Optimizing Video Quality for Android on TikTok and Instagram Reels
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UPDATE 3/2/2024:
If your phone is from 2020+ jump to Latest Advancements in Android Phones (2021-2024).
If your phone is from 2019 or older, please keep reading.
UPDATE 3/24/2024:
So many Instagram strategists will try to say that editing is the same for both android and iPhone. When they're iPhone users themselves and don't know a thing about the problems Android users have! Editing and uploading is not the same for us. It is not a one box fits all, type of situation. I'm going to run through why this is today and what you can do about it to make Instagram Reels android quality a little bit more bearable.
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Why does my quality look shitty when I upload from an android?
As silly as this is going to sound, I ended up in arguments with people who tried to say their outdated iPhone was better than my high-quality android phone because of the quality that is shown on Instagram. And I just have to say, that is a big lie. It’s a big joke. It’s a mask. You cannot believe what you see, but it’s because of what I’m about to say that makes Apple iPhones the go-to phone when people are selecting to upgrade their phone or choose a phone in the first place.
Apple and Instagram (which is owned by Facebook that is now called Meta) have had this problem for ages now. It's nothing new, it didn't show up with reels, it's just been revisited. If you understand monopolies and capitalism... it makes sense. On the flip side, it also all comes down to app development and coding, and if you understand anything at all about this it's honestly the main driving force.
Basically, Instagram not being optimized for androids drives people who want to be creators away from androids and into the laps of Apple products aka capitalism at its finest. You could have a professional camera, and it’ll still dull the quality unless it is uploaded with an iPhone or iPad. If not, it's going to suck ass.
Watch this Shorts video about Adam Mosseri talking about Android phones and iPhones.
"Most of our users use android phones. Most of our creators use iPhones."
Now, before I get into this further, I don’t have this same problem when uploading to TikTok, but Instagram has admitted that they’re behind the competition substantially and it’s not just in terms of code, but also in the way TikTok’s algorithm works.
So what is it really? It literally comes down to coding, developing, and optimizing. They will say it's because all androids have a different camera sensor, but that doesn't make sense to me.
I can film on my android or DSLR, edit on my PC or android phone, and then upload it via iPad and it retains the quality.
But if I did the same thing, and uploaded it via my android phone it doesn't work.
Also, the Instagram android app doesn't have the same “high quality uploads” option to opt-in on Apple vs Android. Both do have the option, before only Apple only had it, but as of September 2022 both Android and Apple have the option. The android version does retain some of the quality with the opt-in. It is not, however, a miracle one size fits all approach.
To select this feature and toggle it on, go to your
Instagram account -> your feed page -> Settings -> Account -> Cellular Data Use
There are two options of why it's possibly not optimized:
Capitalism, for one. Drive the audience into the hands of a friend. You scratch each other's backs. Make it a luxury item. If these people want to be Instagram Influencers or Instagram Creators they NEED an Apple iPhone.
There's something within PC & android coding that is harder to optimize for than Apple products.
I understand both COMPLETELY. They both make complete sense! On the latter, take it from someone works on websites & has been coding from the age of 13, front end coding is just as bad as back-end coding. But I feel like back-end coding and development is so much worse. It is a headache. It is a nightmare. If you see anyone on TikTok posting about these kinds of jobs, it’s always the fact their code is being thrown off by 1 thing. ONE THING! A lot of people leave coding and developing because they hate their lives, it makes them miserable. Some people stay because… it makes them a lot of money.
Instagram hasn’t found the time nor the need to optimize its app for every android phone out there because anyone can clearly see the difference in android on Instagram quality vs Apple on Instagram. People on Reddit will blatantly say, they like android but move to iPhone because of the quality on Instagram. Mosseri said it himself, "Our creators mainly use Apple; our users mainly use android."
So your answer is this: Instagram Reels android quality sucks because it's optimized for iPhone creators, not android users. And if someone wants high-quality optimization, they usually find themselves moving to iPhone at some point in time.
To optimize Instagram Reels for android phones, it would probably still be multiple new lines of new code because there’s not just one android phone and I'm not entirely sure what is the key for optimization. I don’t make apps. Here are some android phone brands: Google Pixel, Samsung, OnePlus, Huawei, LG, Xiaomi, etc., etc., and then there are some really smaller named brands that we’ve barely ever heard about that are android also.
The majority of Americans use and own Apple products, but outside of America, androids run the world.
To be exact, 70.77% globally, as of August 2023. Not everyone can afford Apple products. They are a luxury item. When I go back to Poland, anyone who does own one is considered "rich" or "well-off" because they're 4x+ what the average person makes over there. In general, Androids are more affordable to get, especially since Apple has mentioned they age out their phones faster so outdated models won't work as well compared to all the newly released models. With Apple, you constantly need an upgrade, but with an android, they are, usually, built to last.
Moreover, I wish Instagram was a bit more transparent on this issue, but capitalism never is.
With that being said, the most recent android phones (2020, 2021, 2022, etc.) a lot more optimized for Instagram Reels compared to older models from 2019 and prior. The newer the phone, the better the optimization.
OnePlus 6t on Instagram Reels. The OnePlus 6t was released in 2018. These reels were uploaded in 2021.
The truth is coming out. Landmark lawsuit: United States vs. Apple
In the landmark lawsuit between the United States government and tech giant Apple, allegations have surfaced suggesting that Apple has been manipulating the playing field, not by enhancing its own products, but by deliberately diminishing the quality of competitors' offerings, particularly on Android or third party devices. This move, it is argued, is a strategy to consolidate Apple's monopoly power in the market.
"Apple has been rigging the game," the lawsuit contends, "by consolidating its monopoly power not by making its own products better but by making other products worse." The crux of the argument lies in Apple's conscious product decisions aimed at rendering non-Apple devices, like Android smartphones, subpar in user experience. This deliberate strategy, it is alleged, makes it incredibly inconvenient for users to operate outside the Apple ecosystem, thereby driving them towards purchasing Apple products.
"They've done things artificially to make other companies unable to compete effectively," the lawsuit asserts. The contention is that users might feel less attached to their iPhones if they could access cheaper Android alternatives that offer comparable functionality.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has taken a serious stance on the matter. The argument extends to the broader implications of Apple's actions on consumer perception, creating a narrative that positions any other phone or app as inferior, while in reality, it's Apple blocking functionality.
The grip of the iPhone, particularly on teens, has not escaped the scrutiny of the DOJ. Despite constituting only about 23% of smartphones worldwide, Apple commands approximately 70% of the US smartphone market, indicating a significant market presence that warrants regulatory attention.
In response to the lawsuit, Apple contends that it threatens the very essence of the company and the principles that set its products apart in fiercely competitive markets. "This lawsuit threatens who we are and the principles that set Apple products apart," Apple argues. It warns that if successful, it would hinder Apple's ability to innovate and create the kind of technology consumers expect.
In essence, the lawsuit brings to light the intricate interplay between competition, consumer choice, and market dominance, as well as the potential consequences of actions that could stifle innovation and restrict consumer options.
I have been diligently researching and will continue to update this post as events develop.
Ultimately, the truth is coming out. If you want to become a creator on Instagram and have trending reels & photos with millions of views you need an iPhone or Apple product because of the superior user experience it offers not just for you but for others. And Apple makes sure of that, deliberately.
This blog post was originally published in February 2022, this post provides insights into the current state of affairs and offers solutions for improving quality on Android devices. While the fixes and workarounds I've discovered may not be flawless, they offer viable alternatives. If you're seeking assistance, keep reading for valuable insights and guidance.
What can I do to fix the quality?
So as I mentioned, there are a few workarounds for this entire issue. It’s not going to be a complete fix, unfortunately. But these all have been tested, and that’s why I’m bringing them to light. If you’re an android user by choice, like me, you probably already know them. If you’re not, because you can’t afford an iPhone, I’ll try to make it as simple as possible for you.
Workaround #1 - Film in 4k or 4k 60 FPS.
This one is probably going to be the easiest workaround for decent quality on Instagram Reels via android device. They don’t support 4k, but if you film in 1080p and upload in 1080p, it’s not going to be 1080p. It’s going to be somewhere around 240p if not even lower. It’s absolute garbage, unusable, unwatchable, a disgrace!
For some reason, Instagram really compresses the fuck out Android phones. I’m telling you it’s not the same for Apple products. So when you upload a 4k vertical video to Instagram Reels, it’s not going to be 1080p, it’ll be like 480p or 720p. Compared to uploading a 1080p video, it becomes 240p or lower, like shown above.
If you’re going to be editing your video on your phone, make sure to use CapCut or VN because both allow you to export to 4k 60fps, the highest resolution possible. That way, you’re pretty much being rest assured your Instagram Reel will be decently legible after uploading and compressing.
Now, this isn’t ideal. 4k and 4k 60fps take up A LOT of space on your phone, and really drags the battery level down. Don't even think about backing this up to Google Photos because it takes up too much room. I'm actually pretty glad I don't have to do this workaround anymore.
It works, but of course, the video quality isn’t perfect. Honestly, I have also noticed if I upload a 4k 60fps video to Instagram Reels with no music or text, the quality is about 720p which is really decent. But the second you add music or text, that’s when it shoots down to 480p. I don’t know why that is, but again I don’t have the same problem with TikTok and this other workaround I have.
Workaround #2 - Get a cheap Apple iPhone/iPad
This clearly isn’t going to be everyone’s favorite method because you still need to shell out $150ish for an Apple product just so you have good quality Instagram Reels, Instagram Stories, and Instagram videos on their app.
For me, I have my mom’s iPhone 6s that she doesn’t use (she prefers her android; she’s 65 by the way), and I also own an Apple iPad 7th generation. I got it about 2 years ago? But I use my iPad almost every day, and I don’t know why I didn’t think of this workaround sooner.
Basically, I had this theory. The theory goes like this:
It doesn’t matter what you film and edit on, professional camera, point and shoot camera, android phone, PC editing software, as long as you upload it via an Apple product. Uploading it via an Apple product such as an iPhone or iPad will make the quality stick.
And guess what happened? It worked. It’s night and day, such a difference. I’m flabbergasted, but not surprised.
I filmed 1080p on my OnePlus 6t. I filmed 2 things: one I edited on VN and exported it as 1080p, 30fps, BitRate at Default.
The other, I filmed 1080p on my phone and didn’t do any editing to it. Both of which I uploaded to my Google Drive, and from Google Drive, I downloaded both videos to my iPad. Through my iPad, I uploaded both videos and the result is INSANE. No compression. No wonkiness. It is exactly as it’s supposed to be just because I uploaded it via an Apple product! Again, that’s insane, but it proves everything I’m writing here!
Instagram is fake. Your android camera isn’t the problem, it’s Instagram and their monopoly. Not everyone can be influencers. It's a luxury, and if you want a part of that luxury then you need to think like a creator and have an Apple product which is another luxury.
But it's also a monopoly because how many little accounts do you see on your feed? Barely any. It’s all cluttered by big named brands and influencers. But Instagram is still a major app to optimize for when trying to have a business when trying to be a blogger when trying to do anything. Unfortunately, even if you prefer androids you may just have to supply yourself with an outdated iPhone or get an iPad to do all the uploading for you.
Workaround #3 - APK Packs
This one I’m not too fond of. Some people swear by them, but privacy and security reasons are what keep me away from this option. It works, but I can’t guarantee it’s 100% safe.
So basically, there are these 2 APK packs InstaPro and Instander. They’re standalone apps that you won’t find in the PlayStore. You have to download it online and install it on your device. It’s the same thing as Instagram, you sign in via Instagram, but it has more options. You can turn off ads, they’ve optimized uploads to Reels and posts for android users. It’s not a bad workaround. There are definitely some people who do it and choose this method.
I don’t see why Instagram doesn’t just hire these people to do the optimization for their app for android users, but then again when you think again, it’s obvious why. Money. Monopoly. It’s worked out for them so well to not ever have to optimize for android users vs other apps who do and have to otherwise they fail flat on their face because they don’t have an android app or it doesn’t work well for Android users.
Again, I wouldn’t recommend this one unless you’re totally cool with it. I was doing Workaround #1 for a while until I figured it out and realized, I should be uploading via my iPad or an outdated iPhone.
How is uploading to TikTok & Instagram Reels not the same?
TikTok does compress my videos a little bit, but not as much as Instagram has in the past. The quality has a substantial difference. I could film in 1080p for TikTok and it uploads just fine. Not much changes to the quality, as shown in the examples above.
And if I don’t film in natural lighting, it gets worse. Again, also if you add text to the screen on Instagram, it compresses your video making it uglier further. These are the SAME video just on different platforms.
Will Instagram ever update its app for android creators?
They probably never will, and even if they do, it wouldn’t be for anything older than a 2021 release phone. If they do, it would be very surprising, and it wouldn’t be as close to exactly as iPhone quality is portrayed on the platform.
A lot of us will just have to accept androids and iPhones have vastly different features available to them.
As disheartening as it is, it's not going to be what makes me choose an iPhone over my Android. I'll always continue to use both systems equally because I love and admire technology.
Latest Advancements in Android Phones (2021-2024)
When it comes to the latest android models, most are already equipped and have adapted to social media. Everyone heard our pleas and cries, a lot of these android phones work great as is, and no scheming around is necessary. Case in point, any of the reels I posted on the @colormiamazing Instagram page are uploaded via my Google Pixel 6.
But that isn’t to say it’s equally competitive to the iPhone. As of updating this blog post, March 16, 2024, I now am the proud owner of an iPhone 15. I still own my Google Pixel 6 though.
I wrote a blog post on why I decided to finally make the switch from being just team android, for 11 years, to owning both an iPhone and an android, you can click to read it here.
I’m sure you’ve seen what your friends or social media influencers can do to their stories or how vastly different their feeds look on their iPhones compared to your android. And that’s because iPhone and android, despite now sharing similar quality, they’re still never going to see completely eye to eye. iPhone IS better on Instagram than an android.
Android may have the most phone customization availability and control, but iPhones are pretty up there too now, if not more so. No launcher needed. iPhone also has the most control over what you can do on Instagram and probably other social media apps.
Like I mentioned, anything on an android phone that was released from 2021 onwards, doesn’t need any special fixes. It looks great as is. You just don’t have all the extra razzle dazzle an iPhone has.
All in all,
I hope this clarified some things for some people regarding android quality on Instagram Reels. One size does not fit all, clearly. You have to listen to someone who understands this type of mumbo jumbo, unfortunately.
Time and time again, every Instagram strategist think androids are the same as iPhones when they’re not. I’ve proved my point pretty well today if I say so myself.
Oh and I'm sorry if this isn't the answer you were exactly looking for, but it's the harsh truth and nothing but the truth.
If you have any questions or comments, leave one down below and I’ll get back to you at my earliest convenience. Thanks for reading!
Till next time!
~Diana
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