spinning wheels, or failed uploads, you’re not alone. This guide delivers every reason and solution for Instagram Reels upload problems—so you can get back to sharing your creativity.
“Most Instagram Reels upload issues are caused by network problems, app bugs, or video format errors. With the right troubleshooting, you can fix it and get your content live.”
Why Are Instagram Reels Not Uploading?
- Poor or unstable internet connection
- Instagram app is outdated or buggy
- Video format, size, or length is incompatible
- App cache is full or corrupted
- Device storage is low
- Instagram’s servers are down or experiencing issues
- Account restrictions or temporary bans
- Insufficient permissions (camera, storage, data)
- App conflicts or bugs after a recent update
Alert: Most Reels upload errors are temporary and can be fixed with careful troubleshooting.
Quick Fixes: What to Try First
- Check Your Internet Connection: Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data, or restart your router. A stable, fast connection is essential for uploading videos.
- Restart the Instagram App: Force quit and reopen Instagram to clear minor glitches.
- Update Instagram: Go to the App Store or Google Play and update to the latest version.
- Restart Your Device: Power off and on your phone or tablet to clear background processes.
- Try Again Later: Sometimes, Instagram’s servers are overloaded—waiting and retrying can fix the issue.
Pro Tip: Most Reels upload problems are solved by checking your connection and updating the app.
Advanced Solutions for Persistent Reels Upload Problems
- Clear Instagram Cache: On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Instagram > Storage > Clear Cache. On iPhone, uninstall and reinstall Instagram to clear cache.
- Free Up Storage Space: Delete unused apps, photos, or files. Low storage can block uploads.
- Check App Permissions: Ensure Instagram has access to storage, camera, and data in your device settings.
- Log Out and Log Back In: Logging out and back in can refresh your session and clear minor bugs.
- Reinstall Instagram: Uninstall and reinstall the app to fix stubborn bugs or corrupted files.
- Check Instagram Server Status: Visit sites like DownDetector to see if Instagram is down for everyone.
- Try a Different Device or Web Browser: Upload your Reel from another phone, tablet, or the Instagram website.
Instagram Reels Video Requirements
Instagram Reels have strict requirements for video uploads. If your file doesn’t meet these, it may get stuck or fail to upload.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Format | MP4 or MOV (H.264 + AAC recommended) |
| Length | 3 to 90 seconds |
| Resolution | At least 720p (1080 x 1920 px recommended) |
| Aspect Ratio | 9:16 (vertical) |
| Frame Rate | 30 fps or higher |
| File Size | Up to 4GB |
- Videos recorded in 4K or with non-standard codecs may fail to upload. Convert to MP4 (H.264 + AAC) for best results.
- Trim videos to fit time and size limits.
- Compress files if needed using video editing apps or converters.
How to Fix Reels Upload Stuck on “Preparing” or “Posting”
- Check and improve your network connection.
- Update Instagram and your device OS.
- Clear app cache and data.
- Re-export your video to match Instagram’s specs.
- Try uploading during off-peak hours (less server traffic).
- Disable battery/data saver and background app restrictions.
- Restart your phone and try again.
How to Fix “VideoSourceAudioStreamCheckException” and Format Errors
- Open your video in a video editor (DaVinci Resolve, Premiere, CapCut, etc.).
- Export as MP4 with H.264 video codec and AAC audio codec.
- Check frame rate (30fps+) and resolution (1080x1920 for Reels).
- Try uploading the new file to Instagram.
If you get this error, it’s almost always a video format or codec problem. Convert and re-export your video for Instagram compatibility.
How to Fix Instagram Reels Not Uploading on iPhone or Android
- Update Instagram and your phone’s OS to the latest version.
- Clear cache (Android) or reinstall the app (iPhone).
- Check permissions for camera, storage, and data.
- Free up device storage.
- Try uploading from the Instagram website on a computer.
- Test with a different video or account to isolate the issue.
How to Check If Instagram Is Down
- Visit DownDetector or search “Instagram down” on Twitter to see if others are reporting problems.
- If Instagram is down, wait for the service to be restored before uploading again.
How to Change Instagram Data Settings for Faster Uploads
- Go to your Instagram profile and open Settings.
- Tap Data usage and media quality (Android) or Media Quality (iPhone).
- Disable “Upload at highest quality” to speed up uploads on slow networks.
- Disable “Use less data” if enabled.
How to Fix Account or Permission Issues Blocking Reels Uploads
- Check if your account is restricted or banned. Remove any content that violates Instagram’s guidelines.
- Ensure Instagram has storage, camera, and microphone permissions enabled in your device settings.
- If you’re under 18 or using a restricted account, some features may be limited.
- Try logging out and back in, or switch to another account to test.
Instagram Reels Not Uploading: Troubleshooting Table
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Reel stuck on “preparing” | Poor network, app bug, large file | Check connection, update app, compress video |
| Upload fails with error message | Incompatible format, app or OS bug | Export as MP4 (H.264), update app/OS |
| Upload fails only on mobile | Device-specific bug, storage full | Free up space, try another device or web |
| Can’t upload any Reels | Account restriction, server issue | Check account status, wait for fix |
| “VideoSourceAudioStreamCheckException” | Codec or format error | Re-export video as MP4 (H.264 + AAC) |
| Reel uploads but is blurry or low quality | Compression, data saver on | Disable “Use less data”, upload on Wi-Fi |
Instagram Reels Upload Best Practices
- Always export Reels as MP4 (H.264 + AAC)
- Keep videos under 90 seconds and 4GB
- Use a vertical aspect ratio (9:16)
- Upload on a strong Wi-Fi connection
- Update Instagram and your device OS regularly
- Clear app cache monthly
- Test your video on another account or device if issues persist
Pro Tip: If your Reel won’t upload, try compressing or trimming the video, then upload again.
Common Myths About Instagram Reels Upload Problems
- Myth: Instagram is blocking my account. Fact: Most upload issues are technical, not account-related.
- Myth: Only certain phones can upload Reels. Fact: Any supported device can upload Reels if the app and OS are up to date.
- Myth: Longer videos always fail. Fact: Reels up to 90 seconds and 4GB are supported if formatted correctly.
- Myth: You need to delete and reinstall every time. Fact: Most issues are fixed by clearing cache or updating the app.
User Experience & Real-World Feedback
- Most users fix Reels upload issues by updating the app, clearing cache, or switching networks
- Some report persistent problems with certain accounts or after major updates
- Uploading from a different device or the web often works when the app fails
- Instagram support can be slow for individual cases but resolves major outages quickly
Security, Legitimacy & Privacy
Only use the official Instagram app from the App Store or Google Play. Avoid third-party apps or APKs for uploading Reels. Never share your password or upload copyrighted content without permission.
Who Is Affected?
- Android and iOS users equally
- Accounts with outdated apps or OS
- Devices with low storage or poor network
- Users uploading unsupported video formats
- Accounts with restrictions or temporary bans
How to Avoid Instagram Reels Upload Problems in the Future
- Export videos in Instagram’s preferred format and specs
- Keep your app and device OS updated
- Upload on a strong, stable internet connection
- Clear app cache regularly
- Check your account status for restrictions
- Don’t use bots or third-party upload tools
Pro Tip: Before uploading, preview your Reel for quality and compatibility to avoid failed uploads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most often, it’s due to poor internet, outdated app, or incompatible video format. Check your connection, update Instagram, and export your video as MP4 (H.264 + AAC).
Restart the app, clear cache, update Instagram, and check your network. Re-export your video if needed.
MP4 (H.264 video codec + AAC audio codec) is the most compatible format for Reels.
Yes, you can upload Reels via instagram.com on desktop browsers. Make sure your video meets Instagram’s specs.
Review Instagram’s guidelines, delete any violating videos, and contact support if you believe it’s a mistake. Most restrictions are temporary.
Conclusion: Get Your Instagram Reels Uploading Again
Instagram Reels upload failures are frustrating, but almost always fixable. Start with the basics—check your connection, update your app, and ensure your video meets Instagram’s specs. For persistent issues, clear cache, re-export your video, or try another device. Stay up to date, follow best practices, and your Reels will upload smoothly.
