What is Instagram TV, and How Does it Work? Image credit: FreePik
However, despite it being a different app, users could use its functions in the original Instagram app.
This article will dive into Instagram TV and tell you all you need to know about Instagram TV views. You can also learn how you can boost account development with the help of this platform feature. Let’s begin.
In 2018, Instagram announced the launch of IGTV or Instagram TV. The app focused on users being able to watch long-form vertical video content. On Instagram, the app allowed video, but the video it allowed tended to be shorter form.
The idea of IGTV was to be a mobile alternative to websites such as YouTube, with a focus on vertical-style video. While vertical videos were initially shunned, they quickly grew in popularity because they were easy to record on smartphones. Therefore, the goal of IGTV was to have videos designed exclusively with that in mind.
Instagram TV allowed you to make videos for up to an hour along, and everyone could use it. Using the Explore page, one could find the IGTV video, which curated a list of videos just for the user. These videos also could give previews, which could help you determine if the long-form video was for you.
IGTV videos blended well with the rest of the app. Users could use a preview to entice viewers to watch their video, and one could also share their videos inside their stories. This way, savvy users could direct their followers to watch the video.
IGTV was available as its own app, which was separate from the Instagram app itself. A user could sign-on, and on the home page, be able to visit other users who had longer-form videos. Like a regular Instagram image, users could also like, comment, and share the video with other people.
What made IGTV so great for marketers is that it took advantage of the fact that video content is now the norm. Every person watches video content nowadays, with over 1.5 hours watched on average. With IGTV, users could make an exciting video to catch the user’s attention, then promote their business with it.
IGTV had an intriguing way of uploading video content, with videos needing to be at least a minute long. Depending on the platform used, the length would depend on that. For example, if you were using a desktop, your videos could be up to an hour, but mobile-only allowed up to 15 minutes. Even though vertical video ruled IGTV, one could also be able to upload horizontal content.
With IGTV, one could post a cover photo for the video, which could entice viewers to check the video out. In addition, after you upload the video, you could also add a description and title.
Like any platform, views on Instagram TV depended on when someone posted the content and its relevance to the user. For example, someone targeting people needing financial help could post accounting tips, or someone who wanted to target fitness buffs could have published their entire workout video.
It was also possible to buy Instagram TV views to add more eyes to your content with any other platform.
In March of 2022, IGTV shut down after the announcement in October 2021 that Instagram was combining IGTV with feed videos. However, users can still upload longer-form video content, with a few extra features added. For example, Instagram Video made it easier for users to watch clips, add filters, or tag people.
One reason for this was the competition from other video platforms such as TikTok and YouTube. Instagram found that making a separate app was a waste of resources, and rather than do that, integrating videos into their platform was much more accessible.
Therefore, when we talk about IGTV and buying IGTV views, we’re also talking about Instagram video views. Many people still call Instagram videos IGTV, with the name still being used by some parts of Instagram.
With that said, how can you make content on IGTV that shines? We’ll give you a quick rundown on how you can do this.
With Instagram Video, you can create videos up to an hour long, but shorter videos can be vital. Your audience could be people who enjoy shorter form content, but they could be people who like longer content. For example, if your channel creates shorter films, longer-form content can work. For a social media influencer, shorter content might be the solution.
What makes Instagram video so unique is that you can experiment with different lengths and see which works well for the algorithm on your end. Often, a combination of longer and shorter videos can be what you need.
Also, should your video be horizontal or vertical? As we mentioned, vertical video has been the norm nowadays, but if you want a more cinematic video, the videos offer can also be ideal. Again, using both horizontal and vertical could be a great solution.
One rule of thumb with any video creation website is to make a thumbnail that will get people talking. The thumbnail is the first thing people will see when they look at your video, and you want to think of it like a movie poster or cover for your film.
With your video, look for the most interesting, attention-grabbing part of it to use as your thumbnail. Put yourself in the perspective of your viewer. If you were a viewer scrolling through Instagram, which thumbnail would grab your attention the most? You can find the correct thumbnail for you to entice your audience.
With most Instagram videos, you aren’t filming anything professional, but having some editing in your video is not necessarily a bad thing. Filters and stickers can give your video some visual flair to entice your viewers.
The trimming option on your video is also ideal. For example, you might have a video where some scenes are filler. Filler scenes can make your audience not want to watch any more of your video, but you can avoid these problems with your videos by trimming them. Also, keep your video well-paced so you don’t avoid creating a video that can make people lose interest fast.
On Instagram, people love a variety of videos. Let’s show you several examples of this.
Tutorials work well as long-form videos. For example, if you are a makeup artist, you may make a long video about your makeup routine. If you are a mechanic, teaching your viewers how to fix a car issue could be ideal. Tutorials usually don’t require much editing. Just turn the video on, and then be yourself. As long as you explain yourself well, you can obtain an audience.
Another way to hype your audience is to make a video teasing or showcasing a new product you have coming down the pipeline. For example, if you are a makeup influencer, you might have a new makeup product coming out, and a video can be an excellent way to show it to the world.
This type of video is another one to consider, as it can let your audience see a different side of you. A clip can show you how you make the magic happen and show your audience what you’re like outside of your content.
This type of video is ideal if you want to interact with your audience. Your audience can submit questions to you, and you can answer them as you see fit. Q&As can help you answer any frequently asked questions, and it’s simple for you to film the video. Usually, they require little writing beforehand, and they can help you interact with your audience uniquely and excitingly.
Another way to be successful on Instagram is to create a series. Sometimes, all it takes to have success is a well-executed creative idea. With a series, you can make it serialized or center around a specific theme, with each video being a little different. If you have a budget, you can even create elaborate stories to have your audience come back every time.
Perhaps the most significant rule of video making on Instagram, or any other platform, is that the videos need to fit your brand. So you need to get people into knowing what your videos are about when they watch them and not stray too far from the image you’re trying to sell with these videos.
This statement is not to say that your videos need to follow a specific formula and never stray far from it, but you want to make sure that your company comes first and foremost. Of course, your brand can evolve, and your videos can reflect that.
We should mention that while Instagram TV has changed, the rules remain the same. If you make great content, people will come and enjoy what you have to say with your videos. So with your content, brainstorm some ideas, then make them happen.
Having a consistent upload schedule can work as well. While Instagram uses algorithm-based content curation for your followers, uploading at a similar time can get people to notice your video better.
With Instagram, you can schedule uploads. If most of your audience is active while you’re inactive, planning your videos can certainly help. With that said, be sure to interact with the comments when you are busy, as that will help to boost your place in the algorithm.
With Instagram, making great content can bring people to it, but sometimes, the algorithm is not kind to you. Quite often, you might need to pay to boost your videos, especially if you feel as though one video can get many people talking.
Besides boosting your posts, you might also want to buy some viewers. Buying legitimate viewers can get more eyes on your video, not just from those you’ve purchased but also from others brought there from the algorithm. But, again, it’s easy for you to do, and the cost is less than you would think.
While social media is free to use, paying to boost your posts is how many networks make that extra money, so keep that in mind. With most social media campaigns, you’ll need to spend some money. Also, while word of mouth can work, it’s one part of your toolbox.
Instagram TV lives on through Instagram video, and as a content creator, taking advantage of it is ideal. While Instagram started as a photography app, video content currently rules it. By creating video content that will get people talking and taking advantage of marketing, you can grow your brand like never before. So take advantage of video content before your competition, and purchase some views to enhance your account.