Using Instagram IGTV (Instagram TV) for long-form video content is a great way to engage your audience with more extended and in-depth videos. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use IGTV:
Update Your Instagram App:
Ensure that your Instagram app is up-to-date. IGTV is built into the Instagram app, so you'll need the latest version to access all its features.
Create an IGTV Channel:
To start using IGTV, you need to create your own channel. Here's how:
- Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
- Tap on the "+"
- Choose "IGTV Video" to create a new video or "IGTV Series" to create a series of videos with a consistent theme.
Upload Your Video:
- After creating your IGTV channel, tap on the "+" sign again.
- Select the video you want to upload from your camera roll.
- You can add a title and description to your video.
- Choose a cover photo for your video.
Video Settings:
- Select whether you want to post a Preview on your Instagram feed or not. If you enable the Preview option, a 1-minute preview will appear on your Instagram profile with a "Watch IGTV" link for your followers to watch the full video on IGTV.
Post Your Video:
- Once you've configured your video settings, click on "Post." Your video will be uploaded to your IGTV channel.
Creating an IGTV Series (Optional):
- If you are creating a series, you can add a series title and description. This helps in organizing and categorizing your videos under a common theme.
Promote Your IGTV Video:
- Share your IGTV video link on your Instagram stories, in your bio, or on other social media platforms to increase visibility.
Engage with Your Audience:
- Encourage your followers to like, comment, and share your IGTV videos.
- Respond to comments and engage with your audience to build a community around your content.
Analytics:
- Keep an eye on the analytics provided by Instagram. You can see the number of views, likes, comments, and other insights about your IGTV content.
Experiment and Improve:
- Experiment with different types of content and formats to see what resonates best with your audience.
- Use the insights gained from analytics to refine your content strategy.
Remember that IGTV videos can be up to 15 minutes long for regular accounts and up to 60 minutes for verified accounts or accounts with a large following. By utilizing IGTV effectively, you can share more comprehensive content with your audience and potentially reach new viewers on the Instagram platform.