IGTV or « Instagram TV » is a new Instagram service. It was launched in June 2018. IGTV simply allows users to view and share videos in a vertical mobile-friendly format.
IGTV video length
Anyone can be a creator on IGTV and upload videos. Videos must be between 15 seconds and 10 minutes, but the videos can be 1 hour in length if you have a verified account. Videos should be uploaded in MP4 format.
Videos availability
Unlike the stories, they don’t disappear after 24 hours. You can find IGTV at the beginning of the story line up under the profile or simply download the IGTV app. Just like turning on the TV, IGTV starts playing as soon as you open the app: a video is launched right when the application is on. You can navigate through the proposals. If you run out of time, don’t panic! IGTV has several functions: stop, step back, advance…
Why use IGTV?
We said it 100 times: video is more attractive than image. That’s why IGTV is a very important and creative space for Internet users to reach the audience. Whether you have a private or professional account, this new platform should not be ignored. With IGTV, the social network wants to attract young people who watch less television and more videos of creators online. IGTV does not offer businesses to advertise on its platform… yet! However, this option might be implemented in the future for sure. For some brands, IGTV could be a new way of grabbing young audience attention and building authority.
Why is it essential to make longer content?
We cannot ignore the importance of short videos and stories on Instagram and almost all social networks. However, the chance of sharing long-form videos allows creators and brands to put more information on their videos, making the material more valuable and appealing to users to get closer to this audience.
The objective is to deliver something that really adds value to the viewers, like a new product or service.
Ready? Let’s go!
Before starting to upload your videos, you should create your channel IGTV first.
Firstly, open your Instagram account, tap on the orange TV icon, and select the right settings. That is all! You are the happy new owner of a brand new Instagram TV channel. Good Job!
If you are a business in Los Angeles and want to create videos for your IGTV, it’s straightforward! Since the videos are vertical, you don’t need expensive professional material to take professional videos. Just grab your phone, create and share videos!
Is IGTV another Youtube ?!
The first actual benefit of IGTV is that there is no advertising, for now, that may disturb or interrupt users. Instagram TV is genuinely designed for optimal use on a smartphone. Thanks to the vertical video format, you don’t need to move your phone to watch videos like Youtube.
Only time will tell how those platforms are going to grow and differentiate themselves from each other!
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