Why Won’t My Instagram Video Load? (2025 Guide)

You’re ready to relax or post something important, only to stare at a frozen loading circle, a black screen, or an endlessly buffering video, prompting the common question: Why won’t my Instagram video load?

This issue can occur when browsing, watching stories, or posting, disrupting your experience and becoming increasingly common across iPhones, Android devices, and even desktop browsers. If this sounds familiar and you’re facing issues with Instagram videos not loading, the following guide is precisely what you need.

Why Are Instagram Videos Not Playing?

Several different factors can interfere with apps. The cause for the Instagram playback problem might be something simple. Common reasons include:

Removed Video: The video may have been removed by the original uploader.
Power-saving Mode: Power-saving mode may block media from playing.
Unstable Internet: Weak or spotty internet connections can cause Instagram videos to freeze.
Corrupt App Cache/Data: Damaged data files may prevent smooth video playback.
Outdated App: Running an old version of Instagram can lead to compatibility problems.
Low Storage Space: If your device is nearly complete, apps might malfunction.
Incompatible Software: Some app versions may not work well on older operating systems, resulting in Instagram video loading issues.
Server Glitches: Instagram’s servers occasionally experience outages or maintenance issues.
Missing Permissions: The app may fail to play videos if the correct permissions are not granted.
Interference by VPNs and Ad Blockers: These can disrupt video streaming.
Account Anomalies: Your account may be experiencing specific issues.
Conflicting Apps: Other apps running in the background could affect performance, causing Instagram video errors.

How to Fix Instagram Videos That Won’t Play?

Here are proven methods to help you resolve the issue of Instagram videos not loading or playing. Each solution targets a specific problem. Try the steps in order, and one of them should resolve the issue.

· Check Your Internet Connection

An unstable connection can prevent videos from loading. If you’re on a cellular data plan, switch to a reliable Wi-Fi network. If using Wi-Fi, try opening a website in Safari to test connectivity.

· Reset Your Network Settings and Retry

Resetting the network settings can help eliminate hidden connectivity issues, such as Instagram videos not loading on Android and iPhone devices.

Once done, reconnect to Wi-Fi or cellular data and try playing the Instagram videos again.

For Android:
Go to Settings > System (or Backup & Reset) > Reset Options > Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile & Bluetooth > tap Reset Settings.
For iPhone:
Head to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > choose Reset Network Settings.
Enter your device passcode and confirm the action.
Note: This will remove saved Wi-Fi passwords.

· Restart the Instagram App

Sometimes, the app needs a quick refresh to function correctly.

iPhone: Swipe up and close the app, then relaunch it.
Android: Use the Recent Apps button to force close and restart the app.

· Reboot Your Device to Fix Instagram Videos.

A quick restart can cause background glitches that may trigger playback issues on Instagram.

iPhone: Press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons to shut down and restart.
Android: Press and hold the power button and select “Restart.”

· Update Instagram to the Latest Version

Update your Instagram version to avoid compatibility issues and prevent Instagram videos from getting stuck on loading.

iPhone: Check the App Store for updates under your profile.
Android: Open Google Play > My Apps & Games > Update Instagram if available.

· Disable Video Autoplay (Cellular Only)

Adjust your Instagram settings to reduce mobile data usage and improve loading times. While you can’t turn off autoplay on Wi-Fi, you can reduce data usage on cellular to resolve Instagram playback errors:

Open Instagram > Tap your profile > Menu > Settings.
Select “Account” > “Cellular Data Use”.
Enable “Use Less Data”.

· Clear Instagram’s App Cache

Clean out temporary files stored by the app to improve performance.

On iPhone:

iPhones don’t offer a “clear cache” button, but you can offload the app:

Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
Find and tap Instagram, then select Offload App.
Reinstall the app from the App Store afterward.

On Android:

Go to Settings > Apps > Instagram > Storage > Clear Cache. You may also clear data if needed.

· Review App Permissions

Ensure Instagram has access to essential device features to correct Instagram videos that are not loading.

iPhone: Go to Settings > Instagram and enable all necessary permissions.
Android: Settings > Apps > Instagram > Permissions > toggle on Camera, Microphone, etc.

· Disable Data Saver Mode

Turn off any settings that limit app background data usage.

iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Data Mode > choose “Standard.”
Android: Settings > Network & Internet > Data Saver > Turn off the toggle.

· Turn Off Power Saving Mode

Switch to normal or high-performance mode to enable better app functionality. After turning off any power-saving settings, reopen Instagram and check if the Instagram video crashes are fixed.

For Android Users:

On Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), Navigate to Settings > Battery > Battery Saver and toggle the feature off.
On newer versions like Android Nougat:
- Go to Settings > Battery, then tap Power Mode or Battery Settings.
- You’ll see options like Off, Mid, and Max.
- Select “Mid”, then enable “Background Network Usage” in the customization settings.
- Relaunch the Instagram app and try playing videos again.
On Android 7.0 or later:
- Head to Settings > Device Maintenance > Battery > Performance Mode.
- Choose High Performance for optimal video playback.

For iPhone Users:

Go to Settings > Battery, then switch Low Power Mode to the off position.
Free Up Device Storage

Clear out unnecessary files or apps to make space for smooth operation and repair Instagram videos not loading:

iPhone: Navigate to Settings > General > iPhone Storage and remove unneeded files.
Android: Go to Settings > Storage to delete unnecessary data or apps.

· Report the Issue to Instagram Support

Use the in-app help option to alert Instagram to ongoing issues.

Open Instagram > Profile > Menu (☰) > Help > Report a Problem > briefly describe the issue.

· Use iMyFone Fixppo to Repair iPhone Instagram Video Glitch

some iPhone users have recently reported problems leading to Instagram videos not loading. These issues can appear unexpectedly, especially after updating to iOS 16, 17, or 18.

A tool like iMyFone Fixppo can help fix iOS glitches without erasing your data. Here’s how:

Download and install Fixppo on your computer, then connect your iPhone.
Select Standard Mode (no data loss) and place your device in Recovery Mode or DFU Mode as instructed.
The software will download the correct firmware for your device.
Click Start Fix and let the program repair your iOS system and Instagram video buffering problems.

Final Thoughts

By following these actionable solutions, you should overcome the problem of Instagram videos not loading and enjoy uninterrupted viewing and content sharing.

If problems persist, don’t hesitate to report the issue directly to Instagram support for further assistance. Which of these troubleshooting tips worked best for you when Instagram videos refused to play? Please let us know your go-to solution for the “Why won’t my Instagram video load?” question.

Why are my Instagram videos not loading?

This issue typically occurs due to a poor internet connection, app cache problems, outdated versions, or missing permissions.

What are the top ways to troubleshoot Instagram playback issues?

Restart the app or device, check your internet connection, update Instagram, and clear your cache.

Why won’t Instagram videos play on iPhone, Android, or PC?

Videos may fail to play due to device glitches, outdated apps, corrupted cache, or Instagram server issues.

How to clear your Instagram cache?

Clear the cache on Android by going to Settings > Apps > Instagram > Storage, or offload and reinstall Instagram on your iPhone.

How can I tell if the problem is with Instagram or my device?

Try loading videos on another device or check Instagram’s official status page for more information. If videos work elsewhere, your device likely needs troubleshooting.