How to Fix Instagram Stories Not Uploading
- Difficulty
- Beginner
Step by step
Check your internet connection
Test your connection by opening a web browser or another app that requires internet. Switch between Wi-Fi and cellular data to identify connectivity issues. Instagram requires a stable connection to upload media files.
Note: Upload Stories on Wi-Fi when possible — cellular data restrictions can block large file uploads.Force close and restart Instagram
On iPhone, swipe up and swipe Instagram off the screen. On Android, tap the recent apps button and swipe Instagram away. Reopen the app and attempt your upload again.
Clear Instagram's cache
On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Instagram > Storage > Clear Cache. On iPhone, this requires deleting and reinstalling the app. Cache corruption frequently causes upload failures.
Note: Clear cache weekly to prevent recurring upload issues.Check file size and format
Instagram Stories support MP4 videos up to 4GB and JPEG/PNG images. Videos should be under 15 seconds for single uploads. Compress large files or convert unsupported formats before uploading.
Note: Use 9:16 aspect ratio for optimal display — Instagram automatically crops other ratios.Update the Instagram app
Open the App Store or Google Play Store and search for Instagram. Tap Update if available. Outdated app versions often have compatibility issues with Instagram's servers.
Restart your device
Hold the power button and follow your device's restart procedure. This clears temporary system files and resets network connections that may interfere with uploads.
Note: Restart resolves memory issues that cause apps to malfunction during uploads.Try uploading from camera roll
If recording directly in Instagram fails, record your video or take your photo using your device's camera app first. Then select it from your camera roll when creating a Story.
Note: Camera roll uploads bypass Instagram's camera processing, which can fail on older devices.