By 2018, Instagram’s developers were proud to announce it reached one billion active monthly users. That parallels the one more than one billion users on YouTube. Experts see Instagram’s latest development Instagram TV (IGTV) as a direct competitor to YouTube. How can you leverage IGTV as a content creator? How can you use IGTV to connect with followers? We’ll outline the basics of IGTV as of February 2019 while recognizing that the app will make occasional updates.
Instagram TV Facts You Need to Know
1. IGTV App
IGTV has a standalone app that allows users to watch longer videos and discover new creators. IGTV content is also available on the Instagram app.
You will notice some of your favorite content creators from Facebook and YouTube are also posting new content on IGTV.
The major difference with IGTV videos is that it’s shot and displayed in the popular vertical video platform, just like Snapchat.
You can shoot the video vertically, or shoot it horizontally as long as you edit it with the proper aspect ratios.
Here’s a tutorial on editing vertical video from the Later social media tool.
2. Video Length
According to Instagram: “Videos must be between 15 seconds and 10 minutes long.”
A verified or larger account “can upload videos up to 60 minutes long, but they must be uploaded from a computer.”
Think of the possibilities of creating long-format content on IGTV. Could you create a day in the life video? Could you cover a social media event from beginning to end? Could you create your own show exclusively on IGTV?
Reminder: The FTC requires you to disclosures for content you create on behalf of a brand, even through Instagram TV. Our CEO wrote Common Questions and Misconceptions about FTC guidelines.
IGTV Appears in Preview
On the Instagram app, suggested IGTV videos will appear in the preview page. It will allow you to scroll through suggested video content from Instagram accounts you follow.
For content creators, this helps your IGTV videos to get even more views.
IGTV Appears in the Instagram grid
Speaking of more video views, you can select for your IGTV videos to appear in your Instagram grid. Viewers will only see a short clip in the Instagram grid, but get the option to open the full-length video of up to 10 minutes.
Community Member Michelle Garrett noticed her IGTV ” I love it! I think it’s a great way to get additional visibility and engagement. It brings more awareness to IGTV. I’m seeing engagement – views and comments – from community members who hadn’t previously engaged with my IGTV content.”
Comment below: What are your thoughts on using Instagram TV? Have you uploaded content on IGTV? Who are your favorite people to follow on IGTV?
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