Instagram recently unveiled IGTV (Instagram TV), it’s new long-form video content platform for creators at a launch event in San Francisco last Thursday. The feature, which is available within the main app and as a standalone app, allows users upload videos up to a maximum of 60 minutes (1 hour).
Videos uploaded on IGTV are in vertical format and on fullscreen mode. To get started, simply click on the TV icon sitting next to the DM one on Instagram or download the app separately. Once the app opens, videos from the user’s ‘following’ start playing.
Similar to YouTube (which it seems to be competing against) and normal television, users can switch from one channel to another. There is the option to search for favourite channels or easily switch between ‘For You’, ‘Following’, ‘Popular’ and ‘Continue Watching’.
Channels are basically created by content creators and to change from one to another, simply swipe up. The app is available to download on the Play Store (Android) and App Store (iOS).
The IGTV launch event, anchored by company’s CEO, Kevin Systrom, also saw the platform announce it has surpassed over one billion monthly active users. Instagram is officially Facebook’s fourth billion-user platform behind Facebook, WhatsApp and Messenger.
Source: Instagram Press Room
