Instagram Rumored to Release Its IGTV Long-Form Video Feature Today

• With Instagram users requesting long-form videos on the platform for quite some time now, the social media app may finally receive its IGTV feature today.
• The feature is set to be a part of the Explore tab and will allow users to post videos that are up to 60 minutes long.
• Instagram has always been focused on photos and short videos, but the app seems to be changing its stance and will be competing against major video sharing platforms like YouTube.

Instagram is rumored to release support for long-form videos very soon with a new update. The new ‘IGTV’ feature seeks to compete against platforms like YouTube and Vimeo with the app allowing users the ability to post videos that are up to 60 minutes in length. With a press conference scheduled for today, it is likely the IGTV feature will be launched today for all users.

The Explore tab of the app will be updated to include videos that are up to 10 minutes in length. It is likely that many Instagram users will start up their own series vlogs on the platform instead of using a video-only platform like YouTube. While YouTube vlogs are driven by full-time YouTubers for the most part, Instagram’s new offering can cash in on the celebrity presence on the platform.

IGTV is said to contain external linking options similar to platform's ad system, with advertisers and creators being able to leverage the platform to boost engagement on their own websites. With press invites being sent out by Instagram for today at 12 PM ET / 9 AM PT to announce new features for the social media platform, fans won’t have to wait too long to get their hands on the IGTV features.

Reports suggest that the social platform has been rallying content creators for its IGTV launch. Content creators set the tone for creative social platforms like YouTube and Vimeo, and Instagram will be no exception. While it is unlikely Instagram will be able to beat YouTube in terms of the content provided, it can be a place to share daily vlogs and quick videos that users may be interested in.