After reaching 1 billion monthly active users, Instagram has launched a new app called “Instagram television (IGTV)” to spur the growth and offer users more quality and complete contents through unlimited video uploads and streaming.
You can now download IGTV app for Android and iOS devices to upload videos for Instagram’s new TV section, which will display them in full-screen and vertically according to the way people naturally hold their phones.
HOW IGTV WORKS
The IGTV video section of Instagram will feature content from people users already follow on their account, Instagram said Wednesday. Instagram TV is also a separate standalone mobile application on iOS and Android, where videos will start playing automatically when the app opens.
Unlike on Instagram, there will be no limits on videos in Instagram TV as it can last for an hour instead of the traditional one minute limit on the Instagram app. From the same screen, you can swipe up to discover more content creators, switch between “For You,” “Following,” “Popular” and “Continue Watching.”
You can also like, comment and send videos to friends in Direct.
Also, similar to a traditional TV, Instagram TV has channels. But, in IGTV, the creators are the channels. When you follow a creator on Instagram, their IGTV channel will show up for you to watch. Anyone can be a creator — you can upload your own IGTV videos in the app or on the web to start your own channel. Reminds us of Youtube Channels and Linda Ikeji TV.
IGTV Content, Adverts and Monetization
At the moment, contents on the app are free and no any form of advertisement. But Instagram says with time, if your videos are popular and trending, there will be a way to monetize that video.
FEATURES OF INSTAGRAM TV [IGTV]
- Download and sign in with your Instagram account. You can start watching videos right away.
- Watch videos from creators you already follow and others you might like.
- Browse other videos or search for a specific creator’s channel as you watch.
- Like or comment on videos and send them to your friends in Direct.
- Discover creators and follow them right from IGTV to see more of who they are on Instagram.
Where To download IGTV
The app is currently available and rolling out on both Android and iOS platforms.
- For Android users, download Instagram TV (IGTV app here
- For iPhone/iPad users, download IGTV App here
This app will pose a new threat to Google’s YouTube.
