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Instagram unveils new IGTV app for long-form vertical video, now has 1 billion users [U]

UPDATE: IGTV is now available as a free download on the App Store.

As previously expected, today Instagram has officially announced its new long-form video effort, IGTV.

Detailed at an event in San Francisco today, IGTV is the social platforms vision for bringing “audiences closer to the creators they love.” The new platform will allow creators to share videos up to one hour in length.

Here’s how Instagram describes IGTV:

We are re-envisioning mobile video with a new standalone surface that features longer videos and easy discoverability through channels, all in a vertical format that sits upright, in the palm of your hand.

Instagram notes on its new website promoting IGTV that mobile video content will make up for almost 80% of all mobile data traffic within three years. It also adds that young viewers watch more amateur content.

This will be interesting to watch play out as IGTV goes head to head with YouTube and Snapchat’s explore feature.

Here’s how Instagram sees IGTVs strengths:

  • Mobile first: IGTV is built for how you actually use your phone: vertical and full screen.
  • Simple and intuitive: It starts playing as soon as you open the app. You don’t have to search or browse to get started, and it’s easy to multitask.
  • Curated: IGTV is focused on the creators you love most and already follow on Instagram.

Instagram also shares how businesses, creators, and more can “leverage” the new platform, reiterating its massive user base.

Read more about the new video effort here.


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Avatar for Michael Potuck Michael Potuck

Michael is an editor for 9to5Mac. Since joining in 2016 he has written more than 3,000 articles including breaking news, reviews, and detailed comparisons and tutorials.