Two years on from its launch, Instagram's long-form video platform, IGTV, is yet yet to gain significant traction, but it is becoming a more pop destination, and seeing more usage equally people await for entertainment alternatives.

Last year, Instagram added IGTV previews to the principal feed, which saw IGTV usage increase jump by some 300%, while earlier this yr it updated its IGTV previews within Stories, further integrating the platform into its master app, and further increasing its viewer numbers.

It may non be rivaling YouTube merely all the same, but IGTV is slowly carving out its own niche, which has fabricated it a more enticing selection for both creators and viewers.

And that, consequently, makes it a more than relevant option for brands as well.

If you're considering your options on IGTV, and so this is the post for yous - here's a look at all the key info you need to know to maximize your IGTV content.

IGTV Video Size and Dimensions

Like Instagram Stories, well-nigh IGTV videos are viewed in a vertical feed, so it makes sense to align your IGTV content arroyo with established viewer behaviors. As before long as users enter the IGTV platform, videos kickoff to play automatically.

Once your video is uploaded, you're merely able to tin can add a comprehend epitome, add sounds, or cut the video's length (if it'southward under ten minutes). As such, yous need to edit your video before uploading, which is an important point in maximizing presentation.

The get-go cardinal consideration is ensuring that your IGTV video file size is nether 650MB for videos less than 10 minutes. For videos less than sixty minutes, it should exist 3.6GB maximum.

Your video should exist in MP4 format, and your IGTV video dimensions should be 1080 10 1920 pixels or an aspect ratio of 9:16, which is the same size as Instagram story dimensions.

These dimensions are perfect if you upload videos on the IGTV platform, but when it comes to IGTV video preview in your feed, keep in mind that the video is cutting downwardly to a 4:5 ratio. If it's important to show the unabridged video in your IGTV preview, below are the IGTV dimensions yous should consider using:

How to Create an IGTV Channel

To create your IGTV channel, start by downloading the IGTV app and loging in with your business relationship'southward credentials, then that the app syncs with your business relationship, allowing you lot to upload, watch, and share your IGTV videos instantly.

Information technology'due south that uncomplicated.

How to Upload to IGTV from Desktop Computer?

Instagram now also allows users to upload IGTV videos via desktop. Y'all can admission the same features you would see in the IGTV app, merely from the condolement of the Instagram desktop version. Note this merely works if you've uploaded at least one video on IGTV - if non, then you'll have to use the app itself.

If you've already uploaded a video in the past, go to your account on the desktop version of Instagram, then click the IGTV tab, where your videos are kept. Here, you should run into a blue "Upload" push amongst your options.

4 Best IGTV Practices to Follow

Here are some of the best IGTV practices y'all should be applying right now to maximize your content performance, and increase appointment:

i. Always Have a Comprehend Image

When users whorl through your IGTV channel, your embrace epitome should grab their attending and entice them to click on your video.

Without a cover paradigm, your video might await unprofessional, or users might have to read the title or clarification to get context (which feels like work). Make information technology easy for people to read, click, and picket your IGTV videos with the help of a encompass image.

two. Post Consistently

One timeless tip is that posting content consistently on Instagram is crucial to your IGTV success. Brands spoil followers, they hate to admit information technology, only they thrive on consistency. The more consistent you are with your IGTV videos, the more users volition await out for your content to scout, share, and engage with it regularly.

three. Create Content Followers Want to Come across

This sounds like a no-brainer, but your IGTV, like your YouTube channel, will evidence you what topics and content your followers want to encounter from you.

It as well pushes you to experiment with ideas, layouts, and structures to increase your views. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter how adept your IGTV videos are if no one is watching.

four. Use On-screen Text on Videos

To add context to your video, and maximize viewership, yous should also look to add on-screen text.

five All-time Tools to Create Amazing IGTV Videos

Canva

Canva allows you to create IGTV, and Instagram story covers with ease. You tin can create your IGTV cover from scratch or by choosing one of their thousands of templates.

Adobe Premiere Pro

Premiere Pro is great for editing videos. You lot can preset your IGTV dimensions, add text, music, and export your videos in the recommended file size with ease. Whether you lot're new to video editing or a seasoned content creator, Premiere Pro is always a proficient pick.

Wave

Wave is to video editing what Canva is to graphics. You can upload, edit, and create IGTV videos in minutes online. You tin too continue your videos organized, and reuse them at every footstep of the customer journey.

Inshot

If you demand a video editing app on the become, Inshot does information technology all. You can resize your videos, add music, and download files in 1080p quality to friction match your file source. The app is available in Apple or Android store.

Snappa

Snappa is another online graphic tool which enables you to create, store, and share Instagram graphics. Snappa enables you to edit videos as well, so if yous're looking for a platform that does information technology all, you might desire to consider giving it a look.

5 IGTV Video Ideas for Your Channel

Creating content for your IGTV video doesn't have to exist a constant struggle - in fact, if you outset with these five IGTV video ideas, you're certain to strike gilded.

  • Production Introductions - Use IGTV to showcase and/or provide seamless production introductions to your followers. Whether this is a new product or a bestseller, you can use IGTV video to bring attention to its best features and details
  • Backside the Scenes - Give your followers a sneak peek of what goes behind your products, projects, and day to day activities. Followers love being continued to a make, and it can assist to boost customer loyalty.
  • FAQ - You tin use IGTV as an extension of your client service arm by educating and informing users nearly your new features, to answer normally asked questions, and more.
  • Tutorials/DIYs - Next to FAQ'south, you tin can also use your IGTV for footstep-by-step tutorials to educate your followers on how to use your products afterward they're ordered, or if they're considering a purchase.
  • Commemoration or Special Highlights - IGTV can also be a not bad place to create videos which highlight special and seasonal moments happening within your company.

Summary

Calculation IGTV to your Instagram marketing strategy can be a nifty way to heave your Instagram presence, and maximize connexion with your audience.

This twelvemonth, amid the COVID-19 lockdowns, digital video has taken off, and IGTV has risen with that trend, which could arrive a more important consideration moving forrad, while the gradual integration of more eCommerce features into Instagram could also mean that your IGTV content will eventually provide a direct connection to your products in-stream.

Worth considering in your process.