Instagram recently launched IGTV at an event in San francisco, as well as announcing the astonishing fact that there are now 1 BILLION Instagram users worldwide – wowsers!

What is IGTV?

IGTV is a new standalone app for watching and creating vertical, long-form videos up to one hour duration. It also sits within Instagram and you are suggested videos you might like, as well as content from the people you follow.

The good thing is, unlike Youtube, it’s built for how you  use your phone, so videos are full screen and vertical. It will also allow you to post hour long videos that you may usually post to your Youtube channel considering IG’s previous restrictions.

You can switch between “For You,” “Following,” “Popular” and “Continue Watching.” You can also like, comment and send videos to friends in Direct messages.

How IGTV Works

You can create your own channel in minutes and unless your IG account is brand new, begin uploading right away – how cool is that?

IGTV will also let you make Instagram Channels with different videos that people can subscribe to. You will be able to put links in the description of your videos to send your viewers to that content!

The IGTV app  is available to download in the app store as well as in the Instagram app through a TV shaped button above your Stories.

I’ve also noticed that I get alerts from the IGTV button when people I follow have uploaded a new video – another great engagement tool!