If you’re dealing with the dreaded issue of an Instagram video being stuck when sending, I totally get how frustrating it can be. Whether it’s stuck in your DMs or simply won’t upload to your story, I’ve been there. Based on my experience and digging through various forums, I’ve gathered the best fixes, including what might be causing this issue in the first place and how to resolve it.
Common Causes of Instagram Videos Stuck Sending
Before diving into the fixes, let’s understand why this happens. Some common reasons include:
- Slow or Unstable Internet Connection: Your video won’t upload if your internet speed is slow or fluctuating.
- Outdated Instagram App: Not running the latest version can create bugs.
- Large or Incompatible Video File: Instagram has a file size limit, and if your video exceeds this, it may not send.
- Full Device Storage: Your phone’s storage might be the silent culprit that’s preventing your videos from sending. If you’re out of space, Instagram can’t process or upload the file.
- Cache Issues: Too much cached data can slow down the app, stopping media from being shared.
- Instagram Server Outages: If Instagram is down, you’ll just need to wait.
How I Fixed Instagram Video Stuck Sending
Fix 1. Check Device Storage
No Space for Media Processing: If your phone’s storage is full, Instagram won’t be able to process the media files. I’ve experienced this on both Android and iOS. Clearing up some storage space—by deleting unnecessary apps, photos, or videos—helps the app function properly. When your phone has no space left, not only will it block you from sending videos, but you also won’t be able to send any media with music, stickers, or other edits.
- Cache Issues: Full storage prevents the app from creating temporary files, which are necessary for sending videos.
- Can’t Attach Files: Without space, I’ve found it impossible to attach videos to my messages.
- Download Failures: If your phone’s storage is full, you also won’t be able to download media shared with you.
Fix 2. Check If Instagram Is Down
Before troubleshooting, I check if Instagram is facing an outage. I recommend using websites like DownDetector to see if others are having similar issues. If Instagram is down, waiting it out is all you can do.
Fix 3. Ensure Your Internet Connection is Strong
An unstable or weak internet connection is often the root cause. I typically switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data to see which gives me a more stable connection. Running a speed test helps too. If your connection is fine, but the video still won’t send, try restarting your router or moving closer to your Wi-Fi source.
Fix 4. Restart Your Device
Sometimes, restarting your phone can do wonders. It clears out temporary files and can fix bugs that might be stopping your videos from sending. I’ve had issues in the past that were resolved simply by powering off my phone and turning it back on.
Fix 5. Reduce Video File Size
Instagram has file size limits, and if your video exceeds 25 MB, it won’t send. I use video compression apps to shrink the file size without losing quality. Reducing the video size works especially well when sending through DMs or stories.
Fix 6. Convert the Video to a Supported Format
I’ve run into issues when trying to upload unsupported video formats. Instagram accepts MP4, MOV, and GIF files. If your video is in a different format, convert it to one of these using a file converter tool before uploading.
Fix 7. Clear Instagram App Cache
Over time, the app stores a lot of cached data, which can interfere with performance. Clearing the cache has fixed my video-sending problems more than once. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Instagram > Storage > Clear Cache. For iOS, you’ll need to delete and reinstall the app, as it doesn’t have a direct cache-clearing option.
Quick Summary
There are various reasons Instagram videos get stuck while sending, from internet issues to oversized files or even device storage problems. The fixes range from checking your internet connection, clearing cache, and reducing video size, to even restarting your phone or updating the app. If your device’s storage is full, the app won’t be able to process or send any media. Clearing up space should fix that.
I hope these tips work as well for you as they did for me! Feel free to leave a comment below if you’ve experienced similar issues or have more tips to share. Happy sharing!
