Since Instagram has a limit to how long your videos can be on the timeline (60 seconds), Instagram TV (IGTV) is a great way for you to upload longer videos (and up to an hour long if you have a verified account!). This type of content is a great way to showcase campaign or product launches, post interviews, how-to videos, interact with influencers, and build engagement with your brand on Instagram. Once you upload a video to IGTV, you will be given the option to show a preview on your timeline. Once someone clicks on the video on your timeline and watch it for 60 seconds, a button pops up asking if you'd like to continue watching. This now opens in IGTV for them to watch the entire video!
Think of IGTV as Instagram's solution for YouTube.
All you need is your phone, an Instagram account, and a great idea! Here’s how to use IGTV:
1. Have a campaign idea to promote
Since IGTV is long-from video, you will want to put in some extra planning steps to make sure your video is done right. If you have a campaign coming up, it’s the perfect time to try IGTV. Some potential IGTV ideas are interviewing someone on your team who worked on the new product or service, or interview one of your top customers about their experience working with the new product or service. You might also want to do a video with one of the founders of your company, or a how-to or “sneak peek” video. The sky’s the limit with IGTV.
You want to make sure that your content is engaging to keep the attention of your viewers, so plan a small script, know where you’re going to film it, and have the right set-up ahead of time so things go smoothly.
2. Create a video
Next, film the video on your camera or smartphone. Remember, IGTV videos should be more than 60 seconds. Best practices say videos of 2-5 minutes are your sweet spot to keep viewers ever shortening attention spans. Edit your video if you need to using a smartphone video editor, iMovie, or another program.
When you’re filming the video, make sure that you have good lighting, sound, and a good background that’s not too distracting. Watch other videos to get a feel for what others are doing and get inspired by the styles you think look best for your brand.
3. Upload your video to IGTV from Instagram on your mobile device
Step 1. Save your video to your phone (make sure it's over 60 seconds long)
Step 2. Tap the [+] button on the bottom of your newsfeed (like you’re going to upload a picture to your feed)
Step 3. Choose your video that’s 60 seconds or longer, and hit “Next”
Step 4. Click share as “Long Video”. This will post your full-length video on IGTV, while a shorter clip of your video will be shared to your Instagram feed. Click “Continue” when you’re done
Step 5. Pick your videos cover photo from one of the frames from your video. Or, you can choose a picture from your photo gallery. This is a good time to design a nicer photo if you’d like that to be your video cover photo before you post. Click “Next”
Step 6. Type in a title and description for your IGTV video. *Important note* In the description, you’ll want to include a link to your landing page or whatever page you’re looking to convert on. Once that’s done, you can now “Post a Preview” of your video to your newsfeed and make it visible on Facebook for cross-promotion. You ca add your video to an IGTV series, if you’re going to create a series. If not, just click “Post” in the top right corner and you’re done!
4. Once you post, edit your timeline post to add hashtags
Click “edit post” and add in all the relevant hashtags for your brand and campaign.
5. Create a new story linking back to your IGTV video
Lastly, create an Instagram story post teasing the IGTV video and enticing your followers to click to watch your full video.
Is IGTV right for me?
The answer is YES! Video is great for every marketing strategy and is key to creating better engagement with your followers. IGTV allows people to interact with your brand on a deeper level and get to know your products and services better than a static post.
Don’t be shy – experiment with video and see what works. If you’re not sure, ask the pros here at Creative Solutions. Happy posting!
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