Instagram Posts: Image or Video Clip?
Should you post images or video clips on Instagram? Discover a 2025 practical guide with comparisons, stats, and tips to boost your reach and engagement.
Hello,
Instagram has become an essential platform for businesses and creators building their online presence.
But one question keeps coming back in recent months: should you focus on static images — once the standard — or video clips (Reels, Stories), which now dominate the trends?
The answer depends on your goals, your audience… and an undeniable fact: video wins. According to Brand’s JoinStatus, Reels reach an average of 30.8%, more than double the reach of images at 13.1% (brands.joinstatus.com).
This confirms that video grabs more attention, even if creating and uploading it requires more resources.
In this article:
Learn why video now dominates Instagram and how to use it to maximize your reach.
Instantly compare the strengths and limitations of static images and Reels clips with our practical chart.
Get actionable tips on balancing your strategy: when to focus on images, when to bet on clips.
Enjoy reading, Marketers!
MusicScore: This article was written while listening to Pretenders. Here’s your perfect companion track: Kid.
Instagram is No Longer Square: The Grid Evolution
Since early 2025, Instagram officially changed its profile grid display, moving from square previews (1:1) to rectangular ones (4:5 or 3:4), better suited for vertical formats like Reels or Stories.
Why? Most shared content today is vertical. Reels keep their full 9:16 ratio, but in the grid view, Instagram automatically crops them for consistency.
Consequences:
For carefully curated feeds, this update sometimes “broke” visual harmony, with some content unexpectedly cropped.
Vertical formats now get better visibility in the main feed. Reels, boosted by the algorithm, can generate 36% more reach than classic posts, and up to 125% more than static images.
Creators are adapting quickly: using optimized 1080x1350 px visuals, focusing more on vertical storytelling, and relying on tools like Adjust Preview to manage their grids.
In short: Instagram no longer bets on the square. It’s all about vertical, immersive experiences — with Reels leading the way.
Are Images Still Worth It?
We’ve all asked ourselves: is it still worth making square visuals, or visuals at all, for Instagram?
The short answer: Yes. Images still matter, but their role is not the same as before.
Square visuals (1:1)
Still useful for: LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Facebook, where squares remain versatile.
On Instagram: Squares still display correctly, but don’t stand out as much in the feed.
Limit: They feel more “safe” and multi-platform than optimized for Instagram’s algorithm.
Vertical visuals (4:5 and 9:16)
Now a priority.
4:5 (1080x1350) posts take more screen space in the feed, boosting visibility.
9:16 (Reels, Stories, Shorts, TikTok) dominate both reach and engagement.
Bottom line: vertical wins. Squares are now “complementary” formats.
Static visuals in general
Why they’re still essential:
Deliver a clear message instantly (date, promo, announcement).
Act as branding anchors for your visual identity.
But: Instagram’s algorithm boosts video over images.
Best practice: combine both — one strong image + one Reel telling the story.
Mixing Formats in 2025
Images remain Instagram’s DNA. A well-designed post can:
Highlight a product or service instantly.
Strengthen your brand identity.
Be reused across platforms (Facebook, LinkedIn, website).
But once the “backbone” is set, Reels and Stories take over. These formats offer immersion: motion, sound, storytelling. And the numbers don’t lie: video formats don’t just expand reach, they also drive more engagement — likes, shares, and comments.
A clip is essentially a mini-story, capable of sparking emotion, humanizing your brand, and creating instant connection. Something static images can’t always achieve.
Instagram Posts: Image or Video Clip? A Practical 2025 Guide
Quick Comparison
Many marketers wonder if images still matter in the age of Reels. The answer is balance.
This table highlights the strengths and limitations of each format:
Static images: simple, low-cost, and long-lasting in feeds.
Clips (Reels, Stories): require more work but stand out for engagement and virality.
Depending on your goal, clarity, branding, interaction, or visibility, use this comparison to decide or mix formats to maximize impact.
Examples to Inspire You
Image: A product photo announcing a new collection with price and release date.
Clip: A Reel showing behind-the-scenes prep for the launch.
Image: A clean announcement of an event (title + date).
Clip: A teaser with music or humor to invite participation.
Conclusion
There is no absolute “right” or “wrong” format.
Images remain vital for branding, clarity, and long-term presence.
Clips are the clear winner for visibility, emotion, and engagement.
In 2025, the golden rule is simple: test, track your stats, and let your audience show you what works best.
Jeff Maheux
Sources:
Brand’s JoinStatus — Reels reach 30.8% vs 13.1% for images: brands.joinstatus.com
Media & Social Insiders — Avg engagement: Reels 0.50% vs Images 0.45%: dashsocial.com, socialinsider.io, brands.joinstatus.com
Cr images: Production Services W+M.
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Instagram has shifted from static images to video-first formats. But should you still invest in images? Discover our 2025 comparison guide with tips, stats, and examples.