How to Fix Instagram Reels Not Uploading on Desktop? (Causes & Fixes for 2025)
Instagram finally lets you post Reels from your PC; no more scrambling for your phone. But when things don’t work? It’s enough to drive you up the wall when videos are stuck posting, with random errors and blurry content after hours of editing.
If you complain about Instagram Reels not uploading on Desktop, it usually boils down to a handful of easily fixable issues. This guide cuts through the clutter and shows you how to get them sent smoothly, quickly, easily, and right from your computer.
Why Are Instagram Reels Not Uploading on Desktop?
Several technical and network-related issues can cause sharing to become stuck or fail to complete. Let’s break down the most common reasons why Instagram Reels don’t upload on Desktop and how to identify them.
- Unsupported Instagram video format other than MP4 or MOV
- Incorrect Instagram Reels aspect ratio in place of between 1.91:1 and 9:16, with 9:16 preferred
- Video resolution below 720p or file size exceeding 4GB
- Frame rate below 30 FPS
- Video upload problems due to slow or unstable internet
- App glitches or outdated browser versions
- Instagram Reel stuck uploading or errors due to cache or data settings
- VPN or proxy interfering with upload features
- Feature rollout is not available in your region yet
How to Fix Instagram Reels Not Uploading on Desktop?
This section outlines practical, straightforward solutions to help you identify the problem. If you face Instagram Reels desktop upload issues and resolve them effectively, follow this step-by-step troubleshooting list:
| What to Do | Details / Where to Find |
| Switch Wi-Fi or disable VPN/proxy settings | Ensure a stable connection for streaming; restart your router |
| Update your browser and clear its cache | Update Browser: Menu → Help/About → Update → Restart
Clear Browser Cache: Menu → Settings/Privacy → Clear Data → Select Cache → Clear |
| Fully close and reopen Instagram | Android: Force stop the app, iPhone: Swipe the app away |
| Disable Low Power Mode (iOS) or
Power Saving Mode (Android) |
Android: Settings > Battery & Device Care, iOS: Settings > Battery > Low Power Mode |
| Visit Instagram Support for outage reports | Instagram’s official help pages or Twitter |
| Update Instagram to the latest version | Google Play Store or Apple App Store |
| Clear app cache or reinstall Instagram | Android: Settings > Apps > Instagram, iPhone: Delete & reinstall app |
| Close unnecessary apps running behind Instagram | Android: Recent apps menu, iPhone: App Switcher |
| Reboot your phone to fix minor glitches | Power off/on the device |
| Report issues via the Instagram app | Profile > Settings > Help > Report a Problem |
| Adjust Instagram Data Settings | Disable “Upload at highest quality” in Instagram Settings under Data Usage or Media Quality. |
| Update Your Phone Software | Check for system updates on Android or iOS to ensure compatibility |
| Check & Optimize Video Specs | Use tools like MiniTool MovieMaker to convert to MP4 or MOV and adjust the resolution and aspect ratio. |
How to Upload Instagram Reels from Desktop?
If Instagram Reels don’t upload on Desktop, it’s often due to unreliable sharing methods. Use these proven strategies to post confidently from your PC.
· Upload Directly via Instagram Web Interface
While editing features are limited on PC, uploading Reels this way is straightforward and dependable. It’s ideal if your video is already edited and ready to go; drag, drop, and post without relying on external tools or extensions.
This method works well for fixing Instagram Reels not uploading on Desktop, quick updates, polished content, or when you’re managing your brand from a desktop setup.
- Go to instagram.com and log in
- Click the “+” icon to create a new post
- Select “Choose from computer” and pick your video
- Ensure your video follows Instagram Reels upload requirements
- Add Instagram reels cover photos, captions, hashtags, and location tags
- Post your Reel
· Use Chrome Extensions
If you want more control when posting from your PC, “Inssist”, “Desktop for Instagram” and “Flume” are reputable Chrome extensions that simulate the app’s mobile interface. They support Reels and offer more posting flexibility than the web version, and the Instagram Reels desktop upload issues decrease.
- Install the Instagram extension on Chrome.
- Log in to Instagram via the extension
- Click “+” and select “Reels”
- Upload your video from your PC
- Add captions, hashtags, and a cover photo
- Share your Reel
Clear Tips Table for “How to Fix Instagram Reels Not Uploading on Desktop”
| What to Do | Details / Where to Find |
| Switch Wi-Fi or disable VPN/proxy settings | Ensure a stable connection for streaming; restart your router |
| Update your browser | Menu → Help/About → Update → Restart |
| Clear browser cache | Menu → Settings/Privacy → Clear Data → Select Cache → Clear |
| Fully close and reopen Instagram | Android: Force stop app, iPhone: Swipe app away |
| Disable Low Power Mode (iOS) or Power Saving Mode (Android) | Android: Settings > Battery & Device Care,
iOS: Settings > Battery > Low Power Mode |
| Visit Instagram Support for outage reports | Instagram official help pages or Twitter |
| Update Instagram to the latest version | Google Play Store or Apple App Store |
| Clear app cache or reinstall Instagram | Android: Settings > Apps > Instagram,
iPhone: Delete & reinstall app |
| Close unnecessary apps running in the background | Android: Recent apps menu,
iPhone: App Switcher |
| Reboot your phone | Power off/on the device to fix minor glitches |
| Report issues via the Instagram app | Profile, Settings, Help, Report a Problem |
| Adjust Instagram data settings | Disable “Upload at highest quality” under Data Usage or Media Quality |
| Update your phone software | Check for system updates on Android or iOS |
| Check & optimize video specs | Use tools like MiniTool MovieMaker to convert to MP4 or MOV, adjust resolution and aspect ratio |
Summary
Don’t let the Reels upload problem on PC hold you back. By fine-tuning your settings and utilizing the right tools, you can streamline the upload process and concentrate on sharing your creativity; no more delays, no more frustration, just smooth, reliable posting from your Desktop. Take control and share your Reels with ease.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced about the article’s topic? Have you found any tricks that work particularly well? Share your experiences or questions below, let’s help each other get those Reels live without a hitch and solve Instagram Reels not uploading on Desktop.
Why Instagram Reels don’t upload on Desktop?
It usually stems from various reasons, such as unsupported video formats, incorrect aspect ratios, or unstable internet connections.
Can you upload reels on Instagram desktop?
Yes, you can do this via Instagram’s web interface or Chrome extensions.
Why is my Instagram Reel stuck uploading?
Browser cache issues, slow internet connections, or interference from VPNs or proxies often cause stuck uploads.
What are the proven ways to fix Instagram Reels not working?
You can check your internet connection, update and clear your browser cache and turn off VPNs.
How do I fix blurry Instagram Reels on Desktop?
Make sure your video meets Instagram’s resolution and format requirements.