What is IGTV?
When Instagram blew on the scene, it became the virtual photo album of Facebook wrapped in perfectly square boxes. However, Instagram has been taking every opportunity to break out of its own box every chance it gets, now combining YouTube-style videos audiences love with the social connection they crave.
Audiences are getting blasted with information all day. Instagram works because photos speak a thousand words. Done correctly, Instagram posts create engagement. Combine that with an eye-catching video limited to under one minute, and now you’ve created a commercial for an Instagram television account.
So to answer the question, “What is IGTV?” just combine those two words. Instagram and television. IGTV is a new form of TV on the Instagram platform.
IGTV allows users to upload videos from 15 seconds to 10 minutes (60 minutes for verified accounts). Although the homepage version is the standard IG square, IGTV videos can be vertical 9:16 or horizontal 16:9 right off your phone.
On the surface, it looks like YouTube on your phone. IGTV provides a creative outlet and a way to link consumers to your product in the description.
What gives this platform an edge over YouTube though, or an added benefit if you already have a bold following, is the undeniable strength in numbers Facebook and Instagram crossover brings when searching favorite people, places and things.
Here are a couple of things to remember when creating video for Instagram:
1. Consider both your long and short format audience – Upload the best 30-45 second clip to Instagram or preview photo with a reminder the full video is available on your IGTV channel.
2. Only make your video as long as it is interesting – Hit record, get the information out there, hit stop. That’s it. People will give a very short window of time for unnecessary chatter.
3. Be consistent – Figure out what resonates with your audience and stick with it. Give them what they expect to keep them coming back.
4. Don’t forget the hashtags – Hashtags will bring in new followers from all over.
Ready to use IGTV in your marketing? Point Taken can help. Contact us today.
Point Taken Communications, a boutique Jacksonville public relations and marketing firm serving brands nationwide, creates engaging campaigns that ignite positive change and move audiences to action. We go above and beyond, ensuring each client gets the best return on its investment. Our team of senior professionals has decades of experience bringing bold, creative ideas to life to help companies and nonprofits grow and evolve. At Point Taken, our clients inspire us to fuel progress for your organization, your industry and our world.