Instagram Not Playing Videos, How to Fix Instagram Not Playing Videos?
by Vignesh L
Updated Jul 25, 2023
Instagram Not Playing Videos
Instagram not playing videos can be a frustrating issue for users on various devices like Android, iPhone, PC, or Mac. When videos fail to load or show loading errors, it can hinder the overall Instagram experience. There are several potential reasons for this problem, such as a slow or interrupted internet connection, Instagram server outages, outdated app versions, bugs within the app, cache files taking up ample space, corrupted app data, or the device being in power-saving mode.
Additionally, unsupported video formats, sizes, or lengths, as well as corrupted video files, can also lead to video playback problems. However, there are effective solutions to tackle these issues. Users can try restarting the Instagram app or their devices, ensuring the app is up to date, checking internet connectivity, closing background applications, clearing cache files, disabling power-saving mode, and even reinstalling Instagram to fix video playback problems.
Furthermore, uploading videos in Instagram-supported formats and using video repair tools for corrupted files are additional steps that can help resolve the issue. If all else fails, users can reach out to Instagram support for further assistance. By following these troubleshooting steps, users can hopefully enjoy seamless video sharing and viewing on Instagram once again.
Why is Instagram Not Playing Videos?
Instagram not playing videos can be caused by various factors, leading to frustrating video playback issues on Android, iPhone, PC, or Mac. Some of the common causes for this problem are:
Internet Connectivity Challenges:
One of the primary culprits behind Instagram video playback problems is a slow or interrupted internet connection. A weak network signal or fluctuations in internet speed can hinder video loading and result in playback errors.
Server Outages and Downtime:
Instagram's servers occasionally experience outages or downtime, causing temporary disruptions in video playback. During these periods, users may encounter difficulty in playing videos on the platform.
Outdated App Versions:
Using an outdated version of the Instagram app can lead to compatibility issues, making it difficult for videos to play smoothly. Ensuring the app is up-to-date is crucial for a seamless video viewing experience.
App Glitches and Bugs:
Bugs and glitches within the Instagram app can interfere with video loading and playback, causing videos to freeze or not play at all.
Cache and Temporary Files:
Accumulated cache and temporary files can impact the app's performance, resulting in video playback errors. Clearing these files can help resolve such issues.
Corrupted App Data:
Corrupted data within the Instagram app can disrupt various functionalities, including video playback. Addressing this issue can improve video performance.
Power-Saving Mode Restrictions:
Having power-saving mode enabled on the device may restrict the app's resources and affect video playback capabilities.
Unsupported Video Formats:
Videos that do not conform to Instagram's supported specifications, such as format, size, length, frame rate, and audio codec, may fail to play on the platform.
Corrupted Video Files:
Corrupted video files can also prevent videos from playing correctly on Instagram, necessitating the use of video repair tools.
These factors can individually or collectively contribute to Instagram videos not playing as intended, and addressing them can help improve the video playback experience on the platform.
How to Fix Instagram Not Playing Videos?
Resolving Instagram Video Playback Issues: 12 Effective Solutions
Here are 12 effective ways to troubleshoot and fix Instagram videos not playing on Android, iPhone, PC, or Mac. Follow these steps to ensure smooth video playback on Instagram:
Restart Instagram:
Start by restarting the Instagram app on your device.
Restart your Device:
If the issue persists, try restarting your device, whether it's a smartphone, computer, laptop, or tablet.
Update Instagram:
Ensure your Instagram app is up to date. Android users can update it from Google Play Store, while iOS users can do so from the Apple Store.
Check Internet Connection:
Verify your internet speed and stability. For smooth playback, a minimum speed of 4Mbps is recommended for Instagram live videos at 720p resolution.
Close Background Applications:
Close unnecessary applications running in the background, as they can consume memory and affect Instagram's performance.
Clear Cache Files:
Improve Instagram's functioning by clearing the cache files of the app. On Android, navigate to Settings > Apps > Instagram > Storage > Clear Cache.
Disable Power Saving Mode:
Make sure power-saving mode is turned off on your mobile device, as it may hinder Instagram's performance.
Reinstall Instagram:
If the problem persists, uninstall the app and then reinstall it from the respective app store.
Upload Supported Video Formats:
Check if your video file meets Instagram's supported specifications, including format, length, frame rate, audio codec, and resolution.
Fix Corrupt Videos using Video Repair Tool:
Repair corrupt video files using reliable video repair software like Stellar Repair for Video.
Reset your Android or iPhone:
As a last resort, consider resetting your mobile device to factory settings to resolve app-related issues. Don't forget to back up your data before proceeding.
Contact Instagram Support:
If none of the above solutions work, report the issue to Instagram support via the app's settings.
Instagram, a social networking service under Meta Platforms ownership, enables users to share photos and videos. The app allows media uploads with filters, organization through hashtags and geographical tagging. Users can share posts publicly or with approved followers, explore content through tags and locations, like photos, and follow others for a personalized feed.
Initially limited to a square aspect ratio of 640 pixels, Instagram expanded to 1080 pixels in 2015. Additional features include messaging, multiple image/video posting, and Stories, similar to Snapchat, which permits sequential content sharing accessible for 24 hours, with 500 million daily users as of January 2019.
Instagram Not Playing Videos - FAQs
Instagram is a social networking service owned by Meta Platforms that allows users to share photos and videos.
Users can organize their media using hashtags and geographical tagging.
Posts on Instagram can be shared publicly or with preapproved followers.
Initially, Instagram content was limited to a square (1:1) aspect ratio of 640 pixels to match the iPhone's display width.
In 2015, Instagram eased the aspect ratio restriction, allowing content with an aspect ratio of 1080 pixels.