How to Use Instagram TV for Your Business

The long speculated Instagram TV (IGTV) was officially announced now allowing content creators and brands to have their own “YouTube like” channel directly within Instagram and the new Instagram TV app. With video being a very strong driving force for sales, brand recognition, and engagement; it’s crucial to claim your spot early on the potential YouTube killer. Previously Instagram videos were limited to 60 seconds or less allowing for very little time to show off your content. With the new Instagram TV, you can upload 15 seconds to 60 minutes of vertical video to your channel.

What You Need to Know

• Videos are full screen and vertical
• Videos can be between 15 seconds and 60 minutes
• “Swipe Up” call-to-actions can be added to videos
• Videos are automatically played once the IGTV app is opened
• Users can watch in the Instagram app or the new IGTV app
• In the IGTV app, users brows between 4 tabs; “For You,” Following,” “Popular,” and “Continue Watching.”
• Users can like or comment on videos and send them through Instagram direct message to friends
• Creators have their own channels like on YouTube
• You can upload videos through the IGTV app or the web
• Videos on IGTV can be uploaded to Facebook Watch
• File sizes are limited to 3.6GB per video
• File format .MP4
• Video aspect ratio 9:16
• Video thumbnail format .JPG

How Your Business Can Use It

IGTV is another way to get your brand or cause out there. With Instagram already having a HUGE following like YouTube, it’s almost certain that IGTV will follow in the footsteps of it’s mother. If you already gave a social media video strategy, work IGTV into that strategy by branching your content out to also be visible on the IGTV platform. If you don’t have a strategy, use IGTV as a way to connect with your audience and convey your message of your brand or cause to them and as a way to engage with them. Make conversation with your audience and get talking.