Instagram Takes on YouTube With the New IGTV App
Instagram is taking another big step into video. The popular social network recently unveiled the new IGTV app that focuses on long-form video.
When using the app, there’s no need to worry about rotating your screen. All videos are vertical and take up the entire screen.
And after opening the app, video will immediately begin to play so there’s no need to search for anything to watch. There are a number of different sections including For You, Following, Popular, and Continue Watching.
You can also like or comment on videos and send them to friends with Direct.
In the app, creators are the channels. When you follow a creator on Instagram, their channel will be available to watch. And anyone can be a creator and upload videos to start their own channel.
Videos for most users can be up to an hour long.
The standalone IGTV app can be downloaded now on the App Store for free. It’s also available directly in the regular Instagram app.
While Instagram continues expand it reach, with now more than 1 billion users, it will be interesting to see if vertical, long-form video takes off. As for me, I’ll stick with YouTube.
