This Is How We Think IGTV Will Change Instagram Forever

It's about to get very busy on Instagram...

This Is How We Think IGTV Will Change Instagram Forever

by Phoebe Parke |
Updated on

Last night Instagram launched yet another feature, IGTV – a new space for vertical long-form video.

The platform is already being populated by influencers, and it allows anyone to upload videos that are between 15 seconds and 10 minutes long. But verified accounts can post videos which are up to 60 minutes.

This is a huge launch for Instagram, who are treating IGTV as a completely separate platform to the Instagram feed and Instagram stories, and have already got names such as Kim Kardashian, Selena Gomez and Victoria Beckham posting on the platform.

Let’s find out some more about this new platform, and how it will change how we use Instagram – shall we?

What is IGTV?

IGTV is a space within the Instagram app where you can upload longer (between 15 seconds and 10 minutes if you’re not verified, up to an hour if you are) videos, and watch videos from accounts you follow.

Instead of channels like terrestrial TV (remember that?) the accounts you follow dictate what content you see, and you can switch between the ‘following’ and ‘popular’ tabs to see what other people are watching too.

How do you use IGTV?

Open the Instagram app and go to your feed (by pressing the home button that looks like a teeny house) then in the top right hand corner, next to the paper plane icon which takes you to your DMs, there’s an icon that looks like an old-school TV – tap that and you’re in. If you can’t see that button, try updating your app.

How do you upload a video to IGTV?

First, create a channel by tapping the settings icon while in IGTV (follow the steps above to get to IGTV). Then tap ‘create channel’, tap next through the IGTV description slides, and then you’re all set up.

To upload a video, while on IGTV tap your profile picture on the right-hand side, then hit the plus sign on the right, and it will open up your video library – it will only show you videos between 15 seconds and 10 minutes.

Select a video from there and you can add a title and description, and change the cover image that shows as a preview of the video, then hit post.

How is IGTV different?

There are two main differences between IGTV and other video platforms One is time allowance – from 1 to 60 minutes, and the second is the fact that all the videos are vertical – encouraging users to create video on their phones and upload it, you know, instantly.

READ MORE: Inspirational Instagram Accounts You Should Follow

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Inspirational Instagram Accounts You Should Follow

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Women In Comics

Illustrating inspirational images and depicting women in comic form, this account will brighten up your timeline with some home truths in the form of pretty pictures.

Adwoa Aboah2 of 24

Adwoa Aboah

This insanely beautiful model founded GURLS TALK, an online community where women from all backgrounds can share their personal experiences in a safe space.

Alicia Garza3 of 24

Alicia Garza

Alicia is an editor and activist who co-created #BlackLivesMatter. Her feed is a mixture of relatable memes, unfiltered selfies and educational posts to keep you woke.

Amandla Stenberg4 of 24

Amandla Stenberg

You might recognise this actor from The Hunger Games, when she played the character only character we cried endless tears for, Rue. Now, while still acting, she's a full-fledged activist posting about everything gender, feminism and black culture.

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MuslimGirl/Amani

Amani created the fast-growing activism account @MuslimGirl, another one you should definitely follow. She has spoken across the world about Muslim women and posts everything from badass selfies to stats you need to know.

Amber Amour6 of 24

Amber Amour

Amber created @CreatingConsentCulture which aims to educate people on rape culture and support rape and sexual assault survivors. She's also outspoken about racism and sex work, her feed will be endless many dinner party talking points.

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Amber Rose

You may only know Amber Rose as Kanye's ex, but think again. Amber is a sex positivity icon, with her own pocast 'Loveline with Amber Rose' up until 2018 that aimed to promote healthy sexual relationships and self-love. If you can get past the fact she advertised flat tummy tea once (fgs Amber), you'll love her feminism-filled feed.

Beverly Bond8 of 24

Beverly Bond

Author of 'Black Girls Rock', Beverly's posts will have you both inspired and enraged, filled with commentary on everyday injustices.

Bree Newsome9 of 24

Bree Newsome

You may recognise Bree as the activist who took down the confederate flag from a flagpole outside the South Carolina Capitol building. She's continuing her activism with inspiring art you need to see.

Cameron Russell10 of 24

Cameron Russell

An american model who called out the fashion industry for sexual harassment and assault, she started the #MyJobShouldNotIncludeAbuse hashtag. Her instagram is full of inspiring stories and educational videos exposing different injustices within her industry and beyond.

Iskra Lawrence11 of 24

Iskra Lawrence

If your not already following Iskra, your living under an Instagram rock. The body positive model started her own business, everyBODY with Iskra, to give health and fitness advice beyond just getting super skinny. You need her body posi vibes in your life.

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Jessamyn

Another super body positive account to follow, Jessamyn is a yoga teacher regularly posting about the emotional and physical benefits of body positivity and practicing yoga.

Joanna Thangiah13 of 24

Joanna Thangiah

Shun your timeline of filtered selfies and over exposed holiday destinations. It's time for some feminist, mental health aware art! This account is amazing for cute cartoons that say everything we're already feeling.

Judy Reyes14 of 24

Judy Reyes

You'll probably remember Judy as Carla from Scrubs, or one of the other thousand TV show she's been in throughout her insanely successful career. Unlike most Hollywood actors, her Insta is full of activism and news you need to know.

Logan Browning15 of 24

Logan Browning

Activist and actor, Logan Browning is the lead of Netflix hit Dear White People. Posting powerful content and links to charities you can donate to so you can turn your online activism into action- she's a force to be reckoned with.

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Makers Women

MAKERS is a storytelling platform for women, posting quotes to keep you inspired throughout the day. Stay up to date with gender injustice, while also feeling hopeful with the powerful words these amazing women have to say.

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Nimisha Bhanot

Another artist you need to follow, Nimisha creates amazing prints (which you can buy) critiquing societal perceptions of South Asian women. She's based in Canada, but these prints can brighten up your timeline anywhere.

Muslim Girl18 of 24

Muslim Girl

Muslim Girl, where 'muslim women talk back' is an account ran by Amani. Advocating for issues facing muslim women, both accounts are an inspiration and necessity on your feed.

Project Consent19 of 24

Project Consent

There's no time like the present to be educating people on consent. This account does exactly that, and gives you the perfect explanations, comebacks and reminders to throw out at a dinner party if the issue comes up.

Rowan Blanchard20 of 24

Rowan Blanchard

Gone are the days of Disney stars going off the rails, this actor and activist is a beacon of positivity- especially online. Fighting gender and race injustice and beyond, she's one to watch.

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Rupi Kaur

Rupi made headlines in 2015 when she posted pictures of her on Instagram with visible menstrual blood. Her posts were blocked by Instagram, causing backlash against the social media platform. She continues to break boundaries with her writing and poetry.

Sophie King22 of 24

Sophie King

This UK based embroidery artist is an up-and-coming star, embroidering feminist slogans onto everything from bras to roses. Bring her insta to life with her slogan t-shirts, or just stare at the pretty pictures, either way she's someone you should follow.

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The Vulva Gallery

Our favourite of all the accounts, the vulva gallery promotes self-love in an area SO often ignored. With two-thirds of women avoiding smear tests, life-saving procedures, because of the look of their vagina, it's time we stopped all of the self-loathing around genitals. Providing a regular reminder that all vaginas are beautiful, if you only follow one account of this list, it should be this one.

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Trash Is For Tossers

Lauren Singer lives an entirely waste-free life. Yes, you can actually do that. As #plasticfree takes over our news feed, it's time you had some daily advice on how exactly to reduce your waste. Save the planet!

Who should I follow on IGTV?

You will automatically be following people on IGTV that you follow on Instagram, but some content creators worth watching who already have videos on their channels include Kim Kardashian, who has a video showing off her KKW Beauty Pop Up Shop and Victoria Beckham who stopped by at Instagram’s offices for a chat with Eva Chen.

How do I unfollow someone on IGTV?

Annoying you already huh? At the moment you can’t just unfollow someone on IGTV and not on Instagram – the two accounts are linked. But presumably, if you mute someone on Instagram, they will also be muted on IGTV.

How will IGTV change Instagram?

It’s no secret that not all content creators are happy with YouTube, many of them have complained about not being able to make as much money as they used to on the platform, and their videos not getting the views they once did. So it could be the case that they start moving over to IGTV, where they don’t get paid for views, but they could partner with brands to create longer videos – for example hauls and makeup tutorials, and it’s probably only a matter of time before Instagram makes IGTV videos shoppable.

The introduction of IGTV also means we’ll all be watching more video than we used to, and it’s all in the same app, and influencers, brands and media titles will be linking to IGTV videos from their Instagram stories which millions of people swipe up on everyday anyway. Hold on to your horses, Instagram is about to get a lot busier.

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