(Image source from: Technical Friends)
Photo and video-sharing social networking service Instagram with one billion users launched a long-form video app on Thursday that will let users play long videos in a vertical format in the existing Instagram also in the standalone app.
The new app called IGTV is hoped-for to roll out to both Android and iOS users over the next few weeks.
The Videos published via IGTV can be up to 60 minutes or an hour long compared to the current 60 seconds limit. These videos can be viewed in a vertical format allowing the video to take up a full screen similar to the YouTube videos.
Videos up to 10 minutes long can be uploaded from the mobile app while videos of longer duration will have to be uploaded from a computer.
Usage of IGTV
- Videos must be in an MP4 file format
- Videos should be vertical and not landscape with a minimum aspect ratio of 4:5 and maximum of 9:16.
- 10 minutes videos should not be more than 650MB, whereas maximum file size for videos up to 60 minutes is 5.4GB.
IGTV Vies YouTube
The IGTV app by Instagram aims to take on the video-sharing website YouTube. It allows users to upload videos of up to 128GB or 12 hours.
"Just like turning on the TV, IGTV starts playing as soon as you open the app. You don't have to search to start watching content from people you already follow on Instagram and others you might like based on your interests," says Kevin Systrom, Co-Founder & CEO of Instagram.
Anyone can be a creator
IGTV comprise channels which are made by creators. When a user follows a creator on Instagram, their IGTV channel will show up in the feed. Users can upload their own IGTV videos in the app or on the web to start their own channel, being their own creator.
How to create a channel?
- Open IGTV app and go tour profile
- Tap on IGTV and choose option Create Channel
Visibility depends on the account type
One can create a channel from the Instagram app as well. The visibility of the uploaded video, however, depends on the type of account. For private accounts, the approved followers will be able to see the videos whereas for public account any user can be able to see the videos.
IGTV can be shared on Facebook too.
By Sowmya Sangam
