Instagramhas launched a new standalone app for video.
CalledIGTV, the app is designed to let you watch long-form, vertical video. When you log in to IGTV, it will immediately begin playing vertical videos from people you follow. You’ll also see recommendations from elsewhere on Instagram. And, yes, you will be able to access IGTV in the main Instagram app. Here’s what you need to know about IGTV, including how it works and what’s the point.
What is IGTV?
IGTV is Instagram’s new dedicated app for watching videos from the people you follow on Instagram. Videos are full screen and vertical (not landscape) and aren’t limited to one minute. Instead, each video can be up to an hour long. With IGTV, the creators are the channels. When you follow a creator on Instagram, their channel will show up for you to watch. And anyone can be a creator - even you.
How does IGTV work?
Start watching videos
Download and open the IGTV app for iOS or Android. (It’s not yet live).
From the moment you log into IGTV, it’s designed to start playing video - just like the TV. You won’t have to search to start watching content. You will see video from people you already follow on Instagram and others you might like based on your interests. Alternatively, you can always watch IGTV from the main Instagram app foriOSorAndroid.Just open the app and tap the TV icon in the corner of the feed.
Note: IGTV, the mobile app, and the IGTV tab in Instagram will appear for users over the coming weeks.
Skip, forward, and pause videos
IGTV videos automatically play from one person’s to the next, but you can still swipe right or left to skip between videos. You can also tap and hold to pause a video, and tap or drag the scrubber at the bottom of the screen to skip ahead in a video.
Discover more content to watch
If you’d like to discover content from other creators, you can open the IGTV app, and if you’re already watching a video, you can swipe up to start browsing - toggle between “For You,” “Following,” “Popular,” and “Continue Watching.” You can also tap Search IGTV and enter a few words to find IGTV creator channels to follow. When you follow a creator on IGTV, you’ll also follow their account on Instagram.
Interact with videos and channels
Just like you’re able to on Instagram, IGTV lets you like, comment on, and send videos to friends via Instagram Direct messaging.
How do you post videos to IGTV?
Video requirements
If you want to post a video using the IGTV mobile app, the video must be in MP4 file format, up to 650MB in size, and between 15 seconds and 10 minutes long. However, larger accounts and verified accounts can upload videos up to 5.4GB in size and 60 minutes in length from a computer. The video should also be vertical (not landscape) with a minimum aspect ratio of 4:5 and maximum of 9:16.
Create a channel
You need to create an IGTV channel so people can easily find and watch videos you’ve uploaded to IGTV.
Instagram app or IGTV app:
Instagram.com:
Once you’ve created a channel, you can upload a video.
Can you save video drafts?
Yes. To save a draft of your IGTV video:
If you’d like to view your drafts, from a computer, open your web browser and go to Instagram.com. Then, go to your profile and click Channel > View Drafts. To post, edit or delete a draft, click the “…” icon in the top right of the video and follow the instructions.
Can you edit videos?
Sort of. you may edit your IGTV video’s title or description:
Who can see your IGTV channel and videos?
Simply adjust the visibility of your channel and videos viayour account’s privacy settingsto control who can see your videos. With private accounts, only your approved followers can see your channel and videos. With public accounts, anyone can see your channel and videos.
What’s the point of IGTV?
Want to know more?
Check outInstagram’s blog postandhelp hubfor more.
