Instagram TV (IGTV) is the new buzzword, and Instagram is rolling out the app for users to post vertical videos.
With all the attention it is getting and the app being tipped to rival YouTube, I have decided to look into it. Here is what I know.
IGTV videos are available in the Instagram app
Just like we can view stories from Facebook on Messenger, we can also see videos added using the IGTV app on Instagram too.
Update your Instagram to the latest version and tap the IGTV icon at the top right corner via the main menu to access the IGTV videos.
IGTV may not have a web platform
From how things are being placed, IGTV may not have a web platform, unlike YouTube, as Instagram aims to make it a mobile-only platform.
The vertical video-sharing app is for social media users only anyway, and a few updates may be rolling out very soon.
Accessing Contents Is Quite Easy
IGTV brings you video content split into four tabs labeled “For You, Following, Popular, and Continue Watching,” respectively.
The For You tab contains videos from Instagram profiles you follow and videos selected by Instagram (based on your interest).
The following tab only contains videos from profiles you already follow, while the popular tab lets you discover new trends that are generating buzz. Also, the Continue Watching tab allows you to go back to videos you were watching but have not completed.
You can also use the search button to find videos from an Instagram profile or use a hashtag.
Video Playback Control
Since video length is now up to 1 hour, video playback control is now necessary, as users might need to pause, play, rewind, or fast-forward a video.
Tapping the right side of the screen when a video is playing fast-forwards it by 10 seconds, and tapping the left side rewinds it by 10 seconds. The Pause/Play button and slider bar are still available for controls.
Channel Interaction
Instagram TV lives up to its name. It merges Social networking and Video streaming and gives users a social experience.
You can interact with videos by using options like Like, Comment on the video, and Share. You can also view comments while watching the videos.
How To Create an IGTV Channel
IGTV’s procedures for channels are similar to those of YouTube, as they allow users to create channels and upload content for other users and followers to view. To Become a creator and own a channel.
Here are the steps;
- Open the IGTV app on your smartphone (you can also use the Instagram app, and the procedure is the same)
- Head over to the main IGTV screen and tap on the Gear-shape.
- Tap the Create Channel option and confirm by tapping Next.
How To Upload Contents To Your IGTV Channel
Uploading videos using your smartphone is quite easy, as it requires a few steps. Alternatively, you can upload longer videos using the Instagram web platform.
To upload videos using the mobile app, follow the steps below;
- Open the Instagram app or IGTV app and slide up to view your profile icon
- Tap on your profile icon
- Tap the + button in the right corner to access your smartphone’s memory, where the video is stored.
- Grant Access (for first-time users)
- Select the video you want to upload
- Set the video’s Title, Description, and Cover photo.
- If you have a Facebook page and you want the video to be posted there, select the option.
- Hit the post button, and the video will be uploaded.
Delete Video from IGTV
Videos uploaded to IGTV cannot be edited via the mobile platform; once you click upload, you won’t be able to stop it.
Instagram has suggested from the press release that “the ability to edit videos after being uploaded will be initially restricted to the computer website and not available for app users.”
Deleting an uploaded video is easy, too. To delete a video from your channel, follow the steps below.
- Open the IGTV app
- Swipe up to view your profile icon.
- You will see the videos you uploaded under your profile, so tap on the one you want to delete.
- Once it starts playing in the background, tap on the video and press the three-dot menu button at the bottom of the screen.
- Select Delete from the pop-up menu.
- Confirm your action by hitting the Delete button once again.
Checking Insights
Insights are vital for social media influencers and business accounts as they help them understand which content users interact with most.
IGTV also comes with insights that serve as a strategic tool for business channels.
To access insights;
- Open the IGTV or Instagram apps and swipe up to view your IGTV profile.
- Under your profile, please tap on the video for which you want to find its insights.
- Touch the three-dot menu button at the bottom and select Insights from the pop-up tab.
- You can view details such as Views, Likes, and Comments made on your video.
I accidentally set up my IGTV to post videos on my business FB pg. How do I change it to post on my personal home pg instead?
go to facebook >> settings >>> account >>> apps and remove IGTV