Introduction
Instagram has become one of the most popular social media platforms for sharing visual content, allowing users to share photos and videos with their followers. While Instagram is primarily known for its short video clips, with a maximum duration of 60 seconds, there are instances where you may want to share longer videos with your audience. Whether it’s a tutorial, a vlog, a webinar, or a behind-the-scenes look, longer videos can provide more in-depth content and connect with your followers on a deeper level.
Unfortunately, Instagram’s traditional video posting feature has a time limit that doesn’t cater to longer videos. However, Instagram has introduced a solution called IGTV (Instagram TV), which allows users to post long-form videos on their profiles. With IGTV, you can share videos up to 10 minutes in length, and verified accounts and larger accounts have access to post videos up to 60 minutes long. This opens up a whole new realm of possibilities for content creators and businesses looking to engage their audience on Instagram.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of posting long videos on Instagram using IGTV. We will walk you through the steps of creating an IGTV channel, uploading your long video, adding video details and descriptions, and finally, sharing the IGTV video to your Instagram feed. Additionally, we will provide some useful tips to make the most out of posting long videos on Instagram.
Why Would You Want to Post Long Videos on Instagram?
Instagram is a highly visual platform that allows users to showcase their creative content. While the platform is primarily known for its short-form videos, there are several reasons why you may want to explore posting long videos on Instagram.
First and foremost, posting long videos on Instagram allows you to provide more comprehensive and detailed content to your audience. Sometimes, a 60-second video may not be enough to convey your message, demonstrate a process, or showcase an event. By posting longer videos, you can delve deeper into the subject matter and provide your viewers with a more enriching experience.
If you are a content creator, posting long videos on Instagram can help you build credibility and establish yourself as an expert in your field. Longer videos provide you with an opportunity to share in-depth knowledge, insights, and valuable tips with your followers, positioning yourself as a go-to authority and attracting a larger audience.
Furthermore, long videos can serve as a powerful storytelling tool. They allow you to engage your audience on a deeper level, taking them on a journey and immersing them in your narrative. Whether you’re sharing a travel vlog, a cooking tutorial, or a personal story, longer videos give you the space to captivate your viewers and evoke emotions.
For brands and businesses, posting long videos on Instagram can be an effective marketing strategy. Longer videos provide an opportunity to showcase your products or services, explain their features and benefits, and demonstrate how they can solve your customers’ problems. This can help to build brand awareness, drive engagement, and ultimately, increase conversions.
Lastly, by utilizing IGTV and posting long videos on Instagram, you can leverage the platform’s massive user base and reach a wider audience. Instagram has over a billion active users, and many people spend a significant amount of time on the platform. Posting long videos can help you tap into this audience, attract new followers, and strengthen your presence on Instagram.
Current Limitations on Instagram
While Instagram is a popular platform for sharing visual content, it does have certain limitations when it comes to video duration. Currently, the maximum duration for a video post on Instagram is 60 seconds. This constraint can pose challenges for users who want to share longer videos and convey more detailed information to their audience.
Additionally, Instagram’s video upload process doesn’t allow users to seamlessly upload videos with durations longer than the set limit. Users are often forced to trim their videos or split them into multiple parts to fit within the time restrictions. This can result in a fragmented viewing experience and may hinder the effectiveness of the content.
Another limitation is that Instagram’s traditional feed primarily focuses on displaying photos and short videos. Longer videos may get lost or overlooked in the feed, as users are more accustomed to scrolling through quick snippets of content. This can make it challenging for content creators and businesses to capture the attention of their audience and deliver their message effectively.
Furthermore, Instagram’s traditional video posts lack some essential features that are available on other platforms. For instance, there is no option to add clickable links within video captions, limiting the ability to direct viewers to external resources. Additionally, there are no built-in analytics or insights specifically for video posts, making it difficult to analyze the performance and engagement of longer videos.
Fortunately, Instagram recognized these limitations and introduced IGTV, a dedicated platform for long-form vertical videos. IGTV addresses the need for longer videos on Instagram by allowing users to upload videos up to 10 minutes in length, and for verified and larger accounts, up to 60 minutes. This provides more flexibility for content creators and businesses to share comprehensive and engaging video content with their followers.
Understanding IGTV
IGTV (Instagram TV) is a feature introduced by Instagram to cater to the demand for longer video content on the platform. It offers users the ability to post and watch long-form videos, up to 10 minutes in length, and for verified and larger accounts, up to 60 minutes.
Unlike traditional Instagram posts, IGTV videos are displayed in full-screen vertical format, similar to the Stories feature. This format is ideal for mobile viewing, as most users access Instagram through their smartphones. The vertical orientation provides a more immersive viewing experience, allowing viewers to engage with the content without having to rotate their devices or deal with black bars.
IGTV has its own separate app, but it is also integrated into the Instagram app itself. Users can access IGTV through the IGTV icon at the top right corner of their Instagram feed or by downloading the standalone IGTV app from the app store. This integration makes it convenient for users to discover and consume long-form video content without leaving the Instagram platform.
When it comes to posting videos on IGTV, there are a few key specifications to keep in mind. Videos must be in MP4 format and can be either vertical (9:16 aspect ratio) or horizontal (16:9 aspect ratio). The video resolution should be at least 720 pixels, and the file size should not exceed 650MB for videos up to 10 minutes and 3.6GB for videos up to 60 minutes.
IGTV also allows users to add a title and description to their videos, providing additional context and information for viewers. This helps to optimize the visibility and searchability of the videos within the IGTV platform. Viewers can like, comment, and share IGTV videos, similar to traditional Instagram posts, and creators can respond to comments to engage with their audience.
IGTV offers a unique opportunity for content creators, influencers, and businesses to showcase their long-form video content and connect with their audience on a deeper level. Whether it’s sharing tutorials, product reviews, interviews, or storytelling, IGTV provides the platform and tools to captivate viewers and build a dedicated following.
How to Post Long Videos on Instagram Using IGTV
If you want to share long videos on Instagram, IGTV is the perfect solution. Here are the steps to post long videos on Instagram using IGTV:
Step 1: Creating an IGTV Channel
To begin, you need to create your own IGTV channel. Open the Instagram app and go to your profile. Look for the IGTV icon (a small TV symbol) beside the “+” button and tap on it. Follow the instructions to create your channel. If you already have an existing channel, you can skip this step.
Step 2: Uploading Your Long Video
Once your channel is set up, it’s time to upload your video. Go back to your IGTV channel and tap on the “+” button. Choose the video you want to upload from your device’s gallery. IGTV supports vertical videos with an aspect ratio of 9:16 or horizontal videos with an aspect ratio of 16:9.
Step 3: Adding Video Details and Description
After selecting your video, you can add a title and description to provide context and engage your viewers. Be descriptive and use relevant keywords to optimize your video’s discoverability. You can also add a cover image for your video by selecting a frame from the video or uploading a custom image.
Step 4: Sharing the IGTV Video to Your Instagram Feed
By default, your IGTV video will be posted only on your IGTV channel. However, if you want to share it to your Instagram feed as well, you can do so. Simply toggle the switch that says, “Post a Preview.” This will create a preview of your video on your Instagram feed, allowing your followers to watch a snippet and directing them to your IGTV channel to watch the full video. Add a captivating caption and relevant hashtags to accompany the preview.
That’s it! Your long video is now posted on Instagram using IGTV. Your viewers can watch the full video on your IGTV channel or the preview on your Instagram feed. Remember to engage with your audience by responding to comments and promoting your IGTV content through your other social media channels.
Step 1: Creating an IGTV Channel
To start posting long videos on Instagram using IGTV, you need to create your own IGTV channel. The channel serves as a dedicated space where you can share your long-form videos and engage with your audience. Follow the steps below to create your IGTV channel:
1. Open Instagram and go to your profile: Launch the Instagram app on your smartphone and navigate to your profile page by tapping on the profile icon at the bottom right corner of the screen.
2. Find the IGTV icon: Look for the IGTV icon, which resembles a small TV with a lightning bolt, located beside the “+” button. Tap on it to access the IGTV section.
3. Set up your IGTV channel: If you don’t have an IGTV channel yet, you will be prompted to create one. Tap on the “Continue” button and follow the instructions to set up your channel. You can choose to connect your IGTV channel to an existing Facebook Page if you have one, or create a new channel from scratch.
4. Customize your channel: Once your channel is created, you can personalize it by adding a profile picture, a cover photo, and a channel description. These elements help to visually represent your brand or content and provide a brief overview of what viewers can expect from your channel.
5. Explore IGTV: Take the time to explore IGTV, browse through different channels, and discover content that aligns with your interests or niche. This will not only give you inspiration but also help you understand how others are utilizing IGTV to engage with their audience.
6. Access your IGTV channel: Now, whenever you want to upload a long video to Instagram, you can access your IGTV channel by tapping on the IGTV icon from your profile page. This will take you to your channel, where you can manage your videos, view insights, and interact with your viewers.
Creating an IGTV channel is the first step towards posting long videos on Instagram. It provides you with a dedicated platform to showcase your content and reach a wider audience. Once your channel is set up, you can start uploading your long videos and sharing them with your followers on Instagram.
Step 2: Uploading Your Long Video
Now that you have set up your IGTV channel, it’s time to upload your long video to share it with your Instagram audience. Follow these steps to upload your video on IGTV:
1. Access your IGTV channel: Open the Instagram app on your smartphone and go to your profile page. Tap on the IGTV icon located next to the “+” button to access your IGTV channel.
2. Tap on the “+” button: On your IGTV channel, you will see a “+” button. Tap on it to start the video upload process.
3. Select your video: Choose the video you want to upload from your device’s gallery. You can select either a vertical video with a 9:16 aspect ratio or a horizontal video with a 16:9 aspect ratio. Keep in mind that the file size should not exceed 650MB for videos up to 10 minutes long, and 3.6GB for videos up to 60 minutes long.
4. Edit your video cover: Once you have selected your video, you will have the option to edit the cover image. You can choose a frame from the video itself or upload a custom image to serve as the cover. The cover image acts as a thumbnail and represents your video in the IGTV feed.
5. Add a title and description: To provide context and engage your viewers, add a title and description to your video. Be descriptive and use relevant keywords to optimize your video’s discoverability within the IGTV platform. The title and description will appear alongside your video in the IGTV feed.
6. Choose your privacy settings: You can choose whether to make your video public or limit its visibility to your followers only. Adjust the privacy settings according to your preference.
7. Publish your video: After you have edited the video cover, added the title and description, and adjusted the privacy settings, tap on the “Post” button to publish your video on IGTV. The video will be available on your IGTV channel and can be accessed by your followers.
Uploading your long video to IGTV allows you to share in-depth content and engage your Instagram audience with longer-form videos. Remember to optimize your video’s title, description, and cover image to maximize its visibility and attract viewers.
Step 3: Adding Video Details and Description
Once you have uploaded your long video on IGTV, it’s important to provide additional details and descriptions to enhance the viewer’s understanding and engagement. Follow these steps to add video details and descriptions:
1. Access your IGTV channel: Open the Instagram app and go to your profile page. Tap on the IGTV icon to access your IGTV channel.
2. Choose the video: Find the video you want to add details to and tap on it to open it.
3. Tap on the three dots: At the bottom-right corner of the video, you will see three dots. Tap on them to open the video options menu.
4. Select “Edit Video”: From the options menu, choose “Edit Video.” This will allow you to make changes to the video’s details and description.
5. Add a title: In the “Title” field, enter a descriptive and engaging title for your video. The title should provide a clear idea of what the video is about and entice viewers to click and watch.
6. Write a description: The description field is where you can provide more information about your video. Use this space to explain the content, provide context, and share any relevant details. Be concise but informative, and consider using keywords that are relevant to your video’s topic.
7. Save your changes: After you have added the title and description, tap on the “Save” button to save your changes. Your video’s details and description will now be updated.
By adding video details and descriptions, you can optimize your video’s visibility and provide valuable information to viewers. Captivating titles and informative descriptions can attract more viewers to click on your video and watch it.
Additionally, when adding the details and description, consider incorporating relevant hashtags that align with the content. This can help your video appear in relevant hashtag searches and expand its reach to a wider audience.
Remember to review and update your video’s details and description periodically to keep them accurate and relevant to the content you are sharing. This will ensure that your audience gets the most out of your long videos on IGTV.
Step 4: Sharing the IGTV Video to Your Instagram Feed
After uploading your long video on IGTV, you have the option to share it on your Instagram feed as a preview. This allows your followers to see a snippet of your video and redirect them to your IGTV channel to watch the full content. Follow these steps to share your IGTV video to your Instagram feed:
1. Access your IGTV video: Open the Instagram app on your smartphone and navigate to your profile page. Tap on the IGTV icon to access your IGTV channel.
2. Choose the video you want to share: Find the video you want to share on your feed and tap on it to open it.
3. Tap on the three dots: At the bottom-right corner of the video, you will see three dots. Tap on them to open the video options menu.
4. Select “Share to Feed”: From the options menu, choose “Share to Feed.” By selecting this option, you will create a preview of your video that will appear on your Instagram feed.
5. Write a captivating caption: Craft an engaging caption that complements your video. The caption should provide a brief summary or tease of the content to entice your followers to watch the full video on your IGTV channel. You can also include relevant hashtags to increase the discoverability of your post.
6. Adjust the cover photo (optional): By default, Instagram uses the cover image you have previously set for your video. However, you can choose to change the cover photo for the feed post if you wish. Tap on the cover photo to select a different image from your video or upload a custom cover image.
7. Share the post: Once you have written the caption and made any desired adjustments, tap on the “Share” button to post the preview of your IGTV video on your Instagram feed.
Sharing your IGTV video on your Instagram feed as a preview helps to increase exposure and engagement. It provides a glimpse of your content and encourages your followers to click on the preview and watch the full video on your IGTV channel.
When creating the caption for the feed post, be strategic and compelling. Use concise and attention-grabbing language to highlight the value and benefits of watching the full video. Consider using call-to-action phrases to prompt your followers to engage with the post, such as “Swipe up to watch” or “Tap the link in bio.”
Remember to respond to comments on both the IGTV video and the feed post to foster interaction with your audience. Engaging with your followers helps to build a sense of community and encourages them to continue watching your long videos on IGTV.
Tips for Posting Long Videos on Instagram
Posting long videos on Instagram using IGTV can be a powerful way to engage your audience and showcase your content. Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your long video posts:
1. Plan your content: Before you start recording or editing your video, plan out the structure and flow of your content to ensure a cohesive and engaging experience for your viewers. Consider creating an outline or script to help you stay focused and deliver your message effectively.
2. Optimize your video: Make sure your video is optimized for the Instagram platform. Use the recommended aspect ratios (9:16 for vertical videos, 16:9 for horizontal videos), and ensure that your video resolution is high enough to maintain clarity and quality.
3. Keep it concise: While you have the option to post videos up to 60 minutes long on IGTV, it’s important to remember that attention spans on social media platforms are generally shorter. Try to deliver your message within a reasonable timeframe and capture your audience’s attention from the start.
4. Capture attention with the thumbnail: The thumbnail is the first thing users see, and it plays a crucial role in getting them to click and watch your video. Choose a captivating and visually appealing thumbnail that accurately represents the content and entices viewers to click.
5. Use engaging titles and descriptions: Craft relevant and attention-grabbing titles and descriptions for your IGTV videos. Use keywords strategically to optimize discoverability, and make sure your descriptions provide useful information and context for your viewers.
6. Promote your IGTV videos: Don’t rely solely on organic reach. Promote your IGTV videos through other social media channels, your website, or your email newsletter to extend your reach and attract new viewers to your content.
7. Engage with your audience: Respond to comments on both your IGTV videos and the accompanying feed posts. Engaging with your audience builds a sense of community and encourages them to continue watching and interacting with your content.
8. Analyze your performance: Use Instagram’s Insights and analytics to track the performance of your IGTV videos. Pay attention to engagement metrics such as views, likes, comments, and shares to understand what content resonates best with your audience and tailor your future videos accordingly.
9. Experiment with different video formats: Explore different video formats, such as tutorials, behind-the-scenes glimpses, interviews, or product demonstrations. Experimenting with different types of content keeps your channel fresh and caters to the varied interests of your audience.
10. Be consistent: Building an audience on IGTV takes time and consistency. Aim to post regularly and maintain a reliable schedule to keep your audience engaged and anticipate your future content.
By following these tips, you can make your long videos on Instagram more impactful, build a loyal following, and increase engagement with your content.
Conclusion
Posting long videos on Instagram using IGTV opens up a world of opportunities for content creators, influencers, and businesses looking to engage their audience with in-depth and comprehensive content. IGTV provides a dedicated platform for sharing long-form videos, expanding the possibilities of creative expression and connection with viewers.
By following the step-by-step process of creating an IGTV channel, uploading your long videos, and adding video details, you can effectively share your content with your Instagram audience. Additionally, sharing IGTV videos to your Instagram feed as previews enhances visibility and encourages viewers to dive deeper into your IGTV channel.
When posting long videos on Instagram, it is important to plan your content carefully, optimize your videos for the platform, and engage with your audience through engaging titles, descriptions, and captions. By promoting your IGTV videos and analyzing their performance, you can continue to refine your content strategy and connect with a larger audience.
Remember, IGTV is a powerful tool for storytelling, education, promotion, and engagement. By implementing the tips and strategies mentioned in this article, you can make the most out of your IGTV experience and effectively engage your audience on Instagram through long-form video content.
So, go ahead and explore the possibilities of IGTV. Create compelling and informative videos, experiment with different formats, and build connections with your audience on Instagram through the power of long-form video content.
