Instagram TV: Everything You Need To Know

Kevin Systrom, Instagram CEO announced the launch of Instagram TV (IGTV), a long-form video app that is also accessible through the app, significantly better than it’s “Stories” feature.

The photo and video sharing social networking service have reached exciting levels with the updates that the app continues to roll out. It not only allows us to be more connected but gives people more ways to share the events of their day—even making their content more engaging and income-generating.

Instagram TV is the latest feature on the social media platform. Inevitably, IG users grew very curious as to how it works, and how it sets itself apart from what the other social media apps have. With its long-form video feature, Instagram is now closer to coming against YouTube, another video service that is still prominent among vloggers and video content creators.

Instagram TV Highlights

First and foremost, IGTV videos are full screen and vertical. With Instagram Stories, videos only lasted for 15 seconds. But through IGTV, one can watch a video that can be up for an hour long. IGTV also starts displaying new content as soon as you open the application. However, the service runs exclusively on mobile devices for now. A desktop version is currently unavailable.

Second, You can swipe up to discover more content that suits your taste and following algorithm. Switch between “For You,” “Following,” “Popular,” and “Continue Watching.” Like YouTube, you can also like and share videos in IGTV.

Third, like cable channels, Instagram TV also has what we call “channels” that anyone can actually participate in. You don’t have to have a minimum number of followers or a specific type of account activity to pass off as an IGTV creator. As long as you have an Instagram profile, you can already create video content for IGTV.

Summary of IGTV features

• Videos are full screen and vertical.
• Video length is from 60 seconds to 60 minutes.
• IG users can watch inside the app.
• The videos play automatically.
• Videos can be uploaded on Facebook.
• You automatically have your own channel.

Instagram has always been a community where people are connected in so many ways. Every day we learn, become inspired and learn from it. Through IGTV, a new chapter in our social media lives begins. — Floyd Brenz Guay, UC