Upload & Import Videos
Learn how to upload videos directly or import from TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Shopify Files
Overview
ReelPlus gives you multiple ways to add videos to your library. You can upload files directly from your computer or import existing content from popular social media platforms and your Shopify Files storage.
Direct Upload
The fastest way to add videos is uploading them directly from your device.
How to Upload
Open the Video Library
Navigate to ReelPlus > Videos in your Shopify admin.
Click "Add Video"
Click the Add Video button in the top-right corner.
Select Your Upload Method
Choose Upload from Device. You can either:
- Drag and drop files directly into the upload area
- Click "Browse" to open your file browser and select videos
Wait for Processing
Once uploaded, the video enters the processing pipeline. You will see a progress indicator showing compression, thumbnail extraction, and mini version creation.
Edit Details
After processing completes, add a title, description, and tag products.
Supported Formats
| Format | Extension | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MP4 | .mp4 | Recommended. Best compatibility across all devices. |
| MOV | .mov | Common from iOS devices. Fully supported. |
| WebM | .webm | Open format with excellent compression. |
Size Limits by Plan
| Plan | Max File Size | Max Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Free | 50 MB | 5 minutes |
| Starter | 100 MB | 15 minutes |
| Enterprise | 200 MB | 60 minutes |
File Too Large? Compress your video before uploading using tools like HandBrake (free) or Adobe Media Encoder. Reducing resolution to 1080p and using H.264 encoding typically cuts file size by 50% or more with minimal quality loss.
What Happens After Upload
Once your file is received, ReelPlus automatically:
- Compresses the video into multiple quality levels (480p, 720p, 1080p)
- Extracts a thumbnail from a representative frame
- Generates a mini version (30-second preview) for carousel widgets
- Stores all versions securely with CDN delivery
Processing typically takes 1-5 minutes depending on video length and resolution.
Import from TikTok
Repurpose your TikTok content by importing videos directly into ReelPlus.
Copy the TikTok Video URL
Open the TikTok video you want to import. Tap Share and select Copy Link.
Paste the URL in ReelPlus
In your video library, click Add Video and select Import from TikTok. Paste the copied URL.
Processing
ReelPlus downloads the video and processes it through the standard pipeline. Creator information is preserved in the video metadata.
Tips for TikTok Import
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Public videos only | The video must be publicly accessible for import to work |
| Watermarks | TikTok videos may include a watermark. Consider using original source files for a cleaner look |
| Vertical format | TikTok videos are typically 9:16 vertical, which works perfectly for story and carousel widgets |
| Music & audio | Imported audio may be subject to licensing. Ensure you have rights to use any music in a commercial context |
Best Practice: If you originally created the TikTok content, upload the original source file directly for the highest quality and no watermark.
Import from Instagram
Bring your Instagram Reels and video posts into your shoppable video library.
Copy the Instagram URL
Open the Instagram Reel or video post. Tap the three-dot menu and select Copy Link.
Paste in ReelPlus
Click Add Video > Import from Instagram. Paste the URL and confirm.
Processing
The video is downloaded and optimized. Processing follows the same pipeline as direct uploads.
Tips for Instagram Import
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Public accounts | Import works reliably with public Instagram accounts |
| Private accounts | Videos from private accounts cannot be imported. Switch the account to public temporarily or upload the original file |
| Reels vs. Posts | Both Reels and video posts are supported. Carousel posts import the first video only |
| Quality | Instagram compresses videos. For best quality, upload the original source file |
Private Accounts: If the import fails with an error, the most common cause is that the Instagram account is set to private. Ask the content creator to either make the post public or provide the original video file.
Import from YouTube
Import product videos, tutorials, and reviews from YouTube.
Copy the YouTube URL
Navigate to the YouTube video and copy the URL from your browser's address bar. Both youtube.com/watch?v= and youtu.be/ formats are supported.
Paste in ReelPlus
Click Add Video > Import from YouTube. Paste the URL.
Processing
ReelPlus downloads and optimizes the video. Longer YouTube videos may take additional processing time.
Tips for YouTube Import
- Public videos only -- Unlisted and private videos cannot be imported
- Longer videos -- YouTube videos can be lengthy. Consider trimming to the most relevant segment before uploading, or let the 30-second mini version handle previewing
- Orientation -- Horizontal (16:9) YouTube videos work best in grid layouts. For carousels and stories, vertical (9:16) content performs better
- Rights -- Only import videos you own or have permission to use commercially
Import from Shopify Files
If you already have video files stored in your Shopify admin, you can import them directly without re-uploading.
Open the Import Dialog
Click Add Video > Import from Shopify Files.
Browse Your Files
A file browser shows all video files in your Shopify Files storage. Use search to find specific files.
Select and Import
Select one or more video files and click Import. The videos are processed through the ReelPlus pipeline.
Benefits of Shopify Files Import
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| No re-upload needed | Videos already in Shopify are imported instantly |
| Organized workflow | Centralize all video management in ReelPlus |
| Batch import | Select multiple files at once |
| Existing CDN | Leverages Shopify's file hosting infrastructure |
After Import: Preparing Your Videos
Regardless of how you added a video, the following steps help you prepare it for your storefront.
Edit Title and Description
Open the Video Editor
Click on any video in your library to open its detail page.
Update the Title
Enter a clear, descriptive title. This appears in your admin dashboard and may be shown to customers depending on your widget settings.
Add a Description
Write a brief description of the video content. This helps with organization and can improve SEO.
Add SEO Metadata
Improve your video's discoverability with SEO fields:
| Field | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Alt Text | Accessibility and SEO description | "Model wearing blue summer dress while walking outdoors" |
| Meta Title | Search engine title override | "Blue Summer Dress - Try On Video" |
| Meta Description | Search engine snippet | "Watch our model try on the Blue Summer Dress. See the fit, fabric, and styling options." |
Set a Custom Thumbnail
While ReelPlus auto-generates a thumbnail, you can upload a custom one for better visual control:
- Open the video editor
- Click Change Thumbnail
- Upload a custom image (recommended: 1080x1920 for vertical, 1920x1080 for horizontal)
- Save changes
Thumbnail Tips: Choose a frame that clearly shows the product and creates curiosity. Bright, high-contrast thumbnails with visible products tend to generate the highest click rates.
Tag Products
Connect your videos to Shopify products to make them shoppable. See the Product Tagging guide for detailed instructions.
Publish When Ready
New videos are saved as Draft by default. When you are satisfied with the title, thumbnail, and product tags:
- Open the video editor
- Toggle the status to Published
- Save changes
The video will now appear in any widget where it is included.
Import Comparison
| Feature | Direct Upload | TikTok | YouTube | Shopify Files | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best quality | Yes | Compressed | Compressed | Compressed | Yes |
| No watermark | Yes | May have | No | No | Yes |
| Batch upload | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Auto metadata | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Partial |
| Vertical format | Any | Yes | Yes | Varies | Any |
| Speed | Upload time | Fast | Fast | Medium | Instant |
Recommendation: For the highest quality and most control, upload original source files directly. Use social media imports when you want to quickly repurpose existing content from your brand's social channels.