How to Make a Square Video for Instagram: 3 Easy Ways Anyone Can Try

Have you ever noticed how some videos fit perfectly on your Instagram feed, with nothing cropped out and everything centered just right? That's the charm of the square video format. Square video for Instagram uses a 1:1 aspect ratio, making it look clean and professional on your main feed or profile grid.

If you've ever posted a video and found that an important part was cut off, you're not alone. In this guide, we'll walk you through simple and effective ways to turn any video into a square video for Instagram while keeping all the key details in the frame.

Part 1. Instagram Aspect Ratio Guidelines

Before you make a square video for Instagram, it's important to understand the different aspect ratios supported by this platform. Each format has its ideal use, and choosing the right format can help your content look smoother and perform better.

Here's a quick overview of the most common aspect ratios on Instagram:

While vertical videos are ideal for Stories and Reels, and landscape works well for cinematic content, a square video for Instagram strikes a perfect balance. It fits naturally in the Instagram feed and profile grid without awkward cropping, making it a smart choice for many types of posts.

Tip: Whichever format you choose, always start with a high-quality video to get the best results after editing.

If you're wondering how to make a video square for Instagram without losing important details, don't worry. This guide will provide you with three simple methods:

1. Cropping: Best for users who want full control over how the video is framed and are okay with manual adjustments.
2. Auto Reframe (Recommended): Great for dynamic videos with moving subjects. This method automatically keeps the main focus in the center.
3. Online Video Cropper: A quick way to create a square video for Instagram without downloading any software.

Part 2. How to Make a Video Square for Instagram by Cropping

One of the most straightforward ways to make a video square for Instagram is by cropping. This method gives you full control over how your video is framed. However, it's important to keep the subject centered. If it's too far off to one side, the subject could be unintentionally cut out.

For this task, we recommend using Wondershare Filmora, an effective yet powerful video editor available on desktop and mobile. Whether editing on your phone or your computer, Filmora makes it simple to crop your video into a perfect square.

How to Make a Video Square for Instagram on Mobile

Step 1. Open the Filmora mobile app and import the video you want to crop.

Step 2. Tap on the Trim menu in the left side corner. Next, select the Crop .

Step 3. Select the 1:1 aspect ratio to switch your video to square format.

Step 4. Pinch and drag to reposition or resize the video frame as you need.

Preview your video to ensure the subject remains in view. Once you are satisfied, export and save your square video, which is ready for Instagram.

Bonus: Make a Square Instagram Reel Using an AI Reel Maker

If you want to create Reels specifically and prefer a faster, automated one, consider using Filmora's AI Reel Maker. This tool lets you generate content from templates and offers a 1:1 aspect ratio option to ensure it fits perfectly on your Instagram profile grid.

How to use AI Reel Maker:

1. Open your Filmora mobile app and select the AI Reel Maker
2. Import the clips that you want to make into a reel video
3. Customize from video theme, mood, sound, music style, and choose a 1:1 aspect ratio for square video format. Then, tap Generate to process it.
4. After the video has been generated, preview it and make edits if needed. Click export to save your Square video.

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How to Make a Video Square for Instagram on Desktop

Step 1. Launch Filmora on your desktop and select New Project. Then, import the video you want to crop.

Drag the video to the timeline to start cropping your video to a square for Instagram.

Step 2. To access the Crop option, right-click the video and choose Crop and Zoom.

Step 3. Tap the Ratio dropdown list, then select the 1:1 aspect ratio to switch your video to square format. Click Apply to crop the video.

Step 4. Preview your video to make sure the subject remains in view. Once you're happy with the result, click Export and save your square video.

While cropping gives you control, it also has the risk of cutting out important elements, especially if your subject is off-center. If you want a smarter automated solution that keeps the focus on your subject without manual adjustments, check out the next section.

Part 3. How to Make a Square Video for Instagram Using Auto Reframe

If your video has a lot of movement or your subject shifts around the frame, cropping manually might not give the best results. In this case, using Auto Reframe is a smarter and faster way to create a square-sized video for Instagram.

Filmora's Auto Reframe feature, available on the desktop version, uses AI to automatically track and keep the main subject in focus, even when the subject moves. This means you don't have to worry about the subject being accidentally cropped out.

How to use Filmora Auto Reframe:

Step 1. After launching Filmora, you'll find the Auto Reframe option in the AI Toolbox on the right side. Click it to open the reframing feature.

Step 2. Drag or import the video you want to Auto Reframe.

Step 3. Once the video has been imported, there are several aspect ratio templates available. Choose the aspect ratio you prefer (select 1:1 for square-sized videos for Instagram).

If needed, select the Motion Speed from Auto, Fast, or Slow. Then, click the Analyze button to process the Auto Reframe.

Step 4. Once Filmora's analysis is complete, the video will be automatically adjusted to match your chosen aspect ratio and playback speed.

Preview the result, export it directly, or select Add to Timeline for further editing.

Part 4. How to Make a Video Square for Instagram Online

If you don't want to install software or need a quick solution, an online video editor can be the perfect tool. One great option is Flixier, which lets you easily create a square video for Instagram right from your browser.

Flixier is fast, intuitive, and works well for basic edits. It's useful when you're short on time or working from a different device. However, online editors typically have limitations, such as fewer customization features and sometimes slower performance on large files.

How to make a square video for Instagram using Flixier:

Step 1. Visit Flixier's Square Video Tool.

Step 2. Click Choose Video to upload your clip from your device, or import it from cloud services like Google Drive.

Step 3. Once your video is uploaded, it will appear on the timeline. Then, in the aspect ratio section, set the canvas to a 1:1 aspect ratio to convert your video into a square format.

Step 4. Preview the square video result and ensure the subject is properly centered. Optionally, add simple enhancements like text or a background blur if needed.

Step 5. When you're done, click Export to download your square video for Instagram.

Conclusion

So, now that you've read the complete guide, creating the perfect square video for Instagram feels a lot easier, doesn't it? You can edit on your phone, desktop, or even directly in your browser.

If you like having full control, cropping is the way to go. If you prefer a smarter and quicker option, Filmora's Auto Reframe keeps your subject centered easily. For simple, on-the-go edits, Flixier is a handy online tool.

Each method has its benefits, so you can choose what fits your style and workflow. With the right tools, making square videos can be smooth, creative, and surprisingly fun.

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