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Guide to Instagram HDR Videos - Upload Files and Fix Playback Issues

Kelly Sherawat
Kelly Sherawat Originally published Jan 07, 25, updated Feb 14, 25
"While scrolling through Instagram, I saw a video being displayed in its HDR format (the ones that we can see in our gallery with the brightness boost). Is it now possible to upload videos in HDR format to Instagram? (I am assuming yes because I already have seen some HDR videos on Instagram). If so, how do I upload HDR content on Instagram? Because when I tried to upload mine, it converted it into the usual mp4 format (I have high-quality uploads turned on in my data settings). Is there a special setting I need to activate or a special app I need to use?" - From Apple Community.

Uploading HDR videos on Instagram is straightforward. And the good news is that you don't need to install any unique app to do so. You only need to follow one of the two methods described in this article. Discover the method that works for you and more, including what to do if your Instagram HDR videos won't play.

In this article
    1. Method 1: Upload HDR Videos to Instagram via Settings
    2. Method 2: Upload HDR videos to Instagram Using the Filter
    1. Method 1: Update Instagram App
    2. Method 2: Adjust Screen Display Settings
    3. Method 3: Modify Instagram Settings
    4. Method 4: Clear App Cache

Part 1. How to Upload an HDR Video on Instagram?

Anyone can upload a HDR video on Instagram using their phone. Two easy methods are discussed below; find out which works for you.

Method 1: Upload HDR Videos to Instagram via Settings

The method involves configuring Instagram settings to allow for HDR videos. Here are the easy steps for Android and iPhone:

Step 1: Open Instagram and tap the hamburger menu on your profile page. Select Settings and Privacy.

tap the menu button then select settings and privacy

Step 2: Under the Settings and Privacy option, scroll down to "Data usage and media quality."

choose data usage and media quality

Step 3: Slide the switch next to "Upload at highest quality" to ON (green).

turn the upload at highest quality option off

Step 4: You can now upload your HDR videos as reels. To ensure you're uploading an HDR video Instagram story, check for the HDR icon.

upload hdr video on instagram

Method 2: Upload HDR videos to Instagram Using the Filter

In this method, you utilize the filters to upload HDR reels on Instagram. Check the steps:

Step 1: On Instagram, tap the plus (+) icon to upload your reel.

tap the plus button then choose reel

Step 2: Tap the effects icon from the top-right corner of the edit screen.

tap the effect button

Step 3: Tap the search icon, then search for Brightness or HDR effects. You can now continue to upload your reels, and they will be brighter than others.

upload hdr videos on instagram using filter

Part 2. How to Repair Corrupted HDR Videos Before Uploading to Instagram?

After shooting the perfect HDR video, you might discover that the video file is damaged and can't open. In most cases, this is a result of corruption.

Your HDR videos can become corrupted for many reasons. These include transfer or download-related problems. A corruption issue can also occur during shooting if your smartphone camera crashes. Sometimes, your phone doesn't have enough space to save the video. As a result, the video file becomes damaged due to incomplete data.

Whatever the cause of your HDR Instagram video corruption, Repairit Video Repair can help. This industry-leading software repairs all kinds of video corruption. It is available for both Mac and Windows OS.

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  • Repair full HD, 4K, and 8K videos and support 20+ popular formats, including MOV, MP4, M2TS, MDT, RSV, WMV, MPEG, DAT, etc.

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  • Repair critically damaged or corrupted RAW/Log/HDR videos from professioanl cameras such as Blackmagic Design, RED Digital, and ARRI, etc.

  • Repairit has a quick and advanced scanning mode. You can use either depending on the level of corruption the video file has undergone.

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So, first, transfer your corrupted HDR videos to your computer. Then, repair them in these three simple steps using Repairit:

Step 1: Open Repairit Video Repair and switch on the "Professional Mode". Next, hit the +Add button to upload your corrupt HDR videos.

turn on pro mode and add your corrupt hdr videos

Step 2: Once your videos are uploaded, hit the Repair button to start the repair process.

click repair button to start repairing hdr videos for instagram

Step 3: The repair process will be complete soon. Once it's done, click Preview to preview your repaired files. Then, hit the Save button to save them.

preview your repaired instagram hdr videos then save them

Your videos are corruption-free. You can transfer them back to your phone and confidently upload them on Instagram.

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Part 3. Why Are Instagram HDR Videos Not Playing?

As much as HDT videos improve our Instagram experience, they aren't without their fair share of issues. One of these issues is HDR video playback problems on Android and iPhone.

You tap the Play button, but the video doesn't respond. Sometimes, the video may start playing and then freeze midway. Other times, your video will play, but with noticeable stuttering or lagging, disrupting the whole watching experience.

Whatever your situation, know you're not alone. A lot of people face this every day. In fact, a user on Reddit reported the following about HDR videos not playing on Instagram:

"I uploaded an HDR video that plays in HDR to my phone on Instagram. Instagram in the preview shows me the HDR badge at the top left, so it recognizes it as HDR. I posted it and the video indeed plays in HDR. But apparently, it's only for me. If I look at that video from a different account, it doesn't play in HDR. Any ideas? Thanks!"

The following are some of the possible causes for HDR videos on Instagram not playing:

  • Network problems: Unstable or slow internet can cause video lagging, buffering, or complete failure to play.
  • Device limitations: Your device could be insufficiently equipped to deal with the high processing demands of HDR videos. Old Android and iPhones, in particular, may struggle to play Instagram HDR videos efficiently.
  • Incorrect Settings: Incorrect device settings, such as display enhancements, can impact playback.
  • App Glitches: Glitches or bugs in the app can also affect HDR video playback. That's especially true if your application isn't up-to-date or Instagram's servers are down.

Part 4. How to Fix Instagram HDR Videos that Don't Play?

If you're an iPhone or Android user facing issues with HDR videos not playing on Instagram, try these methods and see which does:

Method 1: Update Instagram App

Your Instagram app needs to be up-to-date to allow you to enjoy smooth playback. The app developers release updates regularly to fix bugs and enhance performance.

On iPhone:

Step 1: Go to the App Store and tap your picture at the top of the screen.

Step 2: Scroll down to see if there are any updates.

Step 3: Tap Update next to Instagram or choose Update All to update the entire app list.

update instagram on iphone

On Android:

Step 1: Go to the Play Store and tap your profile at the top of the screen.

Step 2: Select the Manage Apps and Device option.

select manage apps and device

Step 3: Under "Updates available," select "See details." This will open a list of apps that need to be updated.

choose the see details option to update instagram on android

Step 4: If there are updates available for Instagram, the app will appear on the list. Tap Update next to the Instagram app to update.

Method 2: Adjust Screen Display Settings

You can adjust the screen display settings on your phone to fix "Instagram reels HDR not playing". The steps are straightforward.

On iPhone:

Step 1: Go to Settings and choose Display & Brightness.

go to settings and select display and brightness on iphone

Step 2: Set the APPEARANCE to Automatic and BRIGHTNESS to True Color - slide the switches to ON.

configure the settings for hdr support

On Android:

Step 1: Go to Settings and select Display & brightness (or Display).

Step 2: Ensure Auto brightness (or Video Enhancement) or equivalent setting is activated.

choose display and brightness and turn on auto brightness
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Method 3: Modify Instagram Settings

The Instagram app has a settings option called Data Saver. This option may restrict high-quality video playback to save data, which can interfere with HDR videos. To turn it off, follow these steps:

Step 1: Head on to your profile and tap the More icon (the three lines) in the top corner.

Step 2: Tap the Mobile data saving option.

select mobile data saving from the menu

Step 3: Ensure the Use less data mode is turned off.

Method 4: Clear App Cache

Sometimes, cached data can cause problems with video playback. To delete cache and data on your phone, follow a simple click-through process discussed below.

On iPhone:

Step 1: Follow the path Settings > General > iPhone Storage.

go to settings and select general then iphone storage

Step 2: Tap on Instagram, then tap Offload app. This action will remove the app on your device without removing the app data.

Step 3: Go to the App Store, reinstall Instagram and begin where you left off.

On Android:

Step 1: Go to Settings > App Management > App List (or Settings > Apps & Notifications).

go to settings and select app management to open the app list
icon note
Note: The steps may vary slightly, depending on your Android version.

Step 2: Find Instagram on the list of apps.

Step 3: Tap on it, and select the Storage usage (or Storage & Cache).

Step 4: Tap Manage space or Clear cache.

clear instagram cache and data on android

Part 5. How to Disable the HDR Video on Instagram?

In some cases, you might need to disable the HDR mode on Instagram for various reasons. For example, in an Apple Community thread, someone wanted to know how they could disable the feature. They felt that the glare somehow ruined their viewing experience at night.

It doesn't matter what reason you might have for disabling "Instagram reel HDR" mode. It's straightforward. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Tap your Instagram profile, then go to the menu (the three lines in the top right corner).

Step 2: Go to "Your Account,” then choose "App and Media."

Step 3: Locate the Media Quality option, then tap it.

Step 4: Slide the Disable HDR Video Playback button to off.

disable instagram hdr video playback
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Conclusion

You've learned everything you need to know about Instagram HDR video. You've learned that, in recent updates, Instagram now supports HDR (High-Dynamic-Range) video playback. You can upload HDR videos to Instagram in two ways: via settings or filters. We've also discussed different ways to fix the "HDR video on Instagram not playing" issue. So, if you encounter it, apply those possible solutions and see which works!

FAQ

  • Does Instagram support HDR video?
    Yes, Instagram now supports HDR video playback. HDR on Instagram enhances the video's visual quality. However, it can be overwhelming, particularly in low-light situations.
  • Why are HDR videos blurry on Instagram stories?
    Instagram HDR videos can be blurry for many reasons. These range from unstable internet to videos not being fully loaded. Sometimes, Instagram can automatically lower the video quality. That's especially so when you upload files with a poor internet connection.
Kelly Sherawat
Kelly Sherawat Feb 14, 25
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Kelly Sherawat
Written by Kelly Sherawat
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