How to Make Videos for Instagram Threads in 2026 (4 Steps)

To make videos for Instagram Threads, you need to create a vertical 9:16 aspect ratio video, ideally under 90 seconds, and export it as an MP4 file.

While Threads allows uploads up to 5 minutes long, engagement drops sharply after the first minute.

The optimal resolution is 1080x1920 pixels to fill the entire mobile screen.

There are three primary methods for creating these videos: using a mobile editor like CapCut for manual edits, using a desktop video editor for more complex projects, or using an AI video generator to produce content from a text prompt.

Since Threads videos autoplay on mute, adding open captions is critical for grabbing attention.

This is a key feature in both manual editors and AI tools.

As of 2026, Threads does not have a native video recording or editing feature, so you must create the video with a separate application before uploading.

The first three seconds of your Threads video determine its success. With content autoplaying silently in a fast-moving feed, your opening frames must stop a user from scrolling.

A strong visual hook is more important than audio. Start your script by defining the one key message or visual you want to convey.

For product demos, show the product in action immediately. For informational content, use a bold text overlay with a question or a surprising statistic.

Data from 2026 shows that short-form videos under 60 seconds have significantly higher completion rates, so keep your script concise and focused. A simple structure works best: hook (3 seconds), main point/demonstration (15-20 seconds), and a call-to-action (3 seconds).

Avoid long introductions or branding until the end. The goal is to deliver value instantly before asking for any engagement from the viewer.

Your choice of tool depends on your budget and time. Manual mobile editors are a common starting point, while AI tools offer a faster workflow for creators producing content at scale. Here is how the most frequent options compare for making Threads videos:

For most social media managers and solo creators, the choice is between a mobile editor and an AI generator. If you already have raw footage, CapCut is an efficient way to add captions, trim clips, and add music.

If you need to create net-new video content without filming, an AI tool is the more direct path. These tools use text prompts to generate scenes, voiceovers, and captions automatically.

AI video generators can produce a shareable Threads video in under 10 minutes from a single prompt.

The process typically involves three inputs: a script or topic, a voiceover style, and a visual theme.

For example, a prompt like "Create a 30-second video about the benefits of cold brew coffee, use an upbeat male voice, and show aesthetic cafe scenes" is enough to generate a first draft.

Platforms like FluxNote are designed for this workflow, providing AI voiceovers, access to a stock footage library, and animated caption styles in one interface.

The main advantage is speed; you can create 5-10 video variations in the time it would take to manually edit one.

A crucial nuance when using AI tools is the need for review.

AI-selected footage can sometimes be generic, so plan to spend 2-3 minutes swapping out clips in the editor to ensure the final video aligns perfectly with your script and brand.

This small manual step makes the output feel more distinct.

The final step is exporting your video with the correct technical specifications and uploading it to Threads. Always export in MP4 format with an H.264 codec, which is the most compatible format for Instagram and Threads.

The resolution should be 1080x1920 pixels at 30 frames per second (FPS). A common mistake is exporting with a high bitrate, which results in a large file size that Instagram's servers will aggressively compress, reducing quality.

Aim for a bitrate around 3,500-5,000 kbps for a balance of quality and size. Before exporting, ensure your captions are "burned-in" or "open captions," meaning they are part of the video file itself.

This guarantees they will be visible to all viewers, even with sound off. When posting on Threads, you can add up to 10 videos in a single carousel post, allowing for multi-part stories or showcasing different product angles.