File-Upload API requirements
In order to successfully publish a video or a picture via Swat.io, the uploaded file must meet the specifications required by the interface (API).
Important: Swat.io has no control over the requirements of the interface, as the APIs are provided and managed directly by the respective social medias. Accordingly, the requirements vary depending on the platform.
What happens in case of a non-compliant upload?
If you upload a file to Swat.io that does not meet the requirements of the API, you will see a blue notification banner directly in Publisher:
This notification is intended to inform you that the file does not meet the specifications of the respective platform. In most cases, it will also provide specific details on which file specifications need adjustment for the upload to be successful.
Instagram Reels format & size requirements
Reels (videos) published via the Instagram API must meet the following format requirements:
Specification | Requirements |
Format | MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14) |
Audio | AAC, max. 48 kHz, Stereo |
Codec | HEVC or H264 (progressive scan, closed GOP, 4:2:0 Chroma-Subsampling) |
Frame-Rate | 23-60 FPS |
Resolution | Max. width 1920 pixels |
Aspect Ratio | 9:16 (recommended), to avoid cropping or empty areas |
Video Bitrate | Max. 25 Mbps |
Audio Bitrate | 128 Kbps |
Video Length | min. 3 sec - max. 15 min. |
File Size | Max. 300 MB |
Duration and processing time
The upload and publishing process on Instagram can take up to 30 minutes or more, as Instagram first internally processes the videos.
Swat.io regularly checks if Instagram has finished processing, then automatically publishes the video.
If no confirmation from Instagram is received within 30 minutes, the upload will be marked as failed in the post's activity log.
Info: Once transferred to Instagram, Swat.io no longer has any control over the upload process.
Upload issues and errors
Sometimes, video publishing fails without Instagram providing specific reasons. Common causes include:
Violations of Instagram’s copyright or content guidelines.
Technical issues on Instagram's side.
Failure to meet Instagram’s format and size requirements (e.g., incorrect format, excessive file size).
Always verify if your videos were successfully published after an automatic upload. If you encounter issues, retry uploading after a brief waiting period or alternatively upload your video directly through the Instagram app.
Important: Always ensure your videos meet Instagram’s detailed format and size guidelines to avoid upload errors. Should the uploaded video not meet the required specifications, the post cannot be published and an error message will be displayed in the activity log.
Captions
The following captions can be published via the Instagram Reels API.
Captions with text (maximum 2200 characters)
Captions with hashtags (maximum 2200 characters, 30 hashtags)
Captions with links (maximum 2200 characters, 30 hashtags, and 20 @mentions.)
Tagging accounts in photos or videos
When creating an Instagram post in Swat.io, you can tag Instagram accounts directly within the video or photo. These tags appear as clickable markers once the post is published, allowing you to visually highlight partners, brands or other profiles directly within your content:
This functionality works the same way for image posts and multi-image posts (carousel). Unfortunately, tagging within Stories is not supported, as the Instagram API does not currently allow this.
Other functionalities within Swat.io-Composer
Share the Reel in your home-feed
Create thumbnail for the reel
Reels community-management
For all Reels published via Swat.io, a unique ticket is created in Inbox, which will be archived right away. After a first comment from a viewer, it is re-opened and will be visible in Inbox' "new"-section. The following types of comments are imported (no matter in which composition):
Comments with text characters
Comments with links
Comments with emojis
Comments with special characters
Reel analytics & reports
Instagram provides us with the following data for Reels, which are displayed in Swat.io:
Data on community size
Data on community interaction
Data on comments
Data on reach
Data about the post itself (e.g. likes)