What was IGTV on Instagram?
IGTV was Instagram’s platform for long-form video content, launched in 2018. It let you post videos between 15 and 60 minutes long, much longer than regular Instagram feed posts.
With IGTV, you could create a dedicated channel for your extended videos. This gave influencers and brands a new way to connect with followers through in-depth content.
You could upload vertical videos that filled the whole phone screen. This format was designed for how people naturally hold their phones.
IGTV stood out by focusing on mobile-first video creation and viewing. It aimed to compete with YouTube and other video platforms by keeping users in the Instagram ecosystem.
Why did Instagram create IGTV?
Instagram created IGTV to compete with YouTube and offer you more long-form video options. They wanted to give you a mobile-friendly way to watch vertical videos up to an hour long.
IGTV let influencers and brands tell deeper stories and engage with you beyond short clips. It aimed to keep you on Instagram longer instead of leaving for other video platforms.
Content creators got more room to showcase their talents and build relationships with fans. For you as a viewer, IGTV meant access to richer content from your favorite accounts right in the Instagram app.
Instagram hoped IGTV would boost engagement and video ad opportunities. They saw potential for you to discover new creators through IGTV’s curated channels and recommendations.
What happened to IGTV?
IGTV, Instagram’s long-form video feature, got phased out in October 2021. You might’ve noticed it disappearing from the app’s main screen.
Instagram combined IGTV with in-feed videos to create a new “Instagram Video” feature. This change aimed to simplify video sharing on the platform.
Why the switch? Short-form content like Reels became super popular. Users preferred quick, snackable videos over longer ones. Instagram adapted to keep up with changing viewer habits.
The new Instagram Video lets you post videos up to an hour long. It also increased feed preview lengths from 15 to 60 seconds. This change made it easier for you to share and watch longer videos without leaving your main feed.
What replaced IGTV?
Instagram replaced IGTV with a combination of new video formats. You can now find short-form videos in Reels and longer content in Instagram Video. Reels lets you create fun 15-second clips set to music. Instagram Video allows posts up to 60 minutes long in your main feed.
The Video tab on profiles makes it easy to browse all of an account’s video content in one place. You’ll see a mix of Reels, regular videos, and live recordings there.
These changes give you more options to share and watch videos on Instagram. Whether you want quick entertainment or in-depth content, there’s a format that fits. You can even use Reels to grow your business by showcasing products or sharing tips.