How to Utilize the New IGTV Feature

IGTV
IGTV

Watch out YouTube and Snapchat, there’s a new video platform in town! Instagram released its latest new feature, IGTV, last week giving users the ability to upload vertical, longer videos on their channels. As Instagram explains, “Anyone can be a creator – you can upload your own IGTV videos in the app or on the web to start your own channel.” Here’s what you need to know about this new platform, its features and how to get the most out of it:

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How To Utilize IGTV

Unlike Instagram video posts on your regular feed and other platforms like Snapchat, IGTV videos can be up to an hour long. They are also only currently allowing vertical videos.

While you can upload a video horizontally, this will force users to turn their heads or phones and may not have the best viewing experience. Users can also like and comment on these videos just like those in the feed.

IGTV

IGTV

For You, Following and Popular  

There are currently 3 categories within IGTV: For You, Following and Popular.

“For You” is a collection of videos that Instagram has compiled personally for you based on your past likes and engagement. “Following” is a collection from people you’re already following in your regular feed while “Popular” shows you trending videos.

You can also use the Search bar to find specific users or save videos for later using the “Continue Watching” tab.
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IGTV

As of right now, there are no ads within the IGTV feature but we’re sure it won’t be long before Instagram incorporates these as well. This may be a great way to open the door for monetization down the road, with creators being able to host ads on their channel similar to how YouTube is structured.

How To Add Your First Video to IGTV

Are you ready to start uploading to your channel? See the steps below to adding your first video:

  • Find your IGTV by tapping the television icon in the top right corner. It will be right next to your direct messages icon.

IGTV

  • If you haven’t uploaded anything yet, you’ll have to create your channel first. Click the gear icon in the top right & “Create Channel”. Follow the prompts and you’ll see your own icon once your channel is ready.

IGTV IGTV IGTV     

  • You’re ready to start uploading! Click your profile photo in the top right to take you to your own channel and then hit “+”. Select the video you want to upload and it will pull up the info page. You can give your video a title and description, choose a cover image and even make it visible on your Facebook page. Tap “Post” once you’re ready and watch it go live!

IGTV  

Keywords and Cover Image on IGTV

When writing your descriptions, we recommend adding some keywords related to your video to help people find your content.

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You should also try to make your cover image as eye-catching as possible. So, people are more inclined to click on your video when they see your thumbnail in their feeds. You can even make a custom cover and upload it from your camera roll. Rather than choosing one from your video.

Not sure how to utilize the new IGTV or having problems thinking of video ideas? Check out what other influencers and content creators are posting in your nice and brainstorm.

If you’re someone who gets a lot of questions on their account, whether it’s photography questions, traveling tips and tricks or more, try recording a Q&A video to upload to your IGTV channel. You can also post how-to videos and create a new series exclusively for IGTV. Or, repost some of your previously made videos to the new Instagram format.

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IGTV has already created some strong opinions among content creators. From those who love video to others who don’t want more platforms to keep up with. What are your thoughts on Instagram’s newest feature? Share your channels with us on Instagram at @h_collective